NDIS - Capacity Building and Community Access

Found in Translation
Performing arts - dance / movement - small group skills building

These sessions are useful for teenagers and adults, at all levels of ability, interested in building skills to access arts careers, such as dancing and acting, or for anyone wanting to develop cognitive skills. 

Self managed NDIS participants can claim under Core or Capacity Building funding if plans have included provision for such activity. 

Found in Translation guides participants to find inspirations and translate them into participant-appropriate representations. This includes visual (drawing), words (including poetry), sound (music), and movement (dance). Sessions will be based around translation between these different types of media. We practice the skill of critical thinking, including in relation to others, ourselves, and the world around us. 

The classes aim to deliver these outcomes;- improved coordination and movement control- improved self expression (verbal and non-verbal), including encouragement of individually directed development of discretion and aesthetic- improved social skills- improved learning/cognitive skills (lateral, creative and critical thinking, finding inspiration and motivation)

Two highly skilled art professionals are present at each session.

Individual performance arts - dance / movement - skills building

We gently facilitate the development of the participant’s own conceptual understanding, approach, self-confidence, self-esteem and sense of purpose, ultimately leading to contributing towards further development of a sense of identity. We draw strength from our own nature, using visual (drawing), words (including poetry), sound (music), and movement (dance) to guide individual development.

About our method

This inclusive and accessible method is based on Dean Walsh’s “Found In Translation” methodology which he developed with support of the Australia Council for the Arts. It uses historical context of movement and sound research, which work to integrate art forms and provide accessible inspiration with influences from western and eastern cultures. During sessions, we develop lateral and creative thinking, including finding inspiration and motivation, using opinion and judgement, discretion and aesthetic, research skills as well as physical coordination and dexterity skills. 

About Weird Nest

Weird Nest was formed in 2020 by Dean Walsh and Andrew Batt-Rawden, after working together for 3.5 years in various creative projects. The company is a charitable arts company limited by guarantee and is governed by the Charities Act 2013. All facilitators and support workers have working with children’s checks and/or police checks and comply with industry WHS standards. In addition to our capacity building work, we also provide education, make and tour performance works and support other artistic endeavours.

About the Facilitators

Dean Walsh has over 30 years experience in professional performance practice, specialising in movement and choreography. He has facilitated classes and workshops for over 25 years in various settings, including working with people living with disability, both in development and professional capacities. 

Andrew Batt-Rawden graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium with first class honours in composition in 2006 and has since worked in various capacities (artistic and management/administration). He has taught creativity and composition at tertiary, secondary and primary levels.

To make enquiries, please contact us.