Future Shift is an advanced training programme of monthly sessions for disabled dancers in the Midlands.

For dancers aged 14 and over, who identify as D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent or have a long-term health condition.

We support participants through individual training plans that are relevant and accessible to the needs of each dancer and their ambitions.

Monthly training includes contemporary dance technique, creative choreography, improvisation, body conditioning and strength training, teamwork and leadership skills.

Participants are supported by FABRIC with any access needs or travel support to attend the sessions. There is a Lead Artist for the group and consistent support workers in the space.

Performance Projects

Occasionally, performance-based projects and partnerships are offered to the group to showcase talent in platforms across the Midlands. These usually happen over a number of days with an external choreographer. Performances have included:

Birmingham Festival 23 – Future Shift and FABRIC’s Centre for Advanced Training students worked with Nadenh and Emily from Stopgap Dance Company on The Twelve.
U.Dance West Midlands 2024 – Performing The Twelve as part of the U.Dance Regional Platform at Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome.
Shadowed Light 2024 – Stopgap choreographer Chris Pavia created a new piece with the group inspired by caves, whirlpools and waves.
Birmingham Weekender 2024 – Joined Linden Dance Company to create Uplift, performed in the Bullring as part of Birmingham Hippodrome’s annual festival.
Applause Youth Dance Festival – Working with John-William Watson, the dancers created a new piece called The Big Rift, and performed as part of the regional U.Dance festival.

Get in Touch

If you are interested in joining our sessions, contact FABRIC’s Director of Engagement, Becky Bailey (becky@fabric.dance) or call us on 0121 667 6730 to sign up for a free taster session.

We also are always interested in building relationships with disability networks and SEN schools. We can offer free workshops with young disabled people that you work with.

Hear from some of our dancers about why they love attending future shift

Joanna

I’m Joanna / Jo. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old in many different dance styles such as Ballet, Tap, Street Dance and many more. My favourite dance style is Contemporary. My favourite thing about dance is performing, feeling part of a team and expressing myself through dance. Future Shift is a great place to just be yourself, have fun, learn and enjoy dance without judgement.

Katie

Hi, I’m Katie and I have been dancing and performing since the age of 3 years old. I love dancing because it makes me feel happy and energised. Future Shift has supported and encouraged me to continue dancing and to develop my skills and it has also given me a platform to show what I can do.

Maiah

Hey I’m Maiah! I am a dancer with Future Shift, a performing arts student and I also currently receive dance training at FABRIC’s Centre for Advanced Training Programme. Future Shift has enabled me to express myself and evolve into the person I am today. Future shift has helped me break down barriers not only physically but also mentally as a dancer that is constantly pushing against society’s preconceptions of what a dancer/performer looks like

Angel

I’m Angel and I am a soon to be performing arts graduate. My favourite dance styles are Hip Hop, Commercial and Contemporary. I love future shift because it’s on such a smaller scale, you really get to see everyone’s talents. I love performing. I feel like I am in a completely different world.