Blog 2 by Debbie Whipp

Over two transformative days at the Studio at Storyhouse in Chester, dancers from the Perspectives Project — many of whom are in recovery from addiction and mental health challenges — came together to explore movement, connection, and healing through dance.

This creative process followed an inspiring workshop led by acclaimed choreographer Russell Maliphant, whose approach to bio-mechanical yet natural movement laid the foundation for what came next. We began by revisiting the work we had done with Russell, crafting a warm-up that reconnected us with our bodies — not just as instruments of dance, but as vessels of recovery.

Movement as Metaphor From sculptural poses to shifting speeds and weight transference, each dancer created their own movement vocabulary. These individual expressions were then woven into a group piece — rough around the edges, but unified in spirit. At the heart of this choreography stood a central recovery artist, embodying a tree — a symbol of strength and rootedness. Around them, other dancers moved as vines and leaves, representing the intertwining paths of personal recovery journeys.

Collaboration and Connection

Duets and trios emerged, exploring themes of expansion and contraction, support and surrender. The Liverpool Hub group piece was revisited, with dancers from Chester seamlessly integrating as though they had been part of it from the beginning — a beautiful metaphor for inclusion and shared healing.

Refining the Vision

Day two was all about refinement. We began with costume fittings, settling on earthy tones that reflected the grounded, organic nature of our movements and emotions.

Sculptural ideas were deepened, textured, and layered, adding richness to the performance. We also developed sections inspired by lived experience projects, ensuring that each dancer’s story was honored and expressed.

A Performance for the Recovery Community

As we prepare for the upcoming Recovery Walk, we’re committed to making this performance visible and meaningful to the recovery community. Through platforms like the FADT website and social media, we hope to share not just a dance, but a message: that creativity, connection, and movement can be powerful tools for healing.

This is more than a performance. It’s a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the beauty of recovery.