Supporting Shallal

POPULAR Penzance-based Shallal Dance Theatre get into the swing of the festive season with a fundraising performance at St Peter's Church Hall, Newlyn on Friday, November 27.

Saved by the Bell brings together highlights from recent shows and new material created by the company especially for this performance, bound together by Shallal's unique fusion of dance, theatre, film and music.

The performance offers the public an enjoyable yet informal evening's entertainment, combined with the opportunity to meet members of the company and chat about their work and future projects. There will also be a display and sale of artwork from Shallal members and other local artists.

Founder Jo Willis laid the seeds for Shallal's growth nearly 25 years ago and over the years the company has developed an impressive record for its performances and outreach work, with shows at many major theatres in the South West.

Central to Shallal's ethos is the exploration of issues around cultural inclusiveness and awareness, and the charity makes dance theatre and related arts accessible to a wide range of people in West Cornwall.

Shallal's fortunes have often swayed with the prevailing economic wind, and at present the company is seeking new funding partners to help it weather the international recession.

Jo said: "Shallal has survived for a long time with various support and this is the first time we've really had to cry help, it has proved itself in the lives of many local people and is one of the few inclusive arts projects in England and a real credit to the community it comes from.

"When asked to explain it once I said it came from an area rich in culture and openness, and would not have necessarily grown up elsewhere. Since receiving funding over the last six years and becoming a charity we have been able to spread the work and train more facilitators and there is now a real need (and demand) for it to grow, not stop! We are really appealing to local people to support us at this time."

In addition to the main performance company, Shallal runs outreach workshops in Redruth and Penzance, offering many vulnerable people access to the performing arts and a strong sense of community.

Now with an enthusiastic local following, those who have seen Shallal in action in their regular shows at the Acorn have found the results captivating, humorous, revealing and often deeply moving.

Participant and member of the main company Kerry added: "Before I went to Shallal sessions I couldn't move or walk very easily at all as I have cerebral palsy so I used to stay at home a lot. Now I feel free through the dancing and I'm getting out and about in the community."

You can show your support by helping Shallal be Saved by the Bell and enjoy a good evening's entertainment in the process.

Tickets: £10on the door or by donation. See www.shallal.org.uk