Dance, Creative & Expressive Arts

Participatory movement and creative expression sessions

These sessions form part of Hidden Beach’s August cultural programme and offer an open, supportive space to explore movement, creativity and self-expression. The sessions are delivered by dance artists and facilitator Emma Leech, and focus on participation, embodied awareness and creative exploration rather than performance.

Drawing on contemporary dance, somatic practice and improvisation, the workshops invite participants to move, listen and respond in ways that feel personal and accessible. Sessions are designed for mixed abilities and encourage people to work at their own pace, with no pressure to perform or “get it right”.

What participants can expect

gentle warm-ups and guided movement
creative exercises exploring space, rhythm and imagination
improvisation and simple movement sequences
opportunities to respond to music, images or themes
time to explore movement in a relaxed, supportive setting

Sessions balance clear structure with freedom to explore, allowing participants to engage physically, creatively and reflectively.

Facilitation approach

Emma Will and Emma Leech work collaboratively to create inclusive, person-centred sessions. Their combined facilitation supports confidence, curiosity and wellbeing, offering clear guidance alongside space for individual choice.

The emphasis is on:

embodied awareness
creative expression
connection to self and others
enjoyment of movement without judgement

Who the sessions are for

Adults and mixed-age participants
People with little or no dance experience
Anyone interested in movement, creativity and wellbeing

These sessions are particularly suited to people who may feel unsure about dance but are curious to explore movement in a welcoming, non-competitive environment.

Why these sessions matter

Creative movement can support wellbeing, confidence and social connection. By offering accessible, participatory dance sessions within a festival context, these workshops create opportunities for people to engage creatively, reconnect with their bodies and experience the arts in an inclusive way.

Programme information

Part of the Hidden Beach August programme
Hastings / St Leonards

Full session details released January 2026.