Island Lives

As an antithesis to a faster-paced mainland existence. This first piece, affectionately nicknamed by friends as “slightly bonkers”, shows how living on an island has given the dancers space to breathe so they can concentrate on their passions. We also recognise that not everybody has the same experience and that divisions exist. People can find island living isolating - they feel cut off, and that small stretch of water separating us from the mainland can sometimes feel like a chasm.

  • Paul Windridge
    Director
  • Michelle Hainsworth
    Writer
  • Paul Windridge
    Producer
  • Michelle Hainsworth
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Other
  • Genres:
    experimental, short, dance, movement, expression
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 26, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director - Paul Windridge
Director Statement

Samphire is a dance group for the over 55’s based on the Isle of Wight and is directed by Community Dance Artist, Michelle Hainsworth. Sessions are rooted in contemporary dance technique but the emphasis is on creativity. Michelle’s aim is to empower the dancers by providing projects and opportunities to create and explore movement as a means of self-expression, as well as inspiring collaboration, teamwork and a sense of ownership. We thoroughly enjoy working with artists from other mediums, in this case, Paul Windridge, because it enriches our experiences and provides opportunities to learn, share and explore how one art form can sit alongside and often enhance another.