MOVED! A Neuro-Inclusive Celebration of Dance, Music and Creativity

On Saturday 6 April, Sydney Dance Company’s Wharf Studios became home to something truly special. MOVED! was an immersive dance and music experience created by and for the neurodivergent community.

Part of the national Create Space Arts Initiative, MOVED! brought together artists, families and community members to share in a space designed to be safe, inclusive and creatively empowering. From lighting adjustments and visual wayfinding to flexible participation and quiet breakout areas, every detail was carefully considered to ensure everyone could feel welcome and truly be themselves.

Co-created with artists who are neurodivergent, MOVED! was about more than accessibility. It was about leadership and self-expression.

Jonathan, a pianist who is non-speaking and autistic, performed a live improvised piano piece that brought the room to its feet. For many, his performance was the emotional centre of the event. As Jonathan shared,

“When I move, I speak. When I play the piano, that is my voice. This event let my music speak for me.”

Eliza, a professional dancer, choreographer and facilitator who is neurodivergent, led a movement workshop that encouraged self-directed exploration.

“I’ve danced in lots of spaces. This was the first time I was allowed to design it from the inside out.”

For many of the artists involved, this event was also a professional milestone. It was the first time they felt fully recognised in their roles, paid properly, treated with respect and not asked to mask or explain themselves. This shift created space for authentic creative expression and deeper audience connection.

Participants mentioned MOVED! was unlike anything they had experienced before. It was a rare opportunity to take part in an arts event where people who are neurodivergent were not just welcomed, but actively prioritised in the design, delivery and performance.

“I’m a dancer and I’m neurodivergent. I’ve spent years adjusting myself to fit into neurotypical dance spaces, something I’ve just always done. But this was different. The lights were low, I could step in and out. I didn’t realise how much that mattered until I felt it. Being surrounded by other neurodivergent people, there’s a freedom that comes with that. That sense of community, of being understood, is something I didn’t realise I was missing until I found it. You have made my day. I didn’t know I needed this until I got here. Thank you.” – Eloise, dancer who is neurodivergent

Families and individuals shared that the sense of belonging, community and creative freedom they felt during the event was deeply meaningful.

In a post-event survey, 100% of attendees said they wanted more events like MOVED! a powerful reflection of both the event’s success and the ongoing need for spaces where people from the neurodivergent community can move, create and connect in environments designed specifically with their needs in mind.

In preparation for the event, 23 Sydney Dance Company staff completed neuroinclusion training co-delivered by Wondiverse and Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia). Through visual communication tools, play-based exercises and collaborative discussion, the training challenged assumptions and built confidence. As one staff member reflected,

“We realised how often we expect eye contact or verbal answers. Now we wait and listen differently.”

The impact of MOVED! is already being felt beyond the day. It has inspired new pilot programs, artist-led projects and reinforced the commitment to embed inclusive practices across our programming here at Sydney Dance Company.

Jonathan is now developing a sensory-friendly solo piano concert. Other collaborators are integrating movement into their work with musicians who are neurodivergent. Families and participants have asked for ongoing inclusive programs, with many describing MOVED! as a life-changing experience.

At Sydney Dance Company, we are proud to continue building a suite of inclusive and sensory-aware dance experiences, led by the voices and visions of artists who are neurodivergent.

MOVED! showed what becomes possible when people are given the space, tools and respect to lead. Not just as participants, but as creators, collaborators and professionals. The result was a space that didn’t just include people, it celebrated them.

Sydney Dance Company would like to thank Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, The A List, and all of the artists and participants who took part in the MOVED! workshop. Your time, enthusiasm and generosity of knowledge have been invaluable in helping us grow as a company, strengthening our commitment to being an accessible venue and making our programs more inclusive and welcoming to all communities.

MOVED! was proudly funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Service

For more information about Accessibility at Sydney Dance Company click below!