Last year, as part of Bridge to Bigger Dreams – Celebrating the Power of Books, Dance and Community**, we were delighted to receive support from #ActiveEssex
As an organisation that champions multicultural children’s literature, CALFE CIC invited our dancers to bring along their favourite books. Their choices reflected the rich diversity of the dance genres they represented, showing how stories and movement can inspire one another.
We’re thrilled that #ActiveEssex is supporting us once again to deliver dance workshops as part of Flip into Wonder 2026 This year’s programme focuses on community connection, reducing isolation and celebrating the joy of coming together through books, creativity and dance.
Two members of the CALFE CIC community led three inspiring multi-genre workshops, each sharing a favourite book and transforming its story into movement and imagination. This year, three new workshops will take place across the summer and autumn, building towards a city-centre celebration.
Last year’s theme, “Books are Bridges to Bigger Dreams,” came to life in beautiful ways. Our lead choreographer for #SnowyJoy chose to interpret *Snowy Joy* and the author’s second book through dance, reminding us how stories can be experienced as well as read.
These are the moments that show what is possible when communities collaborate.
✨ Three dance genres
✨ Three creative workshops
✨ Dozens of families inspired
✨ One shared purpose: creating joy, connection and belonging through the books we love.
Every smile in these photographs is a reminder that dance is about community, not competition.
This year’s #SummerReadingChallenge theme is ‘Read to the Beat’ and we can’t wait to see our community dancing, reading and celebrating together.
Congratulations to Essex Community Foundation** on celebrating 30 years** of supporting communities to thrive.
If you believe in the power of books, creativity and community, we’d be so grateful if you could **like, share and help spread the word**. Every share helps tell the story of what communities can achieve when we come together.
🎭 Dance sponsor: Active Essex
📸 Photo credit: SF 2025
🏛️ Event hosts: NGDA Essex via Culture Chelmsford
💛 Delivered by CALFE CIC