Another year turns, a time of reflection on the year that’s past, and hope for the one to come, a rolled up sleeves kind of hope, for love and peace in the world and to being able to contribute through work in the world. 

I’m lucky to know a number of people who do just that. One is the wonderful choreographer and dancer Wolfgang Stange, who died earlier this month. He was a giant in his contribution and passion and soul. He brought change to the world through his tenacity, insistence, persistence, vision and values. He didn’t follow the rules, was gloriously irascible at times, mischievous, and he laughed a lot too. 

I can’t remember how we first met but I do remember through the privilege of my work in 1989 when I was Arts and Disability Officer with the arts in Fife that I was able to bring Wolfgang to Scotland for a series of masterclasses in Glasgow, in Edinburgh and in Fife. I know that these workshops introduced many of our dance community, our social care community and many disabled people to new practices, ways of working and thinking, to a new politics of disability and dance, and opened possibilities and potentials in people. I am so glad I did that.

Here are some photos from these workshops. There are some recognisable faces in there! 

And here is one of me literally lying at Wolfgang’s feet!

Screenshot

And in 1990 – Glasgow City of Culture time, when I was director of dance for ProjectAbility – I was able to bring Amici to Glasgow to perform in Tramway. The first time his ground-breaking company had ever performed out of London. 

Here is an image of the programme 

I also organised a programme of workshops taught by Amici dancers and a conversation between Wolfgang and the wonderful Mary Brennan. 

These were heady days, days that moved us on and beyond

Wolfgang aimed to share everything he knew and believed. What generosity. The warmth oozed out of him.

We kept in touch over the years in different ways and in different places. Latterly after his lifelong partner George Bevan died we began a quiet and gentle email exchange. It was lovely. The deep things of life came to the surface. I am glad of that time

What a privilege

What a joy

What a giant of a human 

Thank-you Wolf

Your star will always shine oh so brightly 🌟

More on Wolfgang here https://www.sundaytimes.lk/241208/plus/wolfgang-stange-a-life-in-dance-2-579998.html

Wishing everyone a warming Festive Season. And here’s to a 2025 full of rolled up sleeves hope that brings peace and many joys 

Janice x