Challenge 59 is a participatory dance and film project directed by Jo Rhodes and co-produced by East London Dance, in which I directed films conceived by primary school children. The project empowers children and their teachers to actively engage with health and wellbeing issues within their communities. Predicated upon a fast food restaurant promising to serve customers within 59 seconds, Challenge 59 asks: what else could be done in 59 seconds that can empower children to reclaim their health and take responsibility for their lifestyle choices?

Over the academic year 2017/18 the Challenge 59 team invited primary schools from across East London to explore and tackle health & wellbeing issues with their pupils through the use of dance and film in the classroom. The project culminated in a celebratory film premier at East London’s Rich Mix Cinema, attended by all the participating children, their teachers, friends and families.