We’ve been working with Youyang Song as part of Wandsworth Council’s Culturally Mindful programme, using creative practice to improve health and wellbeing.

Youyang is a theatre-maker and clown who encourages joyful, inclusive connection through movement and play. Her sessions are physical and interactive, helping participants express themselves in new ways that don't always involve words.

Activities include playful name games, 'WAH' exercises, follow-the-leader, and improvisation. Each session ends with some reflection time, allowing students to draw or create marks about how they feel, helping the facilitators understand students’ experiences and plan future sessions.

Our plan is that the series builds toward a final fashion show, where students will showcase the characters, props, and costumes they’ve explored. Youyang’s goal is simple: have fun, explore, and embrace silliness. She wants everyone to trust themselves, move their bodies, and enjoy non-verbal expression.

As our art tutor Mowbray explains, 'We’re told as adults that it’s not right to play or have fun anymore. But you are allowed to play and enjoy yourself!' 

Even students with mobility challenges, like Joyce, have been fully joining in: Joyce said the session, 'made me feel good, very good and better, it was fun.'