The Man Who Planted Trees

Choreographed in 2025 by Bristol-based dance artist and choreographer, Laila Dialio, The Man Who Planted Trees is our latest work which we area currently taking to schools across Wiltshire. Inspired by Jean Giono’s novella of the same name, this inter-generational project provides children with positive role models of creative older people; teaches them about environmental action and brings much needed creativity and performance work into the classroom at a time when the arts are disappearing from schools.

We held a sharing at Salisbury Arts Centre before touring to eight primary schools across Wiltshire (Bradford on Avon, Chippenham, Lacock, Semley, Zeals, Trowbridge, Corsham and Salisbury). Over 700 children and 60 staff members watched the performance, with 236 children joining in with workshops. We also performed at Frome Children’s Festival in July 2025. We will be taking the performance and workshop out to three more schools in Salisbury in 2026.

‘Myself, the staff team and all the children thought your performance was absolutely amazing. There was so much to be gained from your visit: cross-generational working, the benefits of dance, the benefits of community and also the benefits of humans having fun together and communicating together. I don’t think you know what a profound, positive affect you had – just know from me that you did.’ Headteacher.

‘Laila was very patient, creative and inspiring in working with DANCE SIX-0. She changed the way I thought about dance and how I performed. She simplified and brought everything back to a natural and simplified form of movement and production. I was impressed by the attention of the children in every school, boys particularly expressed their love of dance, some teachers were moved to tears. I believe this performance could benefit and be enjoyed by many different groups in the community.’ Company member.

We are extremely grateful to Arts Council England for providing funding, to Salisbury Council’s Community Grants Programme, the Arts Society Wessex Branch for their match funding and to Wiltshire Creative for their support.