From
Sculpture to Dance: Eek & Wild Reimagine Art at MK University Hospital.
This Autumn, Eek & Wild Contemporary Dance Company
brought movement, imagination and joy to the children’s wards at Milton Keynes
University Hospital (MKUH) through a vibrant series of performances inspired by
the hospital’s art collection.
Working in collaboration with Arts for Health Milton Keynes
(AfHMK) and the MKUH Play Team, the dancers partnered with young patients,
families and staff to transform sculptures including Camel, Equilibrium, and Squatting, Holding, Looking and Looking through within into
playful, co-created dances.
Eek & Wild in action! Performance practice: camel dance
Co-creating with children through movement
Using a specially developed “movement toolkit” of body
parts, actions and textures, children guided the choreography — deciding how
each sculpture might move, balance or come to life through dance.
Across October and November, more than 80 patients and 70
visitors and staff joined in workshops and ward-based performances. Memorable
moments included a spontaneous group ceilidh in Equilibrium, siblings
hugging during Squatting, Holding, Looking, and a child in A&E
dancing joyfully through every piece.
“It’s the first time he’s smiled in ages.” — Staff
member, Children’s Ward
Celebrating 50 Years of Play in Hospital
The project coincided with 50 Years of Play in Hospital,
celebrating the vital role of play in children’s health and recovery. Eek &
Wild’s child-led approach encouraged creativity, curiosity and emotional
wellbeing, transforming clinical spaces into places of imagination and
connection.
Performances will continue across the children’s wards and
paediatric areas throughout December and into Spring 2026, offering more young
patients the chance to take part.
Eek & Wild in action: performance practice - Helix dance.
︎Watch a clip of Eek & Wild performing a practise dance:
Eek & Wild in action: performance practice - Helix dance.
