Moving Stories is an intergenerational dance and arts program developed in 2016 that brings older adults and youth together through movement, storytelling, and creative exchange. Rooted in care, curiosity, and embodied listening, the program approaches creativity as a shared practice — one that honours lived experience while remaining open to play, discovery, and connection.
Developed by Yvonne Ng, Moving Stories is offered to youth aged 9–12 and older adults aged 65+. The program can be delivered in intergenerational formats, bringing youth and older adults together, or in age-specific sessions tailored to the needs, capacities, and contexts of each group. Since 2024, Moving Stories has expanded to include both approaches, responding flexibly to community partners and participant needs.
Through gentle, guided movement, reflective prompts, and creative dialogue, participants engage in a process of exchange where listening is as important as doing. Moving Stories aims to support older adults and youth in nurturing connection, mobility, and emotional presence through shared movement and creative exchange. No prior dance or arts experience is required.
Intergenerational exchange is central to this practice. We understand both older adults and youth as curious learners and knowledge-holders, each bringing distinct lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of knowing into the room. Rather than prioritizing output, Moving Stories centres relationship and continuity — creating space for stories, gestures, and ways of moving to be witnessed, shared, and carried forward.
Moving Stories has been delivered in a wide range of community and care settings, including retirement residences, libraries, hospitals, and cultural venues. Partner organizations have included Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Meridian Hall, and Arts Etobicoke, among others.
Program Focus
Moving Stories supports participants in:
- cultivating bodily awareness and gentle mobility
- sharing memory, attention, and lived experience through movement
- fostering empathy, presence, and intergenerational connection
- engaging creativity as a form of care, continuity, and shared learning
Sessions are adaptable, inclusive, and responsive to the abilities and experiences of each group.
Artistic Team
Program Creator & Lead Facilitator
Yvonne Ng, B.F.A., M.A.
Program Facilitators
Morgyn Aronyk-Schell, Teagan Ariss, Janaki Banting, Irvin Chow, Sierra Chin Sawdy, Julianna Greco, Frédérique Perron
Assistant Facilitators
Emmett Bradshaw, Jaelyn Jones, Mary Patsiatzis, Sarah Nelson
Apprentices
Averil Dubois, Irene Leung, Amelie Mah
Learn more about our Moving Stories facilitators by checking out their bios!
Book Now
For more information and to book our Moving Stories programme, please contact our interim Arts Education Manager, Janaki Banting: Janaki(at)princessproductions.ca.
This program is generously supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Lindy Green Family Charitable Foundation.
