Each year we welcome artists, makers and performers into our woodland creation space providing time to connect with nature while developing their creative practice.
From visual artists to writers, poets to dancers, acrobats to puppeteers, we host retreats for anyone who wants to develop their art outdoors.
Autin Dance
Autin Dance spent time with us in June 2025 as part of our Spring/Summer retreat cohort.
Autin Dance Theatre is a collaborative ensemble of creatives who devise and produce aspirational, socially engaged and mass participatory movement projects regionally and internationally. Their distinctive artistic voice draws on contemporary social issues (environment, community, relationships & identities) to make engaging, accessible, relevant performance work.
The Rig Arrives!
As the group of performers arrived, not far behind came the tools of their trade; a huge rig, ropes and harnesses which enabled them to develop their work ‘Up in the Sky‘; a thrilling aerial adventure where dance takes flight and imagination knows no bounds!
As Johnny and the team settled into the woods they began to whizz around (at great excitement of a local peacock) on a giant 7-metre circular structure.
The work was rehearsed over two weeks, with six incredible performers leaping, spinning and soaring through the skies in a playful tale about two siblings, exploring how we find our way in the world and what makes us feel at home.
As the Artistic Director of Autin Dance Theatre CIO, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the entire Wild Rumpus team for their exceptional collaboration on our recent creative residency. Their support has been instrumental in enabling us to develop an innovative and upscale project.
Johnny Autin
This bold new show blends spectacular aerial movement, music and magical visuals to inspire hearts of all ages. Gather round, look up, and join them for a journey above the clouds! Previewing at festivals and events throughout the summer – find out more, here.
With thanks to Arts Council UK for funding the season of artist retreats.