Catrina Farnell

Catrina was a dancer until she suffered with Cauda Equina Syndrome in 2012. Following this for ten years there were medical problems and further spinal issues that meant her life didn’t much go past her bedroom walls. Following successful surgery and support Catrina found dance again but now in her wheelchair going from apprehensively attending a workshop in Northern Ballets inclusive dance festival Expressions to teaching inclusive dance for people with learning disabilities at People First Keighley and Craven and eventually becoming artist in residence at Northern Ballet for their In Motion course for wheelchair dancers. Catrina choreographed an autobiographical piece called Paralysed at Expressions last year with fellow In Motion tutor Kim and it highlights the role that kindness played in Catrina journey to finding herself again as a disabled woman.