Values that are at the core of your organization, are our core business.
Our passion allows us to share hands-on experiences on inclusiveness and sustainability. Topics and the way in which we interact with them, are based on 10 years of experimenting, and grounded in interactive methods that center around play and movement.
Expect interactive, connecting, mind shaking sessions that are equally inspiring as activating. Our speakers and process facilitators pull all the stops to boost your internal affairs with value-focused insights.
Our support comes in many shapes.
- We happily expand on our journey in a keynote or interactive presentation. We are transparent about our initiatives, successes as well as challenges.
- Is your organization organizing an exchange with action-oriented results? Borrow an extra set of eyes, ears and hands from us. Our facilitation ensures a smooth session in which the creative juices will flow non-stop.
- If you are working on a topic mentioned below, Upside down can help shape your workshop’s content. From check-in to check-out, we outline a balanced route that gives way to compelling thoughts and conversations.
- Are you looking for long-term support? Buddy up with Upside Down for process guidance towards different/better. As usual, we apply a human-focused approach with inclusive and surprising methods that make you (and your mind) move.
waarde waardegericht workshop workshops conferentie educatie presentatie keynote lezing sessie communicatie duurzaamheid inclusiviteit cultureelbewustzijn swingdans facilitatie creativiteit begeleiding duurzaamheid saferspace veiligheid veiligeruimte cultureelbewustzijn procesbegeleiding interactief inclusief consultancy advies
Topics that drive us to act
Events that are kind to each other, Mother Earth and our society: they exist.
Our festivals are known as one of the most sustainable events within the swing scene. For example, we were the first to introduce a social & sustainable fund. We designed a methodology for the European project Swinging Europe Network, based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Volunteers are at the core of the socio-cultural sector.
Including Upside Down Festival , which is an annual operation driven by volunteers, disguised as a five-day festival. Before, after and during the festival, an engaged, international group of more than 30 blissful souls pulls the cart of Upside Down as a social movement. Each year, our insights and experiences, too, move further along. We like to share how we recruit, retain, reward and request volunteers.
Diversity is a fact, inclusivity is an act..
Upside Down develops projects with minority groups in mind, applies a pay-what-you-can policy, and tries to communicate as inclusive as possible. Our actions (not without trial and error) might inspire you.
Participants at your event deserve to feel safe and welcome.
With a safe(r) space policy, you create an environment in which security and respect are the norm. Upside Down developed a code of conduct to make consent between and expectations towards participants crystal clear. We also train volunteers as safe(r) space team members during our festivals.
Swing dancing is an art form in which we are guests.
Swing, blues and jazz emerged within the African-American community at the end of the 20th century. Every Upside Down focusses on the history, and we do our research to understand theoretical concepts such as cultural appropriation, belonging, diversity, anti-racism and tokenism. We work toward cultural awareness and guide others to do the same.
duurzaamheid event evenement organisatie consultancy workshop workshops evenementorganisatie vrijwilligerswerking vrijwilligers internationaal diversiteit inclusie inclusiviteit veiligheid saferspace veiligeruimte gedragscode saferspacetraining cultureelbewustzijn swingdans culturelewaardering cultuur afrikaansamerikaans afroamerikaans zwartamerikaans zwartecultuur diversiteit
In practice: Upside Down Shakes
Video by Nuno Neves (Within the Groove) for Upside Down Festival.
They went Upside Down:
Hi Leni,
Thank you for your time and keynote yesterday!
Internally we talked about this morning that we thought it was a good talk and that you guys should be more than proud of how you look at things.
Elena, project support Danspunt
Upside Down is a partner of the European project Swinging Europe Network in strenghtening the European swing sector. This project is co-financed by Creative Europe by the European Union.
We take on a leading role on the topic of sustainability, which resulted in a sustainability strategy and sustainability charter..