‘The best artistic work in any medium, for any audience, is that which truly connects, that which makes everyone involved – whether creator or witness – look at the world anew. Oogly Boogly does just that, whether you are six months or 60 years.’ Jonathan Holloway, Artistic Director, Norfolk and Norwich Festival

‘Having Oogly Boogly for our season opening last September was ideal. Our house was full of 1500 people attending workshops of all kinds. Thanks to Oogly Boogly, 1 year olds together with their parents and families were also part of a great artistic event. They got the biggest media attention, with radio interviews, articles, etc. It was a memorable experience for all of us and a great piece of art.’ Claire Verlet , Director, Centre National De La Danse

Melbourne

'Fantastic. Lily (18 months) loved it and she is usually very clingy.'

‘More?’ Imogen, 18 months, at end of the performance

'A unique first experience of body, sound and senses fun. Something we enjoyed and can take home too! Many thanks – a wonderful relaxed atmosphere.'

Belfast

'Thank you to you all, it’s wonderful to see all the children building trust with adults and all performing together. Fantastic.'

London

'As a nanny and a mother I have been to many baby groups, but nothing like this, as relaxing and different and original, and the children really seemed to respond.'

'Tremendous ease and truth. Really interesting and beautiful!'

'thank you – a more perfect entertainment could not be imagined. Hurrah!' Parent, Sadlers Wells Theatre March '06

'What a marvellous celebration of the joys of learning to move and interact' Parent, Sadlers Wells Theatre March '06

‘Well done for creating this and being so sensitive to what stimulates and amuses this age group!’ Rosie, a parent, Woking May 06

Sweden

'Alfie absolutely loved it, found it very funny. It was great to see him playing leader for change instead of copying his older brother.’

'She did things we have never seen before! Keep it up! Beautiful.’

‘One of the most moving and exhilarating shows of the festival is Oogly Boogly, a show for eight babies and their carers…Oogly Boogly’s skill and simplicity reminds us of the starting point of the imagination and takes advantage of the instinct to create before trying too hard takes over’ The Age, Melbourne Oct 2005

‘The soft tent, created by Architects of Air, offers a calm and safe environment. No toys, cups or beakers are allowed inside. The parents stay discreet at the edges as the babies and four dancers gather in the centre. The children’s spontaneous moves generate the choreography as the dancers imitate and follow. The children are free to decide if and when they want to participate, and the grown ups show a lot of respect.’ Göteborgsposten, Sweden August 2005

‘Fascinating duets and trios come out of the process and even in periods when activity is subsided, attention was turned towards quiet gestures with subtle interactions’ Dance Theatre Journal, 2004

‘Babies and toddlers call the shots at this universal event’ Time Out Critics Choice 2003

We are looking forward to future performances of Oogly Boogly and to deepening our understanding, through follow up training, of the impact that this way of working has on our youngest children.
Jenny Spratt, Peterborough Sure Start Strategic Partnership

This was a show to remember and treasure – where the arts and the spirit meet child development. Some important pioneer work has begun.
'Oogly Boogly' is an experience that would benefit every child who is on the edge of language. It links very powerfully with what is known through internationally agreed research evidence, about the development of communication and language.
Professor Tina Bruce, Roehampton University, after seeing Oogly Boogly in Peterborough 2005

I think this is a wonderful concept. We’ve been improving our relationships with babies and toddlers all over the place!! My whole family now plays it with my niece. Helen White, Director CAT Youth Theatre, Creative Arts Team City University of New York

Books with references to Oogly Boogly:

Tina Bruce, Early Childhood Education (2005, 3rd ed) Hodder Arnold: London

Textbooks

Tina Bruce and Carolyn Meggitt (2006, 4th ed) Childcare and Education, Hodder Arnold: London

Tina Bruce (ed) Autumn 2006, (in press as we speak) Early Childhood: A Student Guide, Sage: London