Creating a Cornish Short Film: Donsya (Dancing is Healing)
- Danielle Hutchinson
- May 29, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 19, 2025
As my final dissertation project at Falmouth University, I decided to create a short documentary film, Donsya (Dancing is Healing), which is now available to watch on YouTube.
'Donsya' is Cornish for 'dance' and this documentary film follows Danielle as she explores what it means to redefine dance.
By accompanying Dance Teacher and Creative Movement Therapist, Gillian Sadler, to a range of classes that she leads in Cornwall, we begin to see that dance can look and feel different for everyone. It’s not always about putting on a performance – sometimes it can be about letting the mask fall away…
It's been such a pleasure to work with Gillian Sadler over the past few months, documenting her Golowi Wellbeing movement and dance classes and hearing different perspectives about dancing in Cornwall.
I'd like to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone who welcomed me and my camera into their spaces - it was an absolute joy to dance with you. Particular thanks go to the staff, students, and parents at Curnow Lower School for sharing their experiences of dance with me.
Below you can find more information about the project, such as reviews, filming locations and behind-the-scenes content!
Trailer
Reviews
It's been so lovely to see the first reviews appearing for this film, in the space of just two short weeks...
"A beautifully crafted and well-articulated piece of personal journalism"
"You've done such a wonderful job of capturing the joy of dance and movement"
"An amazing project! I love the authenticity you transfer"
"Beautifully put together, honest film. Lovely scenery too!"
"Looks great, there are some lovely edits and it flows really well"
"Amazing film about dance! Highly recommend watching"
Thank you to everyone who has shared their feedback so far, as well as to those who shared their thoughts on early drafts of the film. I'm deeply grateful for the insights which helped to shape the film into the piece you see today.
Behind the Scenes
Filming locations Porthleven beach and AMATA Studios, Penryn.
From the clifftops at Mullion Cove, to a community hall in Mawnan Smith, this documentary had a range of indoor and outdoor locations to adapt to.
I created a series of Instagram reels throughout the production to give an insight into the experience of filming across West Cornwall.
Examples of reels over on my Instagram
Screenings
As well as being available to watch on YouTube, I'm thrilled that the documentary is already being screened at a variety of venues.
23rd-31st May
Falmouth University Degree Showcase
28th June
Tate St Ives private workshop
Feedback from Golowi Wellbeing
Danielle's work on the film 'Dancing is Healing' was created in an empathetic yet powerful way. She caught the beauty of the surroundings and encompassed the essence of my business ethos.
Her filming style was unobtrusive, in fact, we didn't even notice she was there! Her interview technique allowed participants to answer naturally and without awkwardness.
It's a great piece of work which she was clearly passionate about creating.
Gillian Sadler,
Golowi Wellbeing
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