A LGBTQ+ performer, who used his own passion for dancing to help vulnerable people during lockdown, will now inspire with a documentary.

Together We Dance is an 18-minute film directed by award-winning Eleanor Church and Chris Strong, who shed a light on Jonathon Prestney’s journey towards creating Movement Space.

The Colchester-born dancer built his dance company from the ground up in 2020 to give a platform to hundreds of people in need of social interaction and physical exercise.

Movement Space is also a strong support group for every LGBTQ+ performer, who wants to dance away from the prejudice of the society.

Jonathon, 25, said: “From the age of four I was performing at church and singing in the choir.

“When I was around the age of seven to 11, it was becoming apparent I was different from the other boys and I was really bullied.

“People would just make fun of the fact I was dancing.

“I was young and vulnerable and I thought if I did martial arts it is a bit stronger.”

But a few years later, Jonathon found his way back to dancing.

In fact, he was so good at it that he won a full scholarship at the prestigious Urdang Academy in London when he was only 16.

Since then, he has appeared in a number of productions, including shows at Vaudeville Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Apollo Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Hackney Empire.

Now he is determined to inspire dancers of all ages at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester with jazz, commercial, musical theatre and contemporary classes.

He added: “Dancing was such a good support for me when I was younger and I thought this could do exactly the same thing to people.

“It could provide a safe space, empower and provide a sense of community.”

Visit movement-space.com to find out more.

You can watch the film via waterbe.ar/3xn0lC4.