MOVERS AND SHAKERS 51
PODCASTS
PODCASTS
HOW ARE PODCASTS BECOMING A NEW MEANS OF ENGAGEMENT FOR DANCE ?
BY TAMAR DIXON DANCE OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA ADMINISTRATOR AND CHLOE SPRACKLING MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
In recent years, influencers and content creators have opted into the world of audio. The global pandemic was an unexpected storm, where dance artists, practitioners and enthusiasts witnessed the sudden halt of live dance. However, this did not diminish the creative horizons of some dance artists, as they began using podcasts to sustain and expand audience development and engagement. As we think more about why we dance, and how inclusive and diverse our sector is, podcasts have provided an excellent outlet for information sharing, debate and discussion.
RAPID GROWTH
Tamar Dixon © Dani Bower for One Dance UK
Chloe Sprackling © Dani Bower for One Dance UK
The variety and popularity of podcasts have been growing for a number of years, and show no signs of stopping. In the UK alone there are over 15 million regular podcast listeners1. Several dance artists and organisations have embraced podcasting as lockdown restrictions have prevented traditional methods of sharing art and ideas. Podcasts generally have a youthful audience profile. According to Forbes2, podcast listeners have a median age of 34, which is younger than broadcast radio (47) and network television (57). And this audience is growing: the percentage of monthly podcast listeners among 12-to-34 years old grew from 27% in 2017 to 49% in 2020.
