The One Dance UK Magazine Issue 14, Spring 2023
The Future is Now
One Dance UK releases report on Dance HE in the UK
Continued Learning Special focus on dance science careers Charlie Stemp talks Crazy For You Dancers’ Career Development Dance, pregnancy and parenthood Technology sharing dance of the African Diaspora with
the next generation
Title
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Welcome
Andrew Hurst MBE Chief Executive, One Dance UK
One Dance UK connects and supports members Along with receiving free copies of One, the magazine for the UK dance sector, One Dance UK members receive a wide range of benefits, discounts and resources. For information about One Dance UK Membership or to find out more about how we can support your work, please visit onedanceuk.org/memberships or email membership@onedanceuk.org
Dear members and friends, Welcome to this Spring 2023 edition of One. Hopefully you will notice that the team have been channeling their creativity and brilliant idea generating capacity towards making some changes to keep the magazine fresh and relevant with new feature sections and layouts. As we are all adapting to the post-pandemic dance world and changes in the funding landscape, this edition takes a special focus on ‘Continued Learning’. The dance community is constantly adapting and evolving, expanding our knowledge, finding and providing new inspiration, and we sincerely hope that within these pages you will find stimulating and thought-provoking insight from across the dance ecology. Read our report Taking it Higher: Dance in HE on page 13, which provides an important snapshot of dance at Higher Education level, such a vital part of our talent pipeline. Thank you to all the contributors whose expertise and feedback helped shape this important report. We celebrate young dancers and the achievements of the National Youth Dance Company of England (NYDC) on page 44, dive in to dance science as a career option
on page 28, and preview the work required to bring the revival of Crazy For You into the West End this summer on page 24. You can read about the ways dancers are finding new approaches to working from Dancers’ Career Development on page 22. We are committed to championing and providing platforms for artists from the global majority throughout our work, and you will find articles such as those usually housed in HOTFOOT take a much more prominent position in the refreshed format for One magazine going forward. We are acutely aware of the pressures our member organisations and individuals (especially those who are freelancers) are facing through the energy and cost of living crises and we continue to advocate for you and find ways for our membership to connect and access opportunities. I hope that you make use of the articles in this magazine and the further resources available from One Dance UK to inform and enhance your work. We are constantly learning from you, our members, celebrating your innovation and successes, and working together to find ways to best support you and provide you with relevant, engaging content.
One Dance UK Staff
Board of Trustees
Patrons
Jessica Lowe Administrator, Dancers’ Health, Wellbeing and Performance
Amanda Skoog Chair Executive Director, English National Ballet School
Carlos Acosta CBE Children and Young People Patron
Jo Gatenby Dance in Education Manager
Anthony Bowne Principal, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Andrew Hurst MBE Chief Executive Cameron Ball Special Projects Manager Rebecca Bertram Project Manager Amelia Bickley Membership and Business Development Officer Dani Bower Marketing and Communications Manager Lisa Chapman Dance in Education Manager (Maternity Cover) Lara Coffey Head of Marketing and Communications Barny Darnell Membership Manager
Photo: A Ayuso
Tamar Dixon Network Officer Alisha Kadri Head of Membership and Business Development Sam Lane Dance in Education Manager (Maternity Cover)
Laura Nicholson Head of Children and Young People’s Dance Jazlyn Pinckney Head of Workforce Development Christopher Rodriguez Deputy Chief Executive/ Finance Director Erin Sanchez Manager of Health, Wellbeing and Performance and the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science Chloe Sprackling Marketing and Design Officer Katie Stevens Operations Manager Alan Tuvey Finance Manager Amy Williams Dance in Education Manager
Jane Bonham Carter Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury, Member, House of Lords
Peter Badejo OBE Arlene Phillips CBE Sir Richard Alston Champion of U.Dance and Young Creatives
Andrew Carrick Director of Carrickworks Julian Flitter Partner, Goodman Jones LLP Denise Nurse Legal Consultant Susannah Simons Arts Strategist and Director of Partnerships, Marquee TV David Watson Executive Director of Audiences & Media, National Museums Liverpool
One Dance UK Dance Hub Thorp Street Birmingham B5 4TB onedanceuk.org One Dance UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales: No. 2931636 Registered Charity: No. 801552 Copyright One Dance UK
The One Dance UK Magazine | Spring 2023 3
Contents Introduction 3 Welcome by Andrew Hurst MBE In the Spotlight 6 News 9 One Dance UK Membership: Member Q&A with Sutton Community Dance’s Gemma Bonner 10 One Dance UK Projects Dance in Higher Education Report 2023 13 Educators shine a light on the rapidly shifting landscape of dance in Higher Education Special Focus on Continued Learning Being Moved to Act by Eliot Smith 20 22 Career Development for All Dancers by Dancers’ Career Development’s Jennifer Curry 24 Maintainin’ Rhythm by Cameron Ball 26 A Moment of Movement featuring Elisabeth Mulenga Careers in Focus: Dance Science, with Prof. Matt Wyon, Scott Sinclair, 28 Sonja Cimelli, Genevieve Tawiah and Louisa Petts 31 Discover! Creative Careers 32 Jazz Arts ReWired 2023 34 The Pregnant Dancer by Chloe Hillyar 36 Caring Transitions by Edel Quin MSc FHEA The Importance of Joy by Popping for Parkinsons’ Simone Sistarelli 37 Beyond the Physical by YDance's Anna Kenrick 38 Inspired to Create and Uplift by Tamar Dixon with Kloe Dean 41 42 Education Through Dance by Chinyanta Kabaso 44 Celebrating National Excellence by NYDC (England)’s Hannah Kirkpatrick 46 Devising Second Language Learning by Laura Colomban 48 Ask An Expert 50 Mentoring Memoir by Ascension Dance’s Ashley Jordan
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Editorial and Advertising Lara Coffey Head of Marketing and Communications Cameron Ball Magazine Editor Katie Stevens Assistant Editor Advertising enquiries Contact Amelia Bickley amelia.bickley@onedanceuk.org Funders and Supporters With thanks to our funders
With thanks to our project partners. Design tm-studio.co.uk
Cover image and below: Chinyanta Kabaso, photo Dani Bower for One Dance UK
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The One Dance UK Magazine | Spring 2023 5
News
News Developing the Next Generation of Black Excellence Following the outstanding success of the Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs), young aspiring artists will be able to benefit from new initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of Black British theatre talent. The BBTAs’ Youth Development Programme includes public events providing young people with opportunities to take part in workshops and masterclasses delivered by leading Black British theatre performers and creatives. Affordable and inclusive theatre workshops are on offer, from singing, dance and drama, to set and costume design, music and lighting. The most recent programme took place on 16 April in London. The BBTAs also aim to deliver a Mentoring Programme to a select number of participants to allow for
deeper conversation, support and unique opportunities. The Mentoring Programme objectives are to improve access, education and progression opportunities for the next generation of Black theatre talent. Providing young people with insight into theatre and the breadth of career opportunities available within theatre, mentors will provide ongoing support for young people to navigate their education and/or career. Eligibility requirements: • Young Black people aged 10-21 years old • Living in the UK • Interested in the world of theatre •N o previous theatre studies or performing arts experience required • About to engage or currently engaged in theatre studies
Photos: Ivan Weiss & Roswitha Chesher
Russell Maliphant Dance Company Tours the UK Olivier Award winning Russell Maliphant Dance Company (RMDC) will be bringing their latest dance production, titled VORTEX, to Sadler’s Wells for three nights only, 3-5 May. VORTEX is inspired and influenced by the works and processes of the great American artist Jackson Pollock and the Abstract Expressionists. Maliphant says: “The work, creative approach and processes of Jackson Pollock and the Abstract Expressionists made a lasting impression on me from the first time I encountered them. I see similarities in their approach to painting and energy that might sometimes be experienced in dance and movement composition through tasks for improvisation and composition.” To create VORTEX, Maliphant worked with Ryan Stafford (lighting design) Katya Richardson (music) and Stevie Stewart (costume design) alongside five exceptional company dancers. As well as performances at Sadler’s Wells, VORTEX will tour to venues around the UK, including Canterbury, Newcastle, Huddersfield, and Lancaster this summer.
Further information
russellmaliphantdancecompany.com/whats-on 6 The One Dance UK Magazine | Spring 2023
Russell Maliphant Dance Company's VORTEX
Leah Hill receiving the BBTA Best Choreographer/Movement Director Award in October 2022, proudly sponsored by One Dance UK.
Further information
blackbritishtheatreawards.com/youthoutreach info@blackbritishtheatreawards.com
News
News Pushing the Boundaries of Dance in the Black Country By Marcia Edwards, Artistic Director, ME Dance Company
In June 2023, ME Dance presents Bella at Walsall Arena, commissioned by Black Country Dance Hub. Presented in partnership with Sandwell College, Sandwell Libraries and Archives and supported by Black Country Touring, this production has made me more determined to contribute to the development of the Black Country becoming a cultural hub for the arts which will develop the next generation of creatives. Being in dance for over 20 years, I have identified that the key word is opportunity. This is why I created ME Dance Company, a professional and youth graduate dance company pushing the boundaries of what dance should or could be in the Black
Country. Our community’s mission is finding the freedom to have your own creative voice that has substance and sustainability. Bella is the story of a woman who lost everything. Based on the historical Black Country mystery of Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?, we try to uncover her life and links to her country. Bella’s story of being cocooned and entwined for 18 months by the roots of an elm tree will be brought to life through dance, visual projection and music. To this day she has never been formally identified, but on this journey we find our own truth. I am inspired by the history that surrounds me and the untold stories that I will eventually tell my own grandchildren. Watching ME Dance’s youth and graduate students reminds me that dance and music were part of me even before I knew it, from
De Montfort University students working with ME Dance Company
Further information medancecompany.co.uk
ResDance : Dance Research Podcast
Dance at Norfolk & Norwich Festival
ResDance™ is a podcast created by Dr Gemma Harman, Senior Lecturer in Dance Science and Dance at the University of Chichester, in June 2021 as a way to engage students with emergent ideas and practices central to dance research. The podcast focuses on research methodologies and methods in dance practice, intended for students, educators, choreographers, artist-makers, practitioners, performers, and interdisciplinary researchers curious to learn more about dance research in action. The podcast privileges the voices of the artist-scholar and researcher; it offers opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange within dance and related fields. Since being created, three series of ResDance™ have been launched celebrating 33 inspirational speakers and including 35 hours of enthusing content. For more information about the podcast and if you would like to take part please contact Gemma Harman: g.harman@chi.ac.uk
The Norfolk & Norwich Festival returns from 12-28 May, featuring a programme of dance, circus, music, theatre, literature, and visual arts. Over the course of the festival’s Welcome Weekend, performances will be popping up across the city. Candoco Dance Company and choreographer Jamaal Burkmar present I think we should start over: a duet performed by disabled and non-disabled dancers in unusual and outdoor spaces. Elsewhere, Akademi performs Pravaas, a climate migration-inspired piece combining South Asian dance and Carnatic vocals. The festival presents a diverse and exciting range of dance. Performed on Chinese poles, The Chosen Haram explores sexuality, faith, addiction and connection. Jo Fong and George Orange bring The Rest of Our Lives, a cabaret of life and near death, to village halls across East Anglia. Meanwhile, Club Origami is an interactive family dance show merging fashion, live music and the magic of origami.
Further information
Further information
TM
Photo: ME Dance Company
my Caribbean parents playing Soca, Reggae and 70’s music to standing on my father’s feet following the rhythms of the DJ. at events. The idea of creating positive change has unnerved me at times, but I strive to make an impact not only in my own life but for those who wish to train as professional dancers and teachers.
anchor.fm/gemma-harman Find out more about the Dance Programmes offered at the University of Chichester: chi.ac.uk/dance/
nnfestival.org.uk
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, n a e b b i r a C , African y r a r o p m e t n Co and Hip Hop e Styles
BA (Hons) Diverse Danc
Course Enquiries:
rg/ba-hons-application www.iriedancetheatre.o
er 2023
Auditioning for Septemb g| www.iriedancetheatre.or
.org | t: 0208 691 6099 | e: ba@iriedancetheatre
IRIE! dance theatre |
@IRIEdance |
@iriedancetheatre
Photography: Beth MacInnes. Design: Darryl Hartley
BA (Hons) Dance Co-delivery Partnership September 2023 From September 2023, The Hammond will be working with the University of Chester in a unique co-delivery partnership. Students who apply and are accepted onto the University’s BA (Hons) Dance course will be taught partially by Hammond faculty, in Hammond studios, and partially by the University faculty at their Creative Campus. Find out more: www.thehammond.co.uk/ba-hons-dance
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Apply Now
Membership
Meet a Member In our series of Q&As with members, Membership Manager Barny Darnell caught up with Gemma Bonner, Co-Director at Sutton Community Dance (SCD) in South London and a garduate of Northern School of Contemporary Dance. SCD is a community dance school with a focus on inclusion and regeneration for both individuals and community, with a passion to help people enjoy life by #dancingforgood.
Gemma Bonner
What are you up to currently? Sutton Community Dance is busy seven days a week. As an all-age community dance hub, with 70 classes and over 700 dancers, we mainly spend time prepping, teaching and making the most of our onsite sports rehabiliation team members! What are your first memories of dancing? I was a baby ballerina, launched into classes aged two. I remember I insisted on wearing black or red ballet shoes as opposed to the uniform pink, and I remember being in awe of the teenage ballerinas who I desperately wanted to be like. What advice would you give to someone hoping to start a career in dance? There are so many opportunities available in the dance and arts sector. It’s important to nurture your enthusiasm whilst also being grounded. Feed your passion, knock on all the doors, dance in places where you feel joy and get involved with network organisations like One Dance UK to support your career.
Photo: SCD
What’s the most common misconception about dancers? I remember a family friend who nicknamed me ‘Easy Degree’ when I was training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Many misconceptions have been challenged in recent years and dancers are proving themselves to be strong, intelligent, resilient, and more creative than ever. What concerns you most about the future of dance in the UK? The creative industries are thriving and I feel more excitement than concern, however, I do get saddened when
well-meaning parents remove their children from dance activities to ‘focus on their academic studies’. Dance is transformative for us as individuals and regenerates our communities. Why did you join One Dance UK as a member? We were drawn to the dynamic energy of One Dance UK and found articles and resources to be really helpful. We love learning from other members and have found it to be a great tribe to belong to, as well as advocating for our combined work as dance organisations. How does dancing help you in your life? Dancing brings me deep joy. I find purpose in dance for the sake of dancing and it’s incredibly satisfying seeing the joy and freedom others can experience through this gift when we, as teachers, share discovery with our students. Any future projects in the pipeline? We are currently working (and dreaming) on plans for our next five years, the next chapter in the life of SCD as we move beyond surviving as a start-up that began six months before Covid-19. We have exciting plans for redeveloping our venue and helping more people enjoy #dancingforgood as we increase our partnerships and extend our offer. A particularly exciting strand at the moment is new work with local organisations helping women who are survivors of domestic abuse. Finally, you can have one last dance...what would that be? It would be something powerful, athletic, high energy and loud on a stage, in front of a big enthusiastic audience. The song is irrelevant but being totally out of breath by the end is crucial! Further information scd.org.uk
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Connect, Share, Upskill
Connect, Share, Upskill
Images from left to right: POP Screening at Trinity Laban, U.Dance National Festival 2023, Kingston University dance student, Young Creatives, Hampshire Youth Dance Company, all by Dani Bower Phtotgraphy
One Dance UK presents a range of opportunities for those working in or studying dance. See below what’s coming up over the next few months Advocacy
Free Safeguarding Training
We will be sharing our research on Dance in HE and working conditions for Freelancers with the Dance APPG in May, and hosting a series of roundtables to develop some key policy asks for our updated Dance Manifesto in response to the recent or imminent publication of the Good Work Review (bit.ly/GoodWorkReview), the Cultural Education Plan (bit.ly/ C-E-Plan) and the Sector Vision for the Creative Industries (bit. ly/CCI-Vision).
One Dance UK is partnering with Safer Dance and High Speed Training to offer FREE safeguarding training for the dance sector. High Speed Training has helped thousands of individuals and organisations learn about effective safeguarding practices. This online safeguarding course was built with sector specialists to deliver the latest guidance and thinking on safeguarding. bit.ly/DanceSafeguarding
Free Dance Healthcare Screenings One Dance UK is pleased to offer Performance Optimisation Package (POP) Taster Screening sessions in Autumn 2023. These free sessions offer advice from dance-specialist physiotherapists and fitness experts and are a great way to learn more about your body and get a feel for what’s on offer as part of our complete POP packages. www.bit.ly/POPODUK
Funding Surgery Sessions
Jazz Arts: Rewired
Want to upskill and improve your chances of funding success? Alisha Kadri, Head of Membership & Business Development at One Dance UK, is offering slots for members to get in touch to talk about funding. The funding surgeries are in 30-minute slots. This is an offer for One Dance UK members (individual or organisational). The next date available is Thursday 18 May with more planned, so get in touch to find out more.
Coming to The Place this June is Jazz Arts ReWired: Up Close and Personal, a unique evening of exciting, original and innovative jazz dance theatre and music, that showcases the diversity and creativity of jazz theatre in the UK! In addition to an evening of live performances, there will be a full day of masterclasses, workshops, discussions and CPD seminars.
info@onedanceuk.org
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bit.ly/JazzArtsRewired See Page 32 for more information
Connect, Share, Upskill
Breakin’ Convention Breakin’ Convention returns to Sadler’s Wells Theatre to celebrate its 20th anniversary from 28 April to 30 April before embarking on a UK tour from 17 May to 14 June. In support of the health and wellbeing of the artists performing at the event, Project Breakalign and One Dance UK will be teaming up for the 10th year to offer physiotherapy, sports massage therapy, and an injury prevention workshop. sadlerswells.com/whats-on
Young Creatives Young Creatives is a unique programme developing the next generation of aspiring choreographers. This year has seen 16 Year 1 participants join Year 2 participants, who will be mentored by professionals including Kate Flatt OBE, Vidya Patel and John-William Watson to create work for live performance in July 2023. bit.ly/YoungCreatives1
Healthcare Practitioners Directory
U.Dance National Festival 2023
One Dance UK’s Healthcare Practitioners Directory is a free online database of medical, psychological, and complementary health practitioners in the UK. Everyone listed on our Directory has been recommended by members of the dance profession. You can search for a practitioner by name, profession, or location.
The U.Dance National Festival 2023 will be held 21-23 July in Newcastle in partnership with Northern Stage, Dance City, and TIN Arts. Hundreds of young dancers from around the country will perform, learn and connect at this incredible celebration of youth dance. A special U.Dance on Screen event will also be held at BFI London Southbank.
bit.ly/HPDirectory
udancedigital.org
The One Dance UK Magazine | Spring 2023 11
WORLD-CLASS DANCE TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Each centre is unique, offering different dance styles including Contemporary, Ballet, Circus, South Asian and Street Dance. Means-tested grants are available.
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The U.Dance National Festival is back this July celebrating the next generation of dance talent! Newcastle 21-23 July. Presented in partnership with Northern Stage, Dance City, Newcastle College, TIN Arts and NYDC (England).
Showcases | Careers Talks | Workshops | Networking
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Taking it Higher: Dance in HE
Taking it Higher: Dance in HE
Photo: Kingston University students, photo Dani Bower
Educators shine a light on the rapidly shifting landscape of dance in Higher Education.
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