MaKe U.Dance Featuring the U.Dance South East Regional Platform
Sunday 8 March 2020 The Brook Theatre
Ceyda Tanc Youth Dance Photographer: Jane Russell
MaKe U.Dance MaKe U.Dance is a celebration of dance, highlighting the diversity and breadth of youth dance from across the South East. This evening’s showcase is in two parts: those selected to be part of the U.Dance Regional Platform - with special guests Ceyda Tanc Youth Dance - followed by work from local groups.
have had the fantastic experience of participating in workshops with the renowned National Youth Dance Company. We welcome you all to the Brook Theatre in Chatham and hope you enjoy your visit to Medway.
A full day of activity, MaKe U.Dance provides lots of opportunities for groups from across the region to meet and dance together. This year the dancers
U.Dance U.Dance is One Dance UK’s national programme which seeks to increase the number of performances involving young people and support those who organise them. It raises awareness of the events that take place right across the country. Each year the U.Dance National Festival showcases a selection of the best youth dance groups from all over the country who have been invited to attend following participation in their regional U.Dance platform. At the 2020 National Festival, the young dancers will perform on the main stage at Tramway in Glasgow and take part in workshops with industry professionals, careers sessions and networking events.
MaKe U.Dance features the 2020 South East regional platform. Following this evening’s event, an independent panel will shortlist some of the dance pieces to be considered for inclusion in the U.Dance National Festival, 17-19 July. The chosen group for the South East will be announced by One Dance UK later this year. This evening we are excited to present Ceyda Tanc Youth Dance, who were last year’s selected company representing the South East at the Southbank Centre in the U.Dance 2019 National Festival.
Cedya Tanc Youth Dance Being a part of U.Dance 2019 was an incredible experience for Ceyda Tanc Youth Dance. The company of young dancers learnt so much over the weekend and had the opportunity to take class, workshops and seminars from professional dancers in a range of dance styles. Performing at the Southbank Centre was a huge honour as it is such a prestigious venue, the dancers have watched performances at the venue in the past so being able to show our work on the stage was an unforgettable experience for all of us. We were absolutely thrilled that at U.Dance 2019, Ceyda Tanc Youth Dance were invited by Sir Richard Alston to perform alongside his company at the Theatre Royal, Brighton. I first met Richard at U.Dance 2015 in Plymouth, and he has been extremely
supportive of my work and company ever since. I feel so proud of the dancers for being selected to represent the South East at U.Dance 2019 and extremely grateful for the continued opportunities it has provided for us. Ceyda Tanc Choreographer “Representing the South East on such a large platform was one of the best feelings I’ve had in dance!” Ollie Stanton, Youth Company Dancer
Loop Dance Company Loop Dance Company are delighted to co-host MaKe.U.Dance 2020 alongside South East Dance and Medway Council Arts Development Team. The company over its 27 year history is continually impressed with the level of dance across the South East region. Every year it just gets better and this year is no exception.
We have proudly supported Medway U.Dance platform for many years and believe this is an opportunity to inspire and encourage young dancers to raise their aspirations and share their experiences with other young dancers. We hope you enjoy seeing the wealth of talent in the show today! Nina Atkinson Artistic Director, Loop Dance Company
Medway Council Arts Development Medway Council Arts Development Team value dance, arts, culture and the people we work with in Medway and beyond. We feel privileged to work with so many talented young people and individuals who MaKe dance happen and provide opportunities for our communities to engage in dance. Thank you to you all and to our partners South East Dance and One Dance UK for choosing Medway to host the South East Regional U.Dance 2020 platform. As part of our dance development work in Medway, we work collectively with the Medway Dance Network who bring dance opportunities, professional
development as well as raising awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits of dance. We also work with the Kent Dance Network and so many other exceptional dance artists, companies, organisations across all art forms in Medway. If you want to find out more information about how you can get involved pleased visit our social media pages. Luci Napleton Freelance Dance Development Medway Council Arts Development Team
South East Dance A very warm welcome to each and every group joining us today from across the region for MaKe U.Dance. South East Dance works in partnership with One Dance UK to deliver this fantastic annual celebration of dance, and this year it is our pleasure to be working in partnership with Loop Dance Company and the Medway Council Arts Development Team to bring you MaKe U.Dance. For South East Dance 2020 will be a momentous
year, as we get ready to launch the region’s brand new home for dance. Based in the heart of Brighton & Hove, The Dance Space will offer state-of-theart creation studios, a wide range of classes, and performance and community-led projects for everyone to discover and enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you there. Cath James Artistic Director, South East Dance
Thanks Thank you to our partners and supporters including Arts Council England, Loop Dance Company, Medway Council Arts Development Team, The Brook Theatre, National Youth Dance Company, One Dance UK and South East Dance. On behalf of all of us we would like to thank the
dancers and group leaders for their energy, dedication and hard work over the past few months in creating such an exciting programme of dance.
Last but not least, thank you to you, the audience, for coming along this evening and supporting dance in the region.
Loop Dance Company Loop Dance Company is the resident dance company at The Brook Theatre in Chatham and have recently celebrated their 27th Birthday. The Artistic Director, Nina Atkinson, and six dancers create contemporary repertory work, often working with internationally renowned guest choreographers.
Loop Dance Company
Loop also has an extensive dance education programme, for people who have never danced before, and for professional dancers who want to enhance their skills. The company is supported by a team of administrative staff and a board of trustees. Loop have proudly supported the Medway U.Dance Event for many years.
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Photograph: Pagrav Youth Company | Photographer: Jane Russell
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