The recent Dancescape Artist Network Meeting was held at Solihull Arts Complex prior to ACE Dance performing their new tour piece, 'Switch'.
I positioned myself in the cafe bar to welcome the artists (with tea's and coffee's!) and I was soon joined by Sioda Martin, a Leamington based dance artist. Sioda updated me on her current work with nutkhut's Bollywood Steps project on which she was working as an artist, and also her new class planned for this Autumn in Leamington at Stone Monkey Studios. Sioda is working on an intriguing combination of contemporary dance and Ashtanga Yoga for her new class - which sounds exciting! Just after this, we were joined by Solihull based artist Sarah-Jane Carter-Dornan, then Kath Kimber-McTiffen and Kate Mason. As each artist came in, they were quizzed about their current news and work (with added appreciative noises from the group!).
As the last person who entered then new nothing about what anyone else was up to, we went round the circle and each gave a short update of our current ventures. Kath updated us on her plans for inter-generational work, Sarah-Jane asked the groups advice on some of her thoughts about her career plans, and Kate updated us on her progress with her company and informed us of her funding success (yay!). We chatted about the upcoming U.Dance Professional Development Training which is to be held by Dancescape in November, and also the current Dance and Health initiatives that are happening in the region, including the Dance and Health conference and network event at DanceXchange on the 9th November.
As an artist it was great to feel part of a network of practising artists.....it gave me inspiration.... and if I admit quite a warm and fuzzy feeling! The process of talking through ideas, amibitions and current exciting ventures helped to reinforce the feeling of being proud to be working as a dance artist in the Midlands. I think (and hope) that the other artists felt the same!
After our meeting we all enjoyed ACE Dance and Music's brand new touring piece, Switch. It was a great way to finish off a very artistic and dance focused evening.
Hayley Duffield
Dancescape
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