Season's Greetings from Dancescape!

What a busy year 2010 has been…..

Back in March, Dancescape received a Grants for the Arts award for The Journey, which will allow us to create lots of opportunities for young dancers, emerging and professional artists over the next two years.

In June we had the first Movin’ On Up careers event at Coventry University, and Beyond Boundaries at Warwick Arts Centre, where we teamed up with Dancefest for an opportunity for youth dance groups from across the sub region to perform alongside groups from Herefordshire and Worcestershire – and while they were there, we asked the dancers to create a short advert for the launch of Dance Box, our young people’s dance network, which can all be seen on facebook!!

This Autumn young people from across the sub region have been able to see a range of professional dance performances through Dancescape’s venue partnerships, and have now sent us their reviews of the shows, which can all be read at your leisure on the Dance Box Reviews blog. At Bounce!10 in October, 8 youth dance groups from Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire performed to a near-on full house at Solihull Arts Complex. One of the groups performing was Dancescape’s Rugby Youth Dance Company, whose members have had a busy and exciting time this year getting involved with Godiva Awakes, Imagineer Productions’ large scale project for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Dancescape has continued to support professional dance artists in 2010 with bespoke advice and one to one surgeries, networking events and professional development opportunities. We’re also really pleased to be working in partnership with Coventry Performing Arts Service and Solihull Arts Complex to offer the first of our Apprenticeships, whereby Nick Smith and Becky Foster are being mentored by local professional artists whilst undertaking a school’s tour (Nick) and leading a class for 4-7 year olds (Becky).

What’s in store in 2011…….

Next year looks set to be just as busy with lots more opportunities to look forward to. The second phase of Boys Dancing will be getting started with performance projects in schools, youth centres, PRUs and a prison across the region led by a team of professional male dance artists – and later in the year we’ll be recruiting for male Apprentices to get on board too!

There will also be the 2011 versions of Movin’ On Up and Bounce!, as well as an event for future dance leaders and a young people’s career development programme. Dance Box will continue to keep young dancers up to date with news and opportunities along with workshops and special events, and there’ll be more go-see opportunities for young dancers to see professional shows.

For professional dance artists there will be networking and workshop opportunities and we’re excited to see the development of a sub regional Dance Maker’s Circle. Don’t forget there’s also the ongoing offer of support and advice to professional dance artists, whatever your need.

You’ll be able to stay informed about everything happening at Dancescape through our regular e-newsletters, facebook pages and blogs and we always welcome your feedback, comments and thoughts.

We’re really looking forward to 2011 and all the dance opportunities that it will bring, and to continuing to work with all our colleagues and partners.

With many thanks for your continued support and best wishes for the festive season!

Sarah Jassal & Hayley Guest
Dancescape

Please note we will both be on annual leave after Friday 17th December until Tuesday 4th January 2011.

Dancescape on facebook
Dancescape blog

Dance Box on facebook
Dance Box blog
Dance Box Reviews

ACE Dance and Music are looking for Dancers!

ACE dance and music are offering professional dancers the opportunity to participate in an intensive residency with internationally acclaimed Japanese choreographer Akiko Kitamura. This exciting professional development opportunity will take place at the ACE dance and music studio, the Link Dance Space, Birmingham, from 14th to 18th February 2011.

Highly admired choreographer Akiko Kitamura, formally of the Leni-Basso dance company, Tokyo, previously collaborated with ACE dance and music on their celebrated production ‘Skin’, which toured successfully both in the U.K. and abroad from 2007 to 2008. ACE dance and music are looking to build on this creative relationship and use this residency as a research and development period for their next production ‘ICE’ (working title).

Akiko Kitamura is known worldwide as a leader in contemporary dance and her work continues to tour across continents. This residency will give participants the opportunity to experience her distinct style of dance, and will offer a flavour of the production to come. In summer 2011, Akiko Kitamura will return to Birmingham to collaborate with ACE’S Artistic Director Gail Parmel and will co-produce ‘ICE’ for touring from autumn 2011.

The five day residency is priced at £100.00 per dancer, with limited places available. For more information or to apply for a place please email Charlotte Gregory at info@acedanceandmusic.com with C.V., photo and letter of interest. Deadline Friday 21st January.

Performance and Masterclass with Vincent Cacialano and Dancers

LIMITED SPACES BOOK NOW!!

A NEW addition to the 011 Dance Festival
Performance and Masterclass (free) with Vincent Cacialano and Dancers“Instructions on Stopping & Starting”

Saturday 15th January
Venue: The Victoria Hall

Contemporary performance and masterclass exploring the ideas in the piece. For Dancers (15+) in dance education and professional Dance Artists. Vincent’s work is recognized in Holland and the UK, and his company of talented contemporary performers will provide a creative and challenging opportunity for dance lovers.

Performance – 11.00am – 11.45am; Workshop 12 noon – 1.30pm approx.

Performers: Vincent Cacialano, Leanne Cardill, DeeAnne Donalds and Rachel Rimmer.
Please bring energy snacks and inform the theatre of any access requirements you have in advance.

ADMISSION FREE but book your place.
Advance reservations Booking Line: 0844 8717649
Creative Learning e: stokecreativelearning@theambassadors.com

Supported by Youth Dance England.

Adult Contemporary Dance Workshops in Moseley and Leamington

Adult Contemporary Dance
Workshops
£15

Sunday January 23rd 2011
11 – 2 p.m.
The Danceworkshop
132 Alcester Road, Moseley

Saturday January 29th 2011
2-4 p.m.
Motionhouse Dance Studios
Spencer Yard, Spencer Street
Leamington Spa

The workshops begins with a Limon based dance class which emphasises use of breath, weight and musicality and follows with a chance to develop choreographic skills in a creative workshop

The workshop is taught by Genevieve, a dance artist who has recently relocated to the area. Genevieve danced throughout the UK and Bangladesh before attaining a BA (Hons) in Dance at DeMontfort University and an MA in Choreography at Middlesex University. She ran the BTEC Dance course at North Hertfordshre College for six years and was Senior Lecturer in Performance at Southampton Solent University.

Her work has been shown at many mid scale theatres including, The Place (London), Gordon Craig Theatre, Campus West, Milais Theatre and she is currently working on a short dance film.

Enquiries and Bookings Genevieve 07849 158 850

Contemporary Dance Class

Contemporary Dance Class

The Greig Dance Studio
Kinwarton Road
Alcester

Express yourself in this lyrical dance class which will improve your fitness, posture and co-ordination. Whether you are new to dance or have dance experience, come along and take part in a fun and challenging class.

Fridays
6.15 – 7.15 p.m.

Enquiries to Genevieve 07849 158 850

Free Dance Links Training

Free Dance Links Training
Develop your skills for working with schools

Wednesday 5th January 2011 at the Shrewsbury Sports Village from 1.00pm to 4.00pm

Are you a dance artist, practitioner or out of school dance provider, looking to develop your skills and experience in delivering dance in schools?

Shropshire Council in partnership with Youth Dance England and the National Dance Teachers Association (NDTA) will be delivering a three hour mini Dance Links training session on Wednesday 5th January 2011, at the Shrewsbury Sports Village.

The free training will be delivered by a professional NDTA trainer and cover key elements of Dance Links training, which is usually a 2-day residential programme.

It will give participants working in any dance style the chance to develop their skills and experience in delivering dance in schools, both with and beyond the curriculum.

The programme will be both theory and practical and cover elements of:• Principals of best practice in dance both in and out of schools• High quality learning and teaching• Identification of your strengths and professional development needs• Contexts, practicalities and essentials of working in and out of schools• Management of resources, time and behaviour
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

To book a place or for more information, please contact: Alexa Pugh, Arts Development Officer, Shropshire Council. Email: alexa.pugh@shropshire.gov.uk and Tel: 01743 255938

Dance Artists required to deliver After School Classes in Shropshire

Professional Dance Artists Required
To deliver after school Dance Classes across Shropshire

This project requires 7 professional dance artists based in the West Midlands who are experienced in and able to teach at least one of the following dance styles:

Street / Hip-hop
Modern / Contemporary
English Folk
Kathak (Indian Dance)
Chinese

Project description:
Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Council are currently working in partnership with DanceXchange and Youth Dance England to develop, support and champion dance for children and young people within the sub-region.

During January to March 2011, dance classes will be set up within 17 primary and secondary schools across Shropshire.

This project is designed to help enable schools who have an interest in developing dance, to set-up a regular programme of dance activity as part of their Extended Schools remit.

Aimed at all young people, from the ages of 5 to 19, the dance classes which will cover a range of dance styles and genres will take place out of school hours, over the course of ten weeks (a term). Schools will host one class per week, lasting one hour.

Each participating school will be offered a taster dance workshop, prior to the dance classes starting. These will take place during the school day and provide an opportunity to promote the classes and recruit interested participants.

Requirements:
- Dance training to higher education level or at least 2 years experience delivering dance classes. - This can include part-time work, i.e. one hour a week for 2 years.
- Have choreographic experience
- Experience in facilitating the creativity of young people

All applicants must be interested and committed to the project, be available to deliver dance after school from January to March 2011 and meet all the requirements listed.

Fee
The Dance Artists will be paid £35 per hour, for eleven sessions per school (one taster during the school day and ten classes after school). Artists may be appointed to work at more than one school. This fee is inclusive of all expenses, no additional payment will be paid for travel etc.

The artists will be appointed on a freelance basis and will be responsible for their own tax and National Insurance contributions.

Application Procedure

The deadline for receipt of submissions is Wednesday 15th December 2010. Please include:
A current CV
Names and addresses of two referees who can provide evidence of the quality of your work and the way in which you work with children and young people.
A short proposal of no more than 1000 words detailing how you meet the requirements above.

Please note that because of the nature of this work successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check, which will form part of the contract and will be arranged and paid for by Shropshire Council.

Send completed applications to:
Misha Crawford, Arts Development Service, Shropshire Council,
Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6ND

Please also send a copy of your application by email to: shrop.youthdance@googlemail.com

For more information please contact: Misha Crawford, Youth Dance Contact at Shropshire Council for an informal discussion or more details on 01743 255938 or email shrop.youthdance@googlemail.com

Professional Dance Artists Required

Professional Dance Artists Required
Shropshire & Telford and Wrekin
KS1 & 2 Teachers Dance Training

This project requires 4 professional dance artists based in the West Midlands.

Project description:
Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils are currently working in partnership with DanceXchange and Youth Dance England to develop, support and champion dance for children and young people within the sub-region.

During January to March 2011, teachers who deliver dance in primary schools across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin will attend a training program run by Penny Perrett, currently Advisory Teacher for Dance in Worcestershire.

The training will provide the teachers with the skills to plan and deliver high quality dance experiences for their pupils.

The partners require dance artists to work with between six and seven primary schools. They will work in partnership with the teachers who have attended the training course, supporting them in planning, delivering and evaluating their dance classes. This support will help to ensure the teachers feel confident in delivering high quality dance within the national curriculum.

Requirements:

• Dance training to higher education level or at least 2 years experience working in primary schools. This can include part-time work, i.e. one hour a week for 2 years (essential).
• Completed Dance Links Training or equivalent (essential) Please see further post for information on Free Dance Links Training being run in Shropshire on Wednesday 5th January 2011.
• Experience of teaching dance as part of the PE National Curriculum
• Have choreographic experience
• Experience in facilitating the creativity of young people
• Experience in using dance to explore issues and themes

All applicants must be interested and committed to the project and meet all the requirements listed.

Project timetable / Commitments

- Attend free Dance Links Training, if not already dance links trained. The training will take place on: Wednesday 5th January 2011 from 1.00pm to 4.00pm at the Shrewsbury Sport’s Village.
- The training delivered by a National Dance Teachers Association trainer, will help dance artists develop their skills and experience in delivering dance in schools, both within and beyond the curriculum.
- Please note this is not the full Dance Links training which is run by the National Dance Teachers Association over two days.

- From February to March 2011, support between six and seven primary schools. Dance artists are to spend five hours working in each school; this time will be allocated as follows:
1 hour planning
3 hours delivery
1 hour evaluation

- Attend three training sessions on the following dates:
Date TBC (Training Session One, 2.50 hours – Dance Artists Only)
Thursday 10th February 2011 - Training Session Two, 2.50 hours, from 1.00pm to 3.30pm to include Dance Artists and Schools at Greenacres Primary School, Shrewsbury.
Thursday 24th March 2011 - Training Session Three, 2.50 hours from 1.00pm to 3.30pm to include Dance Artists and Schools at Greenacres Primary School, Shrewsbury.

Fee:
The Dance Artists will be paid £35 per hour, for the work in schools and attending the three training sessions. This fee is inclusive of all expenses, no additional payment will be paid for travel etc.

The artists will be appointed on a freelance basis and will be responsible for their own tax and National Insurance contributions.

Application Procedure:

The deadline for receipt of submissions is Wednesday 15th December 2010. Please include:
A current CV
Names and addresses of two referees who can provide evidence of the quality of your work and the way in which you work with children and young people.
A short proposal of no more than 1000 words detailing how you meet the requirements above.

Please note that because of the nature of this work successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check, which will form part of the contract and will be arranged and paid for by Shropshire Council.

Send completed applications to:
Alexa Pugh, Arts Development Service, Shropshire Council,
Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6ND

Please also send a copy of your application by email to: alexa.pugh@shropshire.gov.uk

For more information please contact: Alexa Pugh, Arts Development Officer at Shropshire Council for an informal discussion or more details on 01743 255938 or email alexa.pugh@shropshire.gov.uk

Community Dance Artist Required

Everybody Dance Now is a celebration of social dance in Wolverhampton through history and across cultures. Central Youth Theatre (CYT) is exploring the multi-cultural diversity of Wolverhampton’s history of dance. We are planning a programme of work that will be delivered in site-specific venues around the City The project will culminate in a week-long international festival in the summer of 2011.

Everybody Dance Now’ is a Dancing for the Games project inspired by London 2012 and part of the Cultural Olympiad in the West Midlands.

Community Dance Artist
We are looking for someone with a variety of skills both practical and administrative who is passionate about the benefits of community dance who can help develop the central vision of a project around “social dance” – which will work across decades and cultures.

The person appointed will need to have:
• Excellent personal dance and choreographic skills in social dance. The dance styles to be taught are likely to include: Twenties rag-time, Ballroom, Rock & Roll & Northern Soul.
• Project management and administration experience
• Evidence of previous experience of working with young people who have little or no experience of dance
• Interesting and creative ideas of how to engage community groups in a large scale high profile project.
• It would be beneficial for the post holder to be a car owner/driver.

The contract will requires the post holder to:
• Commit to working weekly on Sundays afternoons during term time, plus additional scheduled rehearsals close to the show, plus working variable freelance hours (negotiable) to deliver work with community groups, and administrative and managerial duties.
• Be available full time during the festival week from 29th July to 7th August
• Combine working from the Youth Theatre Office and from home
• Be subject to an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

A total fee of £5,400.
Deadline for Application: Friday 17th December
For a full job brief and person specification please email jane@centralyouththeatre.org

Moved...by Decoda...

Moved…by Decoda…

Confirmation of January and February intensives in Coventry for dance professionals
This marks the opening of Moved by Decoda, a series of workshops for professional dance artists.

New Year Intensive With Charlie Morrissey
13th-15th January 2011
Coventry University, Ellen Terry Building
10am – 6pm
Price for 3 days £58 (no drop in)

We will explore improvisational approaches to specific movement materials and focuses. We will work with sensation, the application of the senses, anatomical imagery and explicit movement pathways and patterns as a means to expand the potential and hone the detail and content of our dancing.


Elements of partner work will be employed as means of exploring multi directional movement and awareness as well as to stimulate and cultivate an agile and articulate relationship through our engagement with internal and external focuses. This workshop is for experienced dance improvisers and will culminate in a public sharing on Saturday afternoon.

Charlie Morrissey is a performer, teacher, director and researcher working in the UK and abroad. His teaching is informed by his own research in somatic dance practices, his performance work, and by long term working relationships and collaborations with Steve Paxton, Lisa Nelson, Kirstie Simson, K.J.Holmes, Scott Smith, and many others. Charlie is part of Movement 12 in Brighton curating an international programme of professional development opportunities for dance artists.

Fees for this intensive should reach Summer Dancing by December 23rd…. please note there are only a handful of places remaining. (See payment information below).

Playful Physics: a contact improvisation workshop with Robert Anderson
11th-12th February 2011
Coventry University, Ellen Terry Building
10am-5pm
Price for 2 days £40 (no drop in)


Contact Improvisation is a dance of improvising and partnering based on the physics of touch, balance, weight, momentum, flow and resistance. In this workshop we’ll explore skills and strategies to tap our body-mind’s appetite for movement and connection. Awakening our senses and reflexes to be able to orientate through spherical space. Developing clear connections within our body, outwards into space and with other bodies. Channelling the required energy and tone in the body to glide, fly and fall with a partner. Expanding our ability to be both soft and strong, supported and supportive, receptive and responsive. The technical studies are designed to support and expand the range of possibilities in our dancing so that we can invite pleasure, play and poetry into our improvisation. The classes are open for those new to contact and for experienced dancers who want to become more attuned to the subtleties of touch, direction and intention.



Robert Anderson is an independent dance artist based in London. He teaches improvisation and contact improvisation at Rose Bruford College and in a variety of settings in the UK and abroad. Robert has been passionately involved with contact improvisation since 1996 studying with leading teachers from the US and Europe. He has studied with leading CI teachers including Nancy Stark Smith, Kirstie Simson, Martin Keogh, KJ Holmes, Andrew Harwood and Ray Chung. Robert has taught at international contact festivals in Germany, Israel, Poland, Russia, Spain and Italy and participated in co-teaching gatherings in Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Scotland, England and Austria. He was part of the organising team for CI36 in Pennsylvania (2008) and the European Contact Improvisation Teachers Exchange in Ormskirk, England (2009). He performs with Touchdown Dance and improvisation ensemble SoFt. In teaching dance improvisation Robert seeks to help students find a deeper connection with our senses, inviting pleasure, play and poetry for the dancing body.

To book a place or to find out more please email k.coe@coventry.ac.uk before 8th January 2011. Cheques (made payable to Summer Dancing for the full amount should be posted to decoda at Summer Dancing, Institute for Creative Enterprise, Parkside, Technology Park, Coventry CV1 2TT)

DanceXchange Placement Opportunity

DanceXchange Placement Opportunity – Programme & Marketing Assistant

DanceXchange is offering a unique placement opportunity for a bright and motivated recent arts graduate interested in embarking on a career in the arts.

Salary: £15,000 per annum
Fixed-term contract, 12 months full time, from January 2011

Based in the centre of Birmingham, DanceXchange (dx) is a power house of dance with excellence, innovation, education and inclusion at its heart – and, together with Birmingham Hippodrome and Birmingham Royal Ballet, is part of the largest dance partnership in Britain. dx is also Co-Producer of International Dance Festival Birmingham, one of the largest dance festivals in the world.

Part of the DCMS Jerwood Creative Bursaries Scheme, this new role will provide excellent practical hands-on experience of managing a theatre and marketing a varied programme of work in our venue’s tenth-anniversary year. Candidates must be reliable, responsible, conscientious and committed, with a high standard of literacy and numeracy, good IT skills, basic administration skills, and customer service experience – as well as an enthusiasm for the arts.

To apply: For full details and strict criteria for this placement, along with our application
form, please visit www.dancexchange.org.uk and select ‘jobs’, or call 0121 689
3170.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 13th December 2010.

Interview: If shortlisted you will be invited to attend an interview on Friday 7th January 2011.

Xmas Prezzie ideas for the Dance Artist in your life!

Foundation for Community Dance publishes four new handbooks for community dance artists.

This series of four inspirational handbooks, brimming with essential knowledge, creative guidance, practical advice and unique case studies are ideal for anyone leading in community dance settings.

For artists just starting out...

Passport to practice: An induction to professional practice by Diane Amans

For more experienced artists...

Dance and disabled people, by Isabel Jones

Dance, health and wellbeing, by Miranda Tufnell

Dance and age inclusive practice, by Ruth Pethybridge

Each book is priced at £15 for FCD members and £20 for non-members

For more information and to purchase a book visit http://www.communitydance.org.uk/metadot/index.pl?id=34158&isa=Category&op=show

The Great Train Dance!

Rosie Kay Dance Company

The Great Train Dance on the Severn Valley Railway

Stepping into the Severn Valley world of trains and journeys into the past, Rosie Kay Dance Company is getting into gear to lead the region in a dance to another time.

On 23 July 2011, The Great Train Dance performers; dancers and students from throughout the region, will transform the Severn Valley Railway into a magical experience with a puzzle to solve. In a Hitchcock style thriller designed for families, this fascinating performance will soon draw all ages on the train into the world of the absurd and seduce everyone into hunting for clues.

Local heritage mixing with the allure of steam will create a surreal backdrop for this mystery. As the landscape comes alive with dancers, the puzzle of The Great Train Dance will unfold. Equipped with a map and a keen eye for unexpected goings on, record your findings until all is revealed in the finale at Highley Engine House.

The Great Train Dance is a Dancing for the Games project, funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to create a cultural and sporting legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK. The project is inspired by London 2012 and part of the Cultural Olympiad in the West Midlands. The initiative will involve upwards of 500 participants in a variety of roles and over the next few months, 16 appointed dance leaders will be encouraging local people to join in both as dancers and in the fun activities surrounding and supporting the project.

Groups will be formed from February 2011 and the happening itself will be created throughout May, June and July until the performance on 23rd July during the Severn Valley Railway's 'In Bloom' season.

"Steam trains have always been a big part of my family life so it's very exciting for me to be creating a unique dance around the Severn Valley Railway. It is an ambitious but easily accessible project which everyone can get involved in in some way. The work is part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad and it's going to be fun as well as an opportunity to do something completely different. It's got national as well as regional appeal, from train enthusiasts to people who have maybe never visited the railway or seen a steam train up close before." Rosie Kay

If you are aged between 11 - 25 years and want to take part in the event, contact the Rosie Kay Dance Company on info@rosiekay.co.uk. If you are in the Severn Valley Region and want to get involved you could even set up your own satellite event or take part as a volunteer. Don't forget to tell Rosie Kay Dance Company what you are planning.

Performance tickets go on sale in early 2011.

Dance Tutors wanted!

Castle Bromwich Youth & Community Centre are looking for a new dance tutor to enhance their peer led Break & Street dance sessions on Thursday evenings. There are 20 -46 young people who regularly attend and they are seeking an enthusiastic teacher to assist.

In order to apply for the role of the dance tutor, artists can book to give a free taster session any Tuesday between 6-8pm or Thursday between 7-9pm up to the first week in December. They will be judged on style, interaction with young people, ability to lead the group, and dance skills. These sessions will be recorded and the young people will decide who they would like to employ for 10 x 1hr session during Jan - March 2011.

Interested artists can contact Lynette Reid on 07733457611, or email on lyreid@solihull.gov.uk. Or phone Castle Bromwich Youth Centre on 0121 747 5744.

Lead Dance Artist for 'Making Links' Project

Job Description for: Lead Dance Artist for the “Making Links” Project

Job Title: Lead Dance Artist
(Fixed-term Contract)

Responsible To: The “Making Links” Steering Group

Purpose of Post: To contribute to the vision of the “Making Links” Project
To lead the choreographic and artistic process culminating in
Performances in March 2011

Key Relationships (Internal): “Making Links” Steering Group

Key Relationships (External): Local schools, Local Dance Artists
Specialist Dance Teachers in schools, School Dance
Project Coordinators Dudley Performing Arts

Context:

Sandwell MBC in partnership with Dudley MBC are funded by People Dancing to deliver an exciting an innovative dance programme called “Making Links” which is part of “Dancing for the Games”

The programme is Co-ordinated by Dudley Performing Arts and managed by the “Making Links” Steering Group

The Programme:

Inspired by the values of the Cultural Olympiad and by the great chain-making heritage of the Black Country, this youth dance programme is about Making Links.

The 18 month programme in three creative phases from May 2010 – August 2011 has the focus of forging links between the schools and youth dance sectors of Dudley and Sandwell.

In the creation of new performance pieces for varying levels of ability, it will link young people, teachers and dance leaders with each other and with the inspirational practice of professional dance artists and choreographers.

The themes for choreography will focus on links between the Black Country’s past, present and future, between generations, cultures and across the World.

Each episodic performance piece will represent one link in the chain of dance events celebrating the industrial heritage of the Black Country towns of Sandwell and Dudley.

So far over 400 dancers have performed during the first phase!

The second phase will involve creating new work with 8 schools supported by Local Dance Artists and Dance Teachers leading to performances in March in Dudley and Sandwell.

The role of the Lead Dance Artist will be to ensure that the aims and objectives of the “Making Links” project are achieved in Sandwell and Dudley through an inspirational creative dance programme.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

The Lead Dance Artist will report to the “Making Links” Steering Group and will:-

· Lead an inspirational choreographic programme that meets the aims and objectives of
“Making Links”
· Provide a clear Artistic and Choreographic vision for the next phase of the project
· Lead training workshops for local Dance Artists and Teachers to work as support artists to
the project contributing to local dance development
· Work with local schools, in the creation of the next performance platform scheduled for
March 2011
· Work in partnership with Dudley Performing Arts, Co-ordinators of the operational
programme
· Work within the agreed time-scale to deliver the project outcomes
· Report as requested to the “Making Links” Steering Group
· Contribute to the evaluation and reporting of the “Making Links” project

General

· To ensure that all partnerships relating to the project are properly consolidated and
maintained
· To act as an advocate for “Making Links” at all times
· To attend training and meetings deemed appropriate by the “Making Links “ Steering
Group
· To conform to current theories in safe practice, ensuring the Health and Safety of
participants and yourself at all times
· To work in a way that celebrates diversity in practice, projects and participants, working
towards “Making Links” (Dudley and Sandwell MBC) equal opportunities policy, child
protection policy and other policies
· To create models of good practice for dance in the Black Country
· To undertake any other duties as deemed appropriate to the position by “Making Links”
Steering Group

Qualifications:

A Dance Qualification at degree level or equivalent
Strong choreographic skills
Training in Contemporary dance technique
More than 2 years experience of choreographic work with young people
Proven experience in leading choreographic projects

Applicants should possess

A current enhanced CRB certificate
Public Liability Insurance

Conditions of Service:

Start date: 10th December

Base: (Dudley Performing Arts)

Salary: £ 6,250 for 25 days work plus travel

Contract: 10th December 2010 – 31st March 2011

Hours: Weekdays in school time
Training at week-end / Twilight (to be negotiated)

Notice: 1 month’s probation period.
One week’s notice in the first month, one month’s notice thereafter.

To apply for the above post please send a copy of your current CV and letter of application to
Maggie Lewis, Netherton Arts Centre, Northfield Rd, Netherton, Dudley, DY29ER

Closing date for application 22nd November 2010
Interview date 3rd December 2010
Creative Meeting 10th December 2010

“Making Links” is part of the People Dancing programme, part of the West Midlands’ Programme for London 2012 funded by Legacy Trust UK, Arts Council England West Midlands and Advantage West Midlands.

Professional male dance artists required for Boys Dancing, West Midlands

Boys Dancing is a West Midlands wide project* that will provide inspirational opportunities for boys and young men from across the region to create, perform and enjoy contemporary dance, taking place from early 2011 through to Summer 2012.

By Summer 2012 more than 2,000 boys and young men will take part in a wide range of dance activities in Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The boys and young men involved will be of all abilities, all backgrounds and from all communities, and the activity will take place in schools, youth centres, a prison, after school groups and pupil referral units.

The Boys Dancing partners** would like to hear from professional male dance artists who are interested in getting involved with the project and leading the activity.

There is a substantial amount of activity due to take place in North Shropshire, South Shropshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire and we are particularly interested to hear from artists that would be able to work in these areas.

Skills/knowledge required
Anyone interested in this opportunity should possess

Strong contemporary dance technique
A qualification in dance to degree level, or equivalent
At least 2 years experience of teaching/leading dance activity with young people
Strong choreographic skills and experience of creating work for performance with young people
Current, valid Public Liability Insurance
A CRB Disclosure at Enhanced Level that has been issued within the last 2 years

You must also be able to provide the details of 2 referees who know your work in a teaching/leading or choreographic context.

Timescale
Activity will begin January-February 2011 towards performances that will take place Spring/Summer 2011 (dependent on geographic area) in the first instance. Activity that will take place from Autumn 2011 to Summer 2012 will be planned at a later date.

To express your interest in this opportunity:
Please send a current CV and covering letter, along with details of your availability in the first 6 months of 2011 and an indication of your ability to travel to the different areas where the activity will take place across the region, by email to Sarah Jassal at Dancescape, sjassal@solihull.gov.uk.

For more information about the project and 2009-10 activity, go to www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/education

*Boys Dancing is a People Dancing commission, part of the West Midlands’ Culture Programme for London 2012 funded by Legacy Trust UK, Arts Council England, West Midlands and Advantage West Midlands. People Dancing uses the inspiration of the London 2012 Games to get as many people as possible dancing in the West Midlands.
**Boys Dancing partners; Warwick Arts Centre (lead), Dancescape, Beingfrank Physical Theatre, Coventry Youth Service, WYAN/Warwickshire Youth Service, Worcestershire County Council Arts Education Service, Dudley Performing Arts Service, Sandwell MBC, Shropshire County Council, Staffordshire Performing Arts.

Raw Energy Applications Open!

The Best of Raw Energy celebrates the work of U.Dance Youth Dance Platforms at DanceXchange as well as the youth dance work that has taken place all over the West Midlands over the last two years. In addition to presenting work from the past DanceXchange are also looking for two youth groups to present current performance pieces.

If the following criteria applies to you and you would like to apply to perform in one of the two available slots please download and complete the application form and return to DanceXchange by Thursday 25 November 2010.

· Groups must demonstrate a commitment to rehearsal and high standard of performance
· Imaginative use of costume
· The maximum performance duration is six minutes
· Groups must be based in the West Midlands
· Dancers must be aged between 11-19
· There must be between 4-10 dancers
· All groups must have at least two CRB checked chaperones
· You must send a DVD of the performance you want to present

Completed application forms should be returned to:
DanceXchange // Level 5 Birmingham Hippodrome // Thorp Street // Birmingham // B5 4TB

Or by email to rosie.gunn@dancexchange.org.uk or by fax to 0121 689 3179
For more information contact rosie.gunn@dancexchange.org.uk or phone 0121 689 3079

Dancescape Professional Development Sessions Coming Soon!

Dancescape are running two professional development sessions this Autumn – for artists and teachers in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire. The sessions, led by dance artist and choreographer Clare Palethorpe will provide a fresh approach to choreography with young people. Clare will look at ways that leaders can help young people create their own work and encourage them to think innovatively about dance. This session would be suitable for teachers or artists leading GCSE, BTEC or A level dance courses, or leading sessions with Youth Dance Companies.

When: Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th November 2010
Where: Tuesday 16th at Stratford-upon-Avon College, 4.30 – 7.00pm
Thursday 18th at Coventry Performing Arts Service Studios, Coventry, 4.00 – 6.30pm
Cost: FREE

There are 20 places for each session on a first come, first served basis. The cost of these sessions is being subsidised by Youth Dance Activity Funds provided by Youth Dance England. To register for a place, please email Hayley at heguest@solihull.gov.uk or phone on 0121 704 6309.

New contemporary dance classes in Leamington Spa

A new contemporary dance class has begun in Leamington Spa.

The classes are led by dance artist Genevieve Ollerearnshaw, are Limon based and set at a general open level.

Classes take place on Thursdays, 7 - 8.15 pm, at Motionhouse Dance Studios, Spencer Yard, Spencer Street, Leamington Spa.

Cost: £7 or £5 for concessions (including students). People can just drop in and take part, no booking necessary.

For more information contact Genevieve Ollerearnshaw on 07849 158 850 or email genevieveoshaw@hotmail.co.uk

Dancefest seek a Choreographer

Dancefest is offering a choreographic commission as part of 12 Moves, a Worcestershire project for the Cultural Olympiad

Dancefest is looking for an exciting choreographer to join the creative team of 12 Moves to produce the dance element of this multi faceted site specific dance and film project under the artistic direction of digital artists SDNA.The brief includes the devising and producing of a series of flashmobs for July 2011 and the production of both dance for film and live dance for the final son et lumiere type events in March 2012.Deadline for applications 5pm Monday 15 November.

For more information go to
http://www.dancefest.co.uk/index.php?vacancy

Motionhouse | Future Jobs Fund Opportunities

Are you aged 18 – 24 years?

Have you been unemployed for at least 6 months?

Would you like to work for one of the country’s foremost touring dance companies?

If you answered YES to all of the above you could be eligible for one of two roles available with Motionhouse through the Future Jobs scheme.

Motionhouse are renowned for touring to theatres and festivals throughout the world with highly acclaimed productions which seamlessly integrate highly physical dance, breathtaking flying and striking theatrical imagery.

We are searching for enthusiastic individuals to fill the roles of Marketing Assistant and Office Assistant in our Leamington Spa office. Candidates should be conscientious, motivated and be able to work within a small team as well as independently. Full training will be provided so attitude is valued over experience! The roles are for 6 months working 25 hours a week and will be paid at the national minimum wage rate. They are an ideal starting point for anyone wishing to begin a career within the Arts.

Job descriptions and person specifications for the Marketing Assistant and Office Assistant roles can be downloaded from the News page of the Motionhouse website.

Applications must be made via the candidate’s local Job Centre where their eligibility will be checked. A vacancy reference number must be quoted on application for each of the posts, which is obtainable by emailing info@motionhouse.co.uk. Please note we cannot accept applications directly.

Closing Date for Applications:
5.00pm Monday 15 November 2010

Interviews:
Marketing Assistant Monday 22 November 2010
Office Assistant Tuesday 23 November 2010

Motionhouse
Spencer Yard, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 3SY [t] 01926 887 052 [f] 01926 316 734
[e] info@motionhouse.co.uk [w] www.motionhouse.co.uk

Education Officer required by Sonia Sabri Dance Company

Sonia Sabri Dance CompanyEducation Officer

Freelance, part-time position for 18 months (2 days per week)
Salary: £120 per day
Closing date for applications: Friday 12th November at 12pm (midday)

Sonia Sabri Company (SSCo) is a leading UK contemporary South Asian Dance company with a national and international programme of performance and education catering to people of all ages, experiences and cultural backgrounds. The Company are seeking a capable, committed and experienced individual to join the team at SSCo’s offices in Birmingham as Education Officer.The Education Officer is a new role which is being created to lead on and develop our education programme with schools, colleges, universities and communities regionally and nationally. The Education Officer will be the principal contact for building relationships with new and existing partners, developing new educational projects and securing funding, booking workshops, project management and evaluation. Their work will support our performance programme and the Education Officer will work closely with our Artistic Director and Projects Manager.You must have at least two years experience of managing artistic/educational projects, and be a good communicator with excellent organisation and time-management skills and a knowledge of the education sector. Knowledge of and interest in dance and/or the South Asian arts sector would also be desirable.

Please contact info@ssco.org.uk or 0121 442 6742 for a full application pack, including job description, person specification and details of how to apply.

The closing date for applications is Friday 12th November at 12pm (midday).

Residency and Performance opportunity with Fleur Darkin Ensemble

The Fleur Darkin Ensemble will be coming to Warwick Arts Centre with their new production DISGO. Creating a new and closer proximity between performer and audience, DISGO creates an exclusive experience for everyone. Combining riotous contemporary choreography with a visually stunning backdrop, DISGO is a dance experience not to be missed! See performance details below.

Residency

As part of the creation of the work the Fleur Darkin Ensemble are looking for young dancers, aged between 14-18, and graduates and professional artists to join Fleur Darkin and her professional company for a week’s residency. As well as taking part in daily dance classes, participants will have the unique opportunity to take part in the live performances at Warwick Arts Centre and perform alogside the cast of professional dancers.

Group 1: graduates and professional artists

Group 2: young dancers (aged 14-18)

Monday 22nd: 12pm - 4pm Group 1
5pm - 8pm Group 2
Tuesday 23rd: 12pm - 4pm Group 1
5pm - 8pm Group 2
Wednesday 24th: 12pm - 4pm Group 1
5pm - 8pm Group 2
Thursday 25th: 2pm full cast call (Groups 1 & 2)
Friday 26th: 5pm full cast call (Groups 1 & 2)

To book your place in Group 1, contact Elle Moreton
Tel: 0207 2072501 Email: producer@darkinensemble.com

To book your place in Group 2, contact Carly Mee

Tel: 024 7657 4786 Email: c.mee@warwick.ac.uk

Performance
DisGo at Warwick Arts Centre
Thu 25 & Fri 26 Nov 7.45pm
Studio: £10.50 (£8.50)
Choreographer: Fleur Darkin

Choreography is more than something to look at. DisGo is vibration, sensation and chaos.

Dance at DisGo and create a unique piece of live theatre. Bringing you together with the Darkin Ensemble dancers, DisGo is framed by a combination of music, light, digital design and cutting edge contemporary dance.

Based on the spontaneous choreographies that happen on the nightclub dancefloors every Friday and Saturday night, the heart of DisGo is within the individual experiencing it. There are some rules and some mysteries. The cast dance raw and virtuosic choreography and the audience do as much, or as little, as they please, making DisGo an incredible interactive experience.

In the darkness and light, we play.

Dance Artists required for project in North Solihull

Dance artists are required to lead after school clubs in North Solihull; artists who are passionate about dance and have experience working with young people. Ideally candidates will be able to teach dance styles to engage the target group for the project, which are girls aged between 11 and 16 years who are currently not taking part in extra curricular physical activity.

Each after school club will run for 15 weeks in six schools between November 2010 and February 2011. From this, the groups will be invited to showcase their dance at a celebration of dance from schools across the School Sports Partnership.

Artist requirements:
Artists must have professional dance training (or equivalent experience)
Artists must possess a current CRB at Enhanced Level and public liability insurance

Lead artists (delivering after school clubs):
Will be paid at £40 per session to lead the group and create a performance piece with them.

Dates of sessions:
Clubs will run on one day a week – specified by the school. Sessions start week commencing 1/11/10, for 15 sessions finishing by week commencing 28/2/11.

Project Organisers:
Dannie Parker – Partnership Development Manager at Smiths Wood Sports College, North Solihull
Hayley Duffield - Solihull Arts Complex Dance Artist in Residence, Solihull MBC

If you are interested in applying for either of the above positions please send a CV with covering letter to:

Hayley Duffield
Solihull Arts Complex
Homer Road
Solihull
B91 3RG
Or email to hduffield@solihull.gov.uk

Closing date extended to Tuesday 19th October 2010.

Bounce!10

Dancescape presents its annual sub regional youth dance showcase

An evening of performances by youth dance groups and companies from across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.

Tickets: £5 each - buy one get one free!

Box Office: 0121 704 6962

Apprentice Dance Artist (male) Required, Coventry

Coventry Performing Arts Service is seeking a male Apprentice Dance Artist for their current touring dance performance ‘You Will Need Me’. The artist will be required to take a performance role as part of a schools tour initially from January to July 2011 and a week long rehearsal period in October.

Interested applicants should have a degree in dance (or equivalent) and some performance experience. Experience of working in a secondary school setting would be desirable.

Dates of Employment
Rehearsal Period – Monday 18th October to Friday 22nd October 2010
School Tour – January 2011 to July 2011 (minimum of 10 performance dates)

Fees
2010/2011- 1 week rehearsal period and a minimum of 10 performances
Fee: £900.00 gross
Should bookings exceed 10 performances then further payments will be made.

Person spec/requirements: Please contact PAS for current person spec (contact details below).

As part of this opportunity you will become part of Dancescape’s Apprenticeship Programme. You will be provided with a mentor; one to one support and a recorded learning experience which will enable you to set goals, evaluate your practice and reflect upon your experiences within the project. Some of the objectives may include;
To understand the role of the dance practitioner in varying educational settings
To develop your dance leadership skills in schools
To understand the processes and objectives of developing a dance and health project
To undertake the processes of rehearsal and performance alongside established performers.

How to apply
To apply please forward a current CV and application letter (by email or post) stating your experience and why you think you would be suitable for this opportunity. It would also be helpful to inform us if you have a current enhanced CRB disclosure form. The successful applicant will be required to have an enhanced CRB check.

Send your application to:
Yael Owen-Mckenna
Deputy Head of Service and Team Leader for Dance
Performing Arts Service Coventry
Chase Studio Centre
Robin Hood Road
Willenhall
Coventry
CV3 3AN
Email: yael.owen-mckenna@coventry.gov.uk
Tel: 02476 788595/8584

Closing Date: Monday 11th October 2010 by 12 noon.

Class and Interviews will take place on: Wednesday 13th October 2010 at Chase Studio Centre (address below).
Class 10am – 11.30am
Interviews will take place from 12 noon

You will need to be available for all of the rehearsal period 18th-22nd October 2010

Youth Dance England release Young People's Dance a Ten Year Vision

Young People's Dance: A Ten Year Vision, the 2010-2020 plan for the development of children and young people's dance in England, was launched at the YDE Conference on 23rd September where it was championed by Ed Vaizey, Wayne McGregor and Tony Hall amongst others. The Vision identifies needs in high quality teaching and workforce development, increased opportunities for participation and performance both in and out of school settings, dance space development, and strengthening the national young people's dance network.Download the Ten Year Vision for free and join the Ten Year Vision page on Facebook to share your views on the next steps.

http://www.yde.org.uk/documents/Publications/Ten%20Year%20Vision_PDF.pdf

Rugby Youth Dance Company welcomes new members

Come and join Rugby’s newest and freshest dance company for young people!

Rugby Youth Dance Company is an opportunity for young people aged 14 years and above to develop their dance technique, choreography and performance skills. Led by professional dance artists, Rugby Youth Dance Company’s work is in a creative contemporary style, full of quirkiness and fun!

When? every Thursday during term time, 6-7.30pm
Where? Avon Valley SchoolNewbold Road, Rugby

In 2010, 2011 and 2012 Rugby Youth Dance Company will be taking part in

• Performances at showcases, events and festivals across the region
• Godiva Awakes – a large scale event as part of London2012
• Workshops, sharings and new dance experiences
• Visits to see other youth and professional dance companies

If you’re interested in joining Rugby Youth Dance Company contact Sarah Jassal at Dancescape
Tel: 0121 704 6747
Email: sjassal@solihull.gov.uk

or just come along to a session!!

New youth dance company in Stratford-upon-Avon

Nova Dance Company - a new youth dance company in Stratford-upon-Avon

Nova Dance Company is offering 6 weekly taster sessions open to anyone ages 14-19yrs!

Be part of something new and exciting!

The sessions will involve learning fun and dynamic contemporary dance routines, experimenting with improvisation and choreography and working with dance artist and choreographer Becky Foster. There will also be an audition on the final week for permanent company members.

Dates: Tuesdays, October 5th – Novemb...er 16th (excluding 26th October)

Time: 4.45pm – 6.15pm

Location: FF12 Dance Studio, Stratford-upon-Avon College

Cost: £5 per session (pay-as-you-go) or £26 for all 6 (pay first session)

Dress: comfortable clothing and bare feet

Level: Previous dance experience is helpful but not essential

You are required to bring a completed registration form to your first session. For a registration form or more info contact Becky directly on nova_dance@hotmail.co.uk or ring 07920 797 218.

Please arrive 10 minutes early to each session.

Cheques made out to ‘Rebecca Foster’ accepted for 2nd payment option only.

Contemporary classes with Laura Dredger

When? Every Thursday until 16 December 2010, 6.30-7.30pm
Where? Solihull 6th Form College, Widney Manor Road, Solihull, B91 3WR
More info
£5 per session open class, suitable for beginners or for the more experienced dancer who wants to focus on core technique.
Age 16+

For those new to contemporary dance, this is a perfect introduction for you, and will guarantee you won’t regret giving something new a try, for those who have experience it’s a chance to refresh your existing skills!

This release based class combines technique exercises that will develop and prepare the dancing body for movement sequences that challenge and inspire. There will be an emphasis on how the floor can support the moving body and build confidence as a dancer.

lddc have a fantastic offer, attend 9 classes and get the 10th class for free!

laura dredger dance company
www.lauradredger.co.uk
dredgerlaura@hotmail.com

Please contact if you require you any further info.

Coventry Youth Dance and Coventry Junior Youth Dance Auditions!

When? Tuesday, 5th October, 6-8pm
Where? King Henry VIII School, Warwick Road, Coventry

More info
Join in the groups for a fun and exciting dance experience! The audition will consist of a dance class and a choreography session.

Coventry Youth Dance (14-19yrs) is led by Alexis Haines and meets every Tuesday 6.00-8.00pm, at King Henry VIII School, Warwick Road, Coventry CV3 6AQ.

Coventry Youth Junior Dance (9-13yrs) is led by Gemma Bowen and meets every Wednesday 6.00-8.00pm at chace studio centre, 239a Robin Hood Road, Coventry CV3 3AN.

Termly fee of £20.00

Come along and take part in an exciting programme of Dance Classes, Choreography and Performance!

For more information please call 024 7678 8575.

refleX youth dance company auditions

Following last week’s successful round of auditions, refleX (DanceXchange’s resident youth dance company) are holding a 2nd audition, by invitation only this Saturday 2 October from 4pm-6:30pm. We are looking for strong dancers, aged 15-19yrs, who want a career in dance, and the opportunity to create and perform challenging contemporary works.

This year, refleX will be working with an outstanding team of British choreographers to create performance pieces which will be showcased at the end of the year in The Patrick Centre, as well as at other platforms over the course of the year. It will be a very demanding year for the group, so a high level of commitment, both to the group and your own development is essential.

We would like to invite you to come along this Saturday to work with choreographer David Massingham and rehearsal Director Elisabetta D’Aloia. Please confirm your attendance by emailing me on cat.boffy@dancexchange.org.uk.

For more information contact:
Cat Boffy
Class Coordinator
DanceXchange
cat.boffy@dancexchange.org.uk
T: 0121 689 3170

http://www.dancexchange.org.uk/

Mobius classes and performance group

Tuesday's: Oct 12th - Dec 7th 2010
8 week course (not the 26th Oct)
Venue...Ellen Terry Building ET221 Jordan Well, Coventry. CV1 5FB
Class & performance group: Led by Kate Mason

Class: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Learn juicy, athletic sequences, moving in and out of the ground, working to articulate and push the body physically, shifting the dynamic and flow across the space. Also focussing on a functional approach to how we move with and support the body.

Performance Group: 8:15pm - 9:30pm
The performance group was established in January 2009, and have since performed at IKEA, The Herbert Art Gallery, Rugby's Art in the Park & Tiffany's. Where next???!!!

Level for class & performance group : Open level (some dance experience required).

Costs for the term...
Class:£52.00 - Non student£24.00 – Student
Performance group:£48.00 - Non student £20.00 - Student
Or why not do BOTH and get a 10% DISCOUNT:£90.00 - Non student£40.00 - Student

To secure your place please email your interest to: kate@mobiusdance.com by the 8TH OCTOBER 2010! Not long now...

Dance at Warwick Arts Centre this Autumn

New dance performance series, Coventry

BBC Performing Arts Fund - Young People's Musical Theatre scheme

Young People’s Musical Theatre scheme

The BBC have now launched their new scheme that aims to encourage young people to take part in musical theatre. The new initiative, called the Young People's Musical Theatre scheme, is offering £200,000 in grants for training and development, and particularly for projects that encourage new members or audiences. The scheme is open to non-profit theatre groups which have a youth section, or are made up of members who are under the age of 25. Theatre groups applying should regularly put on musical theatre productions, but funding is also available for those wishing to produce a musical for the very first time! Groups may wish to work with other local groups or schools, run workshops with professionals, or apply for funding in order to hire a live band, director or choreographer.

Applications can be made via our website now and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 30th November 2010.

The winners will be announced in January 2011.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/performingartsfund/ypmt/

Ballet teacher required in Warwick

Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Warwick are looking for an after school

Ballet Teacher
(ISTD/RAD qualified to enter children for exams)

Anyone interested in this opportunity should send their CV to:

Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing
Macbeth Approach
Warwick
CV34 6AD
01926 314142

Fao Yvette Tanner/Sarah Bell

warwick.memberservices@nuffieldhealth.com

Dance graduate apprentice placement with Sonia Sabri Company

9 week voluntary opportunity 6th December 2010 – 18th February 2011

Sonia Sabri Company are a UK based dance company with an international reputation for creating exciting work which explores new facets of Indian Kathak dance. Our upcoming production, Kathakbox, introduces Urban Kathak, a meeting of Kathak dance and hip-hop culture. Spoken word, rap, beatbox, global rhythms, street dance, breaking and Kathak combine in a performance that is literally ‘out of the box’.

Kathakbox’s final phase of development will be from December 2010 – February 2011, comprising devising and rehearsal. We are seeking a recent graduate in dance to join us for this exciting and crucial period, with the following opportunities for personal & professional development:

• Experience of the process of devising and rehearsal in a professional touring company with opportunities to shadow the choreographer, dancers and musical collaborators
• Support the devising process by acting as an understudy/proxy for choreographer and dancer Sonia Sabri
• Experience a fresh and different approach to dance and music, and the relationship of choreography and musical composition in the rehearsal room
• Working with four other dancers, a beatboxer, a table player and spoken word artist, as each artist ventures into daring zones.
• Gaining experience of all sides of creating a touring production: dance, music, costume, lighting, tech week, management/pr (according to interest)
• A day of mentoring/support for the graduate’s own work/areas of interest, with choreographer Sonia Sabri
• Attending company classes free
• free tickets to Kathakbox’s premiere

We would like to hear from dancers with the following qualities:

• Training to BA level in Contemporary Dance (experience/understanding of additional dance styles e.g. hip-hop/kathak/street also desirable)
• Female, maximum height 5 feet 2 inches
• An open mind and can-do, confident attitude. All artists in Kathakbox will be exploring new territory and working outside their accustomed comfort zones!
• Ability and enthusiasm to work as part of a team
• West-Midlands based, as no travel expenses can be provided
• Interest in additional aspects of creating and touring productions, eg tech, management, marketing, social media

Salary: Unpaid
Duration: 6th December 2010 – 18th February 2011 (9 weeks)
Location: devising and rehearsal will take place at mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, and any additional activities at Sonia Sabri Company’s nearby offices.
How to apply: Please email a CV with photo and covering letter (up to 1 side of A4) explaining your dance background and interest in the project to Sonia@ssco.org.uk

Shortlisted applicants will be auditioned by Sonia Sabri.
Closing date: Friday 15th October 2010

New exhibition featuring dance at Rugby Art Gallery & Museum

New exhibition premieres dance works featuring Guillem, Forsythe and De Keersmaeker

From the Inside: performance, screen and the gallery space at Rugby Art Gallery & Museum is open now and runs until 31 October 2010.

The exhibition includes works by Peter Welz & William Forsythe, Thierry De Mey and Anna Teresa De Keersmaeker, Clemens von Wedemeyer, Jonathan Burrows, Sylvie Guillem and Adam Roberts and Ulrike Rosenbach. Additionally the film, Jackson Pollock, 1951 by Hans Namuth and Paul Falkenberg is available in an education space. The film has been made available courtesy of Concord Media. It includes the first exhibition of Peter Welz and William Forsythe’s work whenever on on on nohow on airdrawing, 2004, as an "in the round" installation. Installed on five huge screens, the life-size projections of Forsythe, fully immerse the viewer in the work, unsettling the space shared by both Forsythe’s body and the audience/viewer. It is also be the first time that the Guillem /Burrows/ Roberts film Blue/Yellow, 1995, has been exhibited as an installation. Installed in this way Guillem’s performance delivers powerful readings about ‘presence’.

Through a pairing device, this exhibition explores how time, screen space and installation space are examined and experienced in differing ways through installation works which use moving image with dance and performance emanating from different disciplines and languages. It foregrounds the dialogue created between the space and the viewer, and the physical relationship between movement, language, image, frame and space in works emanating from both the performing and the visual arts. The exhibition is curated by Portland Green.

Admission is free of charge. For further information, contact Rugby Art Gallery & Museum on (01788) 533 201 or ragm@rugby.gov.uk. Alternatively, visit www.ragm.org.uk/exhibitions or http://www.portlandgreen.com/fromtheinside.html

Sticky Toffee auditions for choreographers/teachers

Masterclass with Caramel from Blaze Street Dance, Sunday 3rd October

COME AND JOIN IN A 1 OFF MASTERCLASS WITH CARAMEL FROM THE BLAZE PRODUCTION ON SUNDAY 3RD OCTOBER @
STICKY DANCE STUDIO, ARCH 22 LIONEL STREET, SNOWHILL, B3 1AT

6PM - 7.30PM
ONLY £10

For more information contact:

Toffee, Dance Director

Sticky Dance Studio
Arch 22, Lionel Street,
Snowhill,
B3 1DL

+44 0121 010 8737
07779077902
http://www.trustreetdance.com/

Midlands Best Dance Crew auditions

Midlands Best Dance Crew Auditions
Saturday 2nd October 1- 4pm

Punch & 2Funky present MIDLANDS BEST DANCE CREW 2010, the urban dance championship comes to Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 12 November. The event will enable the hottest street dancers to compete in the hope of winning the cash prize, 12 of the Midland’s best crews will battle it out to win the trophy, £1k and claim the title of Midlands Best Dance Crew 2010.

If you would like to take part in the auditions this Saturday at the mac in Birmingham, then please complete the registration form via Punch's website or call Gurpreet on 0121 224 7441.

http://punch-records.co.uk/2010/08/03/midlands-best-dance-crew-2010/

Solihull Youth Dance Company audition

Audition for Solihull Youth Dance Company

Alderbrook School, Solihull

When: Thursday 30th September, 7.00 – 8.30pm
Where: At The Edge Studio, Alderbrook Leading Edge School & Arts College

Solihull Youth Dance Company (SYDC) is a regional contemporary youth dance company run by Alderbrook School in association with Dancescape

Company members participate in regular technical classes, rehearsals and performances. SYDC is a wonderful and valuable experience for any dancer considering a career in Dance and can support dancers training at G.C.S.E/Btec and A-level standard. The Company can offer recent University Graduates a regular technique class and opportunities to lead and choreograph.

AUDITION PROCESS:

Auditions will begin promptly at 7.00pm and are open to dancers male and female aged 15-25, younger dancers are considered providing technical ability is of a high standard.

Dancers will participate in a warm up and learn some choreography. There will also be time to create and perform and they may be asked to stay for an interview.

Dancers do not need to prepare any material for the audition.

For further information please contact Sita Manghnani Hans at Alderbrook School on 0121 704 2146 or email s201smanghnanihans@alderbrook.solihull.sch.uk

Movin' On Up

Movin’ On Up
Saturday 12th June 2010
Ellen Terry Building, Coventry University
1.00pm until 5.00pm

This is a careers fair with a twist! Young people from across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire are invited, along with their families and/or teachers, to come and discover more about future opportunities in dance. So if you know someone who’s between 14 and 19 years old, and aiming for a career in professional dance, or a young person who wants to become a dance teacher or a choreographer, then this may just give them some of the answers they need.

The afternoon will be packed with taster workshops to find out what it’s like to be in an audition, or what to expect if you enrol on a university dance course. There will be talks and Q&A sessions from professional artists, graduates, and current students. And a whole room dedicated to all the information you need to get on in dance; talk to representatives from local training venues, pick up information from dance institutions around the country, see how you can get involved in a local youth group, and sign up to keep up to date with all the latest news and opportunities.

This is an opportunity not to be missed!!!

The whole day will be ending with a Big Youth Dance JAM! Time to prove that it’s not only break dancers that can throw down their moves!

Please feel free to pass this information on to your students/groups/young people that you work with.

To attend the event, please send your details to hduffield@solihull.gov.uk or phone 0121 704 6309. Numbers are limited due to the capacity of the building.
Details of how to get to Ellen Terry Building can be found at http://wwwp.coventry.ac.uk/d/1268 - just click on the name of the building on the right of the map.

Opportunities for professional artists

Making Space 2010 Application deadline 28th March

The application deadline for the Making Space artist residency is approaching, for a chance to be involved in the residency and investigate and develop your ideas visit www.summerdancing.co.uk or email makingspace@summerdancing.co.uk

Making Space is a process-led residency that takes place alongside the Summer Dancing festival 2010. The residency offers time and space to support artists to further develop and investigate a particular area of interest.

Making Space takes place in the three weeks prior to Summer Dancing (4-26 June) and full participation at the festival (June 25-3 July) is included in the package. The residency provides space, materials, accommodation and where appropriate other dancers to support the artists' enquiry. The emphasis of the programme is on process although there will be performance opportunities or studio based sharings where appropriate. There is the possibility for mentoring from a Summer Dancing 2010 artist.

Applications are welcomed from artists working with movement as their primary practice, but acknowledge that this may manifest in a variety of forms such as new media, performance and live art. Making Space welcomes applications from artists based in the West Midlands, UK and internationally.

Submissions should express an interest in two or more of the following:
Somatic informed work.
Process-led practices.
Work that is informed by site or environment.
An openess to collaborations and/or interdisciplinary performance.
An interest in developing a discourse about own working process and aesthetic.

Deadline for submission of completed applications Sunday 28 March 2010

To apply for a place at Making Space, please send a proposal including:
Current research area/interests
Statement of intent for Making Space
CV

Submissions will be assessed by an experienced panel.
Please send your application to makingspace@summerdancing.co.uk
or by post to:
Summer DancingInstitute for Creative Enterprise (ICE)Coventry Technology ParkPuma WayCV1 2TT

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Postgraduate Certificate in Physical Theatre for Dancers and Actors

This postgraduate certificate is a Continuing Professional Development course for postgraduate experienced dancers and actors moving into a new area of work namely dance theatre, introducing new techniques that combine vocal, kinaesthetic and visual skills and responses. The focus of the course will be to understand and explore Vardimon’s method and approach of creating physical theatre work and will be taught by Jasmin Vardimon and the collaborators of the Jasmin Vardimon Company.Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells, award-winning director/choreographer Jasmin Vardimon is one of this country’s leading pioneers of dance theatre. Combining physical theatre, dance, text, music and innovative technologies, Vardimon is renowned for her acute observations of human behaviour, distinguished by her beautifully detailed movement, insightful humour and social relevance.The aim of the course is to engage students in practical methods and skills in the creation of physical theatre practice.You will experiment with a variety of aspects of the physical theatre work to include movement, dynamic speech, object integration, media usage and sound. Teaching will primarily be through experiential workshops with students given tasks for improvisation and exploration. The workshop will promote dynamic activity; with time to both experiment practically and to respond with detailed feedback.The dramaturgy of physical theatre will be built upon throughout the course so that aspects of developing narrative, working with text and voice, set, props or multi-media will be incorporated.Towards the end of the training period you will work to create studio-based compositions which reflect the physical and vocal skills that have been developed.The course will consist of 8 intensive weekend workshops and a full-time week in June.Audition Date:Thursday 8th April 2010. The audition is by invitation only. Registration will take place at 9.30 and the audition will begin promptly at 10:00Location: the Boilerhouse, Royal Holloway University of London. (Maps)To be considered please apply online and include 2 references and a copy of your degree certificate (if you have it already). You do not need to include samples of your academic writing at this stage. If you have any queries please contact drama@rhul.ac.uk.

For more information contact:
Jasmin Vardimon Company@ South East Dance, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton, Sussex, BN1 4AJ.
Tel: 01273 645266

Youth Dance News

In this month’s Dancescape youth dance e-news…….

Free choreolab at DanceXchange
Dance Links Application Information
National Youth Dance Conference 2010
Workshop Opportunities with Rosie Kay Dance Company

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Free choreography sessions for young people

DanceXchange in partnership with Youth Dance England (YDE) are running FREE choreolab sessions for young dance artists aged 15– 19 (up to 24 years if disabled).

Ideal for young people looking to develop their choreography skills, especially those studying for GCSE, A Level or BTEC in Dance, the three sessions are being led by experienced choreographer and Contemporary Dance teacher Clare Palethorpe.

26 March 5pm - 9pm
27 March 10am - 6pm
28 March 10am - 6pm

DanceXchange studios, Birmingham

All participants will also have an opportunity to apply for YDE Young Creatives 2011, a national initiative that focuses on developing the skills of young choreographers through mentoring, residential workshops and seminars and performance opportunities.

For further information and to register please contact Toby Norman-Wright at toby.norman-wright@dancexchange.org.uk by Friday 19 March

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Dance Links – Applications Open

Applications are now open for Dance Links 2010, a fantastic programme which aims to increase the amount of dance activity on offer to children and young people.
The programme gives participants working in any dance style the chance to develop their skills and experience in delivering dance in schools, both within and beyond the curriculum. Dance Links is designed for Dance Artists, Practitioners and out-of-school Dance providers who all wish to develop their skills in dance.

Is Dance Links for you? There are Dance Links Activity Plan funds from YDE tied to projects that are due to be developed with West Midlands School Sports Partnerships and one key criteria is that the School Sports Partnerships must identify a Dance Links trained artist to deliver the project – so this training could directly lead to work opportunities and is therefore worth considering!

Details: A two day residential programme to help you develop your skills in delivering dance
Cost: £75.00 including all meals and accommodation
Dates and Venue: 3rd and 4th September 2010, Birmingham
10th and 11th September 2010, Manchester and Winchester

The programme will cover:
Principles of best practise in dance both in and out of schools
High quality learning and teaching
Identification of your strengths and professional development needs
Contexts, practicalities and essentials of working in and out of schools
Management of resources, time and behaviour

Dance Links is managed by Youth Dance England, which has commissioned the National Dance Teachers Association to bring you this series of exceptional two-day residential training events.

Spaces are limited so please apply now to avoid disappointment. Application deadline is 30th April 2010.

To apply please email dancelinks@ndta.org.uk with your name, address and phone number, or phone 01543 308618, and the NDTA will send you full details of the training and an application form.

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National Youth Dance Conference 2010
‘A Shared Vision for the Future’

When: 23-24 September 2010
Where: The Mermaid Conference & Events Centre, London

This Conference marks a very exciting time for Youth Dance England, and its partners, as YDE launches the first National Strategy for Children and Young People’s Dance 2010-2020. The Conference offers you a platform to share and discuss the strategy and its delivery in aiming to deliver a world class dance experience for all children and young people.

With special guests:
Dr Maggie Atkinson, Children’s Commissioner for England
Baroness Sue Campbell, Chair, Youth Sport Trust
Julie Dyson AM, National Director, Australian Dance Council – Ausdance
Lord Tony Hall, Chief Executive, Royal Opera House
Wayne McGregor, Artistic Director, Wayne McGregorRandom Dance, and Youth Dance Champion
Richard Alston Dance Company

The Conference programme has been created in association with our National Youth Dance Network and key partners that promote dance in and out of school settings, and features presentations, debates, seminars, information exchanges and dance performances.

The main theme that the conference will be focusing on is putting strategy into practice through; improving cross sector working, implementing workforce development, ensuring conditions are in place for inclusive engagement, stimulating wider participation through dance in schools and wider community, creating progression routes and ensuring maximum value is made from investment through joining up programmes and networks.

YDE are delighted to welcome special guests from the dance, arts, education, school sports and health sectors, alongside government and Arts Council England representatives speaking about the huge and far-reaching impact of dance on the lives of children and young people.

To find out more, and register, please visit http://www.yde.org.uk/main.cfm?type=CONF

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Education Opportunities with Rosie Kay Dance Company and ‘5 SOLDIERS’

Rosie Kay Dance Company’s new production will premiere at International Dance Festival Birmingham with performances at the Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday 23 April followed by a national tour, which includes performances at Warwick Arts Centre on 27 & 28 April.

“It is young soldiers and their bodies that are the ultimate weapon in war – their strength and weaknesses may win or lose a battle, their ability to harm or injure others is key to victory. While war is surrounded with weaponry, uniforms, history and ceremony, the real business is human, dirty, messy, painful and happening right now.” Rosie Kay

5 SOLDIERS – The Body is the Frontline, shows that despite religious and cultural differences, technological advances and historical progressions we still use the threat of violence to settle modern problems. It is still the body that is used as both the weapon and the target in today’s modern warfare. The frontline today is the body - the bodies of soldiers, the bodies of the enemy, the bodies of innocent casualties. War is a physical action that affects our bodies. 5 SOLDIERS- The Body is the Frontline shows that war is human. 5 SOLDIERS is a timely, controversial, thought-provoking and moving exploration of war in modern times. It features Rosie Kay’s trademark intense physicality and athleticism and weaves a story of physical transformation, helping us to understand how soldiers are made and how war affects them.

As part of the performances of 5 SOLDIERS at International Dance Festival Birmingham and at Warwick Arts Centre, there are a whole host of education opportunities to take part in.

At International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010 there are several dates available when Rosie Kay is able to deliver half day workshops throughout the West Midlands linked to participants attending the première on Friday 23 April at 8pm. Her work and current show is ideal for young people committed to dance and will be a challenging and physical experience.

For more information about Education opportunities with International Dance Festival Birmingham please email Charlotte Brennan at charlotte@sparkarts.co.uk

Connected to the 5 SOLDIERS performances at Warwick Arts Centre, there are the following learning opportunities:

Contemporary Dance workshop
Led by Rosie Kay
Age: 12+
Tue 27 & Wed 28 Apr
Morning (access to warm room with suitable floor necessary)
£100 (cost subsidised by Warwick Arts Centre Education Department for schools/colleges with tickets for the show)

These practical, in-school dance workshops will explore issues, themes and the processes around the making and staging of 5 SOLDIERS. It looks at the intense physical nature of war and the human impact on the soldiers. The workshop also explores how visual imagery, the media and literature all play a part on how we understand combat.

Rosie Kay has extensive experience as a dance educator having taught at all levels from young children to professional. Her workshops are designed to inspire and offer a heightened glimpse in to the creative process. Rosie Kay is also the course leader for the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) in the West Midlands.

To book a workshop please contact Carly Mee, Education Officer, on 024 7657 4786 or c.mee@warwick.ac.uk

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