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.