Dance UK will host a four day industry-wide conference from 9-12 April. Focusing on the future, the conference will be an opportunity to look at new models, new partnerships and to challenge how we work by provocing ideas and celebrating the diversity of dance in the UK.
A star studded celebratory opening will see keynote speeches from Dame Gillian Lynne and Sir Peter Bazalgette, compered by Arlene Phillips with Ashley Banjo. The evening will feature a viewing of The Feeling's Boy Cried Wolf featuring Ed Watson of The Royal Ballet, and a performance of Ocean, danced by Verve, the postgraduate company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBM6smxBYf8
The first day of the conference will surround a 'Brave New Future: Opportunities in the Wider World'. It will look at the challenges and ambitions for the dance sector, both nationally and internationally, and opportunities for dance in the wider world. Panel discussions will include the status of dance in education, digital opportunities for dance, fundraising, the creation of dance shows for children, and how dance affects public health.
The following day will require attendees to 'Invest, Create, Innovate'. The National Dance Network has programmed sessions looking at how ideas grow into making dance. Other sessions include a Healthier Dancer Programme strand focused on investing in dancers' health and wellbeing, as well as looking at career transitions and dancers' pay. The identity and creativity in a range of art forms will be debated through a panel with a specific focus on ballroom, South Asian Dance, ballet and musical theatre.
Next, 'Emerging Artists: Training, Creativity & Choreography' will take place, a day focusing on training and education, and the next generation of dancers and dance makers. Highlights over the three days will also include Power Hour, the dance sector's very own "TED-talk" inspired presentations by some of the leading figures in dance.