Swindon Dance has developed a programme of development opportunities, workshops, connections and information services designed to support professional dance artists in the long term.
Our programme has evolved in response to artists' needs and the developing provision of other — regional and national — training and artist development schemes. We are always looking for the best ways to support artists in making their best work.
ALL ARTIST DEVELOPMENT ENQUIRIES
TEL +44 (0)1793 601700
10am-6pm Monday to Friday
artistdevelopment@swindondance.org.uk
The idea of the programme is to offer ways of moving from graduate to independent artist — either as performer or choreographer — in various contexts. A significant number of participants go on to become Swindon Dance
associated or
associate artists.
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OUR CURRENT PARTNERS
We work in creative collaboration with local and national agencies to help create a professional development map suitable for artists both at the start and midway in their careers. Current partners include ...
CURRENT PROJECTS
ALPHA + BETA ASSOCIATES
WITH ICIA, UNIVERSITY OF BATH
BURSARY
WITH INDEPENDENT DANCE
SW DANCE FOR CAMERA STRATEGY
WITH DANCE SOUTH WEST
DANCE MAKERS + THEIR WORK
DANSLABS 
The DansLab scheme provides studio time for creative play in order to encourage dancemakers to research and develop their work. There are two programmes ...
SUMMER DANSLAB
A small selected group of choreographers work for one week with a guest choreographer, who provides class, tasks, feedback and studio-sharings to generate process-led solo material. Candidates are sought by advertisement. For 2008, applications closed 6th May.
DANSLABS
Week-long R&D awards are offered to artists with ideas they wish to explore in the studio with collaborators. Space, an honorarium and a studio-showing with facilitated feedback are offered. Applications open in February each year for summer dates.
An annual awards scheme run in partnership with ICIA, University of Bath. Three awards are made each year. Each includes creative studio time, a mentor, a business skills workshop and support. Candidates are sought by advertisement and the next ads will appear in spring 2008 for places starting September 2008. To register interest email
artistdevelopment@swindondance.org.uk.
For general information, see also
associate artists 
A bi-annual award scheme run in partnership with ICIA, University of Bath. One award is made to a choreographer who has already demonstrated creative talent and who would benefit from a sustained context in which to research and develop a new work. The award includes a bursary, creative studio time in Swindon and Bath, artistic mentoring and support from Swindon Dance and ICIA staff. Candidates are sought by advertisement. The first round will be advertised in early 2008 to start in autumn 2008. To register interest email
artistdevelopment@swindondance.org.uk.
In 2008 Swindon Dance is establishing a support group for company artistic directors or the artistic directors of ongoing projects. A mixture of talks, leadership skills workshops and peer support will be facilitated.
To register interest email
artistdevelopment@swindondance.org.uk.
A bursary is offered annually to an experienced dance artist for the development of their practice through participating in a creative process led by others, and then the sharing of this process with other artists through Swindon Dance's continuing professional development programme. The current holder of the bursary is Jane Mason, an independent dance artist. Her bursary allows her to participate in the Deborah Hay Mature Performance Group commission, which is a Swindon Dance partnership project with Independent Dance.
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CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Short one- or two-day workshops led by choreographers who share their way of working. Designed for dance artists interested in making work for performance. Each DanceMakers session includes class, workshop and dialogue. Up to three are scheduled through the year. Next workshop: 23rd-24th February 2008.
Occasional workshops for dance artists in the essential skills needed to sustain freelance work. Advice can be given on which other agencies provide relevant business skills training.
RECESS INTENSIVES
Down-time workshops for dancemakers and performers, led by a professional dancer. Held three times a year: at Easter, in summer and in winter. For 2008, the Summer Recess will be held in August (see at right).
Help is at hand for those starting their career or new to the region for help finding their way round the dance world. Each autumn a career advice workshop is held, plus a Welcome Pack is available by email. Log your interest with
artistdevelopment@swindondance.org.uk.
At other times of the year see ONE-TO-ONE ADVICE SESSIONS (below).
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INFORMATION, ADVICE + GUIDANCE
Artists can book individual advice sessions to discuss their careers, projects and plans. Confidential expert advice is provided by Swindon Dance Associate Consultant, Sue Davies. Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of every month. To book, contact the box office on +44 (0)1793 601700.
Help for those starting their career or new to the region in finding their way round the dance world. The Welcome Pack is available by email. Log your interest with
artistdevelopment@swindondance.org.uk.
Each autumn a career advice workshop is held (see FINDING YOUR FEET WORKSHOPS above).
Join our elist to receive information about forthcoming artist professional development events at Swindon Dance, plus extra opportunities each month, such as company classes and project performing opportunities. To join, send a request to:
artistdevelopment@swindondance.org.uk. For information about our
privacy policy, see the policies section on
our approach
Events for Professional Dance Artists
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Mon 04 - Fri 15 August
DansLab 2008
R&D session
Swindon Dance
Applications are now open for the 2008
DansLab award — an initiative developed by Swindon Dance to provide individual artists, companies or choreographers with time and space for creative research and exploration. Up to two weeks of R&D support is offered for August 2008 (minimum 5 days). Award includes studio time, video access, feedback, mentoring if desired and a performance opportunity. Travel bursary is available ….. Download this
Word doc for detailed information on the award and how to apply. Applications close Tuesday 6th May. Enquires : Sue Davies at Swindon Dance, tel. +44 (0)1793 601700
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Tue 26 - Fri 29 August
Summer Recess
Intensive
Swindon Dance
The Articulate Performer
Led by Laurent Cavanna and Sasha Roubicek, with Barry Ganberg
For dancers wanting to deepen their skills and understanding of performance at professional level. Extended classes explore the rigour of practice needed and identify core concepts for the performing body. Performance tasks will look at focus, orientation in space, projection and impact of live music and costume on the performer, culminating in a studio performance. The Intensive includes a talk on the psychological aspects of performance, programmed in association with Dance UK, networking, one-to-one advice sessions and a social evening.
• Residential option available
• Travel bursary available
Open to dancers who have performed at professional standard in the last 6 months.
Bookings: tel. +44 (0)1793 601703
