Sneinton Christmas Market

Join us tomorrow! Sneinton Christmas Market!

10.00am-4.00pm

We'll be at the market tomorrow morning representing everything Dance4 related.
Plus, we've invited some people down to perform that we think you may enjoy...

The Force
12.30-12.45

Maison Foo
1.15-2.45

Not only that, but you can expect more festive goodness from:
Hatch: Santa's Grotto with Meg Tait
SHRUG ladies
SEND Art Jam
cratfy Christmas gifts
and much more.

The night will then continue with Annexinema screenings in Bath Street shop window...

We hope to see you there.
Wrap up warm!

Can you guess who it is yet?!

For our Dance4 Secret Santa which each had to devise a limerick about the person receiving the gift. Some more clever than others - can you guess who it is?

A girl that rarely gets mad,
So our love for her is more than a fad,
Then she went away,
To the NDTA,
And made Sance4 oh so sad!

They don't come to work on a bus
For this we could make a big fuss
They once were so small
Now they're nothing at all
Put onsome wirght tiny puss


There was a young lady from Devon
Whose smile sent most guys to Heaven
She's got sparkly eyes
And eats steak and ale pies
And rarely goes to bed before 11

She's young, she's willing and able
She's a pleasure to have at our table
But doing her course
Is like riding a horse
She can't start til it's out of the stable!

To avoid a career in finance
She sought her employment in dance
But some book keeping followed
Expenses she swallowed
All executed with sheer elegance

A lady who cares for her hair
And a passion for style and flair
Of course there's no other
Don't mess with this mother
Is that something I smell in the air?

There was a Nottingham bird who loved tea
At tea break her lit up with glee
She's constantly going to the loo
Because she's drinking for two
And blooming gorgeous with it, you'll agree

? was a girl who liked a treat
And her taste buds predominantly sweet
With this secret gift
Fulfillment'll be swift
And her life will now be complete

There was a young woman called ?
who danced until she was doo-lally...
She'd leap and sh'd bend,
She'd spin & Extend
but only if diagonally!

Better than Delia, Nigella and Jamie
She really is the home baking lady
She knocked on our door
And came back to Dance4
Some more of those delicious beetroot muffins maybe?

I think that I'd better declare
This was bought in a state of despair
but i hope you will clap
with a gift to hold a snap
for our producer, ?

Merry Christmas!!!

Jane Sperinck - Newbie

2 and a bit weeks of being back in the Dance4 office and I feel like I’ve never been away. Secret Santa, sing star (which I politely declined), Squeek lunch and chocolate beetroot muffins have all helped me to settle back into the team.

For the next two years, I’m going to be running the Dance4youth programme which aims to nurture, support and promote dance work with young people at risk in the East Midlands. I’ve been focussing on getting a picture of what has been happening with this work in the region and beyond. As well as making sure I have all the post-it notes and pencils that I need....

I’m really interested to know about any youth dance programmes that work with NEET young people or young offenders or those at risk of offending or young carers and any young person that would be seen as being hard to engage with mainstream activity or education. Get in touch if you think that I should know about your project - jane@dance4.co.uk.

Jingle all the way...... Jane x

Check out QMX! They will soon be performing at episodes2010 in February! To get your tickets call the Nottingham Playhouse on 0115 941 9419.

Festive feelings

Hello and best festive wishes to you all!

I'm getting in the Christmassy spirit by eating crakers and Wendsleydale cheese with cranberries at my desk! mmmmm....Wow only one full week left before we leave for the holidays. However, as Rachel said the office is still buzzing and we have yet again, another office move around! That is everyone to move but me - so i get to keep my nice big desk, now facing Claire's lovely face instead of Linzi's. (Going to miss you Linz!) Claire: Beware of my head popping up now and again, maybe with a few objects to make you laugh too!

For those of you that havn't met Claire yet, she will be joining us very shortly as our Producer. As a self confessed Technophobe I will be encouraging her rise to the challenge and Blog, Blog, Blog so she can tell you all the exciting things she has been to see. I have a feeling she may take some persuading though!.... I'll work on it...

Quite a few of us went to the YDE Lauch yesterday which was very insightful and inspiring. We saw some amazing performances from some young people, and got to hear about their experiences and thoughts on dance opportunities. It really is great to hear the voices of the young people speaking out and giving a real account of what it's like for them. To see them so passionate really sent the people watching home with a smile on their face.

So well done to all the young people who performed yesterday, and continue to enjoy dance!

Catch you guys before Christmas!

Kirsten

PS Hello Lithuania!

Things to do before Xmas

How come the list of things to do before Xmas just keeps getting longer, shouldn't it be the other way around? It's all go at Dance4 with new team members in the office, architects' submissions piling up, Gabi Reuter in the studio, and loads more besides.

Still, with the office having a proper shut-down for two weeks from 22 December, we should have time to recover and come back fresh for 2010.

To see us before we go, come down to our stall at the Sneinton Xmas market on Saturday 19 December - there's live performance, artists groups, food and drink and a chance to talk about the future of Sneinton Market Square. Hope to see you there.

Rachel

P.S. Like the last post - is there anywhere that guy won't dance?

GOLD

BOOMBOX from Ely Kim

Love from The Apprentice
......ahaha
X

A sad day :-(

Well what a week we've had in the sunny Dance4 office......

To start with there was the argument over the iconic Dance4 Christmas tree (which has subsequently "broke" in some suspicious circumstances) and the return of the lovely Jane Sperinck as Youth Dance Inclusion Manager complete with chocolate and beetroot muffins.

As the week's continued we've met our new Communications & Development Manager and yesterday welcomed Claire Hicks, our new Producer into the Dance fold, starting with a huge staff meeting - we'll soon new a bigger meeting room table!!

But all this excitement has been shrouded in an air of sadness, as today marks the departure of Anna Mansell, our long standing Communications & Development Manager, to an exciting new life in Cornwall. Whilst we're all extremely jealous of her relocation to the seaside, she will be deeply missed. But whilst she's still at her desk for the next few hours we'll be squeezing every droplet of wisdom we can out of her, before we head to jam cafe for a big lunch and an even bigger present for her! And then we'll start booking our seaside weekends in her spare room! See you soon Anna xxx

Hark! The Dance4 bells are ringing!

So all in the merry Dance4 office are suddenly getting a wee bit christmassy...decorations are up, christmas tunes are aplaying, lords are leaping...

In the midst of the merryness, were all beginning to work on our new projects. Many a new challenge to be had - new business plan and all. So as a shiny new assistant producer, I'm beginning work on U.Dance East Midlands (the regional youth dance platform) with many a surprise up my sleeve...

As well as an international commission for young people which I'm even more excited about than christmas:)

Come dance ye merry regional young people....

Our spectacular skating!

Hi!

It's me again. I think some more of our other staff members need to write on here! (hint, hint) I am very excited today as most of the team are getting together for celebrations this evening. As it is Jen and Becky's leaving do, we are wishing them good luck with their newest endeavors by 'nottskating'! Oh yes, we so called dance people will be performing Bambi on Ice this very evening on the Market Square's outdoor ice rink! We will have our very own Anna Mansell judging our performance at this spectacular event...who knows who will be the secret skater. My bets are on Jen - the snow boarding/running Queen.

I am planning on being snap happy and capturing some of the best moments on camera for you to have a good old giggle at. That's if I don't spend most of my time picking myself up off the floor!

So why we are having fun and laughter on the ice, Paul is off working in Brussels. Although, no sympathy and lots of jealousy as he is off to see Les SlovaKs and Kate McIntosh! Hopefully he will fill us in when he gets back.

Have a good weekend and enjoy the ice rink if you're going too!

Kirsten x

Nottingham Contemporary

Hello!

So, I went to see Nottingham Contemporary on Saturday...and...I loved it! The space was so beautifully airy and light. The windows framed the surrounding area of the city so well, and they invite passers by to observe the art, the building and the people inside it. The David Hockney collection of work was brave and bold, but my time was mostly spent observing the work of Frances Stark. I found her work textually fascinating and the detail in her work could keep me interested for hours.

So what else is new?

Well, Sarah and I have now devised a Friday Feeling feature on Dance4's facebook pages, where we will be interviewing one person each week who enters our building. Check it out - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dance4/33998758177#/pages/Dance4/33998758177?v=app_2347471856

As Helen mentioned my time is now being taken up learning numbers! Yes, so far I have had the pleasure of VAT. Something that I'm not usually familiar with, but I think I may be getting there? (slowly!)

And...we also have a new teapot! Courtesy of Miss Becky Bailey (AKA Marasaki for some of us!) Our love of tea goes on. We also had a MASSIVE box of chocolates, however, they seem to have disappeared already..hhmmm...???

The sun is shining in on the Dance4 office and people are looking fresh and sprightly this morning. Everyone is getting to grips with a exciting new programme, and are looking forward to new arrivals in the office very soon.

That's all for now folks.

Keep us updated on what you're up to on our facebook pages!

Kirsten x

So here's a little update on life at Dance4: Becky's trying to be healthy by eating salad and complaining about avocado, the festival team have been evaluating over blueberry pancakes at Paul's and Kirsten's trying to find some joy in the world of VAT!

On a more exciting note, on Tuesday we had our first meeting with the leaders of youth groups performing at episodes10 - our annual youth dance platform for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We met at Nottingham Playhouse (where the groups will be performing in February) and had a chance to look around the space before sitting down with a cuppa to talk about the nitty-gritty. It was really exciting to be in such an amazing venue and hearing the group leaders chat about the young people involved and the pieces they'll be creating over the next few months. It's going to be an amazing show, so keep an eye out for more details soon.

And on that note, better sort out some parent consent forms now!

Cheerio

Helen x

Lists!

So...it's Friday...and it's unusually quiet in the office today. I've just enjoyed reading your blog Sarah and I'm sure everyone else will agree what a delight it is to have you in the office! I'm guessing I am in the group of the list obsessors! You must agree, the satisfaction of ticking of something off on your list is one of the greatest, but simplest things in life. Especially when it's the last thing on your list, as it's the end of all your tasks. So, of course, then it's time to make another list! So the list of lists becomes endless! See...OBSESSION.

Kirsten x

PS. I'm sorry, forgive me, it's Friday.

CA - Part One: Before

It’s just over a month and a half since I started at Dance4 as Creative Apprentice. And it’s just over a week since the end of nottdance09. Strange that. So much has happened in my time here that it seems a little bit weird to try and sum it all up in blog entry.

While I’m sure you’d love to hear about my first couple of weeks, and how I majestically learnt how to deal with a stubborn printer, how I ceremoniously used a franking machine by my own accord, or how I (semi-) mastered the art of the tea round (all very impressive, I think you’ll agree), we’ll stick to the good stuff. The meaty stuff. nottdance09.

Right now, the office is pretty still, oddly still; my only real experiences of working in Dance4 are a flurry of new names and faces entering the place, artists from around the world in the studios rehearsing, dates and meetings flung into my (seriously) tiny diary, people in and out delivering props, branded material and the like (umbrellas anyone?).

Some of the most interesting things pre-festival, were simply having the artists around. One of them using the space asked for our musical suggestions for his piece, and after having a sharing, a couple of tracks were definitely recognised (a proud moment for all involved…).

Helping/shadowing the orchestration of other projects and working on licensing were (probably secretly, definitely geekily) enjoyed by yours truly. It was also kind of comforting to know there were other people out there who had my obsession with lists. These things were flying everywhere.

I feel pretty lucky and extremely thankful. Soaking up everything I can, and learning as much as is possible, is why I’m here after all. And I like it.

Your Creative Apprentice,

Sarah X

PS – I apologise for all the brackets. Be prepared for more.

Wow.....

So this was my first nottdance as part of the festival team and cor blimey, what a remarkable 10 days we had!! I can't remember when I last experienced such a crazy range of emotions, from laughing until my belly hurt at New Art Club on the launch night, eating so much food at the wonderful Jam cafe that I felt quite ill, losing my breath after joining the Dance4 'running man' crew at Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, crying at Rosie Dennis talking about paradise to her decoy duck, enjoying an early morning walk through the city centre with Bodies in Flight, gaining so much respect and admiration for the local Sneinton residents performing in Street Dance and finally putting on my heels and dancing the night away at our Neolonga! I feel in love several times over the festival, with so many charming, beautiful and inspiring performances..... what a wonderful wonderful festival!!

Let the planning for 2010 begin.....

Helen x

A lovely stroll through Sneinton streets, kicking up the leaves and watching some visual insights into the lives of the locals- what a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon with my little one. He was captivated throughout Street Dance and laughed in all the right places.

Les SloVaks was just wonderful can't wait for another dose when they next visit the UK.

Rosie's snow dome tale left me sadly reminiscent, yet warm and satisfied. Very ready for a snowy festive season...

Can't wait for nottdance's 21st birthday next year- it'll be my 12th experience of it!

Steph x

Last piece of nottdance

It was a great last day, but the very last piece - TEN by Hetain Patel - turned out to be a true highlight of nottdance09. The performers created an effortless transition from the light informal approach of the start to a serious, beautiful and moving finale. Their natural sincerity combined with great technical skills was always captivating to watch, even at the end of a long day.

Thanks to those onstage and off who worked on this piece for such a brilliant experience. I hope lots more people get to see it!

Rachel

Oblivia will stay with me for a while..

You look good! OOh yeahhhhh! Wooop! Looking good!

Kirsten x

The party has come to the end...

So here we all find ourselves, in the midst of post-festival blues. Post adrenaline, post excitement, post artists and events and beers and dialogue. Post nottdance. Feels like a bit of a sad place to be. It's like clearing up at the end of a mad party.

Reflecting on the week, in my post-manic daze is, however a nice place to be. The momentum of the festival began in the grandeur of Nottingham's Council House Ballroom (and what a spectacular opening to the festival that was) and ended in Fat Cats Cafe Bar with an Argentinean Tango party. And the in between was pretty colossal I have to say, from breakjazz in the Broadmarsh (yes, nottdance got down with the kids) to visually rich multimedia performance and from 5 improvising SlovaKs to local Sneinton residents dancing on their street. nottdance had it all.

The festival team have laughed, cried, thought, ate, slept (and not slept), breathed, walked, watched, drank, talked, danced (and not danced) nottdance. But despite a huge wave of tiredness hitting the team, there is a real sense of achievement in the office.

nottdance felt extraudinary.

nottdance felt brave.

nottdance felt like a challenge, but it also felt human, honest.

Let the planning for next years begin!

Linzi

Waking-up on final Saturday and trying not to feel a sense of loss at the festival coming to an end.... reminding myself to live in the moment.

Firstly I thought I just say that I'm so proud of the team at Dance4. The festival has been great, the energy and skills they have have had all the artists being effusive about their time with us. Thank you team.....

Les Slovaks - in short a great show. Full of fun and surprise the company of men led us through a delightful exploration of their bodies, their relationships whilst playing with the mood and response from the audience. A genius show that left us all wanting much more. The company then spent the rest of the night outside smoking.

Oblivia - a collaboration with Anna Krzystek this charming, but deeply sad show had us all laughing, cringing and dancing. To quote an audience member "I loved dancing in my seat to Tina Turner, felt sad with the movement motifs exploring the hype of celebrity, was hilarious"

Off to observe the workshop now. Many people arriving today to spend the final weekend with us. More soon

Bye blog

Paul

Dear Blog,

Sorry it’s been a few days since my last entry. Life has been busy since we last met and the city of Nottingham has been drawing me away from you…… I’m back although only momentarily.

What can I say, the last few days have been some of the best dance experiences I’ve ever had in the UK. I’m bound to say that as Artistic Director of the festival, but there has been something special about the city coming alive with dance.

Miguel Pereira – an intense experience that I’m still processing. I originally saw this work earlier in the year in Madrid and although found it moving I was not prepared for experiencing it in a space that can do anything. In Madrid I saw it in a basement space, low ceilings and a poor PA meant the show was slightly more intimate, but by no means as intense and physically challenging. At Lakeside I was able to experience the work in such a way that emphasised the starkness of the work and created a sound scape that was literally moving, the audience was rocking, dancing or with fingers in ears whilst sub woofers under the auditorium had us all buzzing in our seats. Miguel certainly gave us an experience that was both primal and disobedient, but magical.

BreakJazz – had me dancing from the first moment. Great contributions from Break Jazz Company, Robert Hlyton, Hetain Patel and others, but mostly the open Jam made for the most memorable afternoon. Never before has Nottingham seen the sight of professionals dancing with toddlers and even the Dance4 team. Kirsten and I were the most adventurous of staff, but let me tell you that we all have a mean running man!!! The main surprise of the day was suddenly seeing my sisters partner come from the crowd and start moving. His locking and popping was genius. He was inspired by Breaking Convention this year and since has been doing the age old thing of rehearsing in the bedroom, dead proud! Dance Development in practice.

Rachel Krische and Robert Hylton – an opportunity for nottdance audiences and artists to see two virtuosic performers mesmerise us with their ability to challenge our views on dance, but do so with ease, care and gorgeous choreography. I’ve had some amazing feedback about both shows. Most of all I’m thrilled to have got to nottdance a piece that Dance4 commissioned 2 years ago and to support an artist that has a true gift that needs sharing with artists and audiences.

Rachid Ouramdane – I’m left wanting to see so much more and not because we were shortchanged, but because such a beautiful work should live for longer. A complex work that I’ve decided is like watching a car crash or falling over in the street. That moment when the world takes a breath, time slows down as your brain tells you something is about to hurt, well something did. There was a serenity of pace, but coupled with a frenetic structure and vast range of stimuli meant this work was a painful exploration of persecution, loss of identity and heritage, but gorgeous and deeply satisfying. One of the most intelligent, well produced and delicious performances I’ve seen. A real nottdance favourite for me. Rachid is coming back for sure.

Bodies in Flight – so so so pleased to have showcased this regional company within the festival. The early morning walk was a touching experience, one that genuinely made me consider my day, my surroundings and ensured that my horrendous experience of carrying a flag base for 20 mins earlier that morning was vanished from my pain brain. The show was an opportunity to take time to reflect on all those times we’ve thought about what our fellow commuters are thinking, where they’ve come from and going too, what brought them to this point in their lives. The performers sang to us, danced for us and gave us a serene early morning walk that I doubt I’ll have in Nottingham anytime soon. Thank you.

And lastly blog, let me tell you about Hatch. Remember us talking about the need to continue to grow our presence internationally as a voice and showcase for experimental practice, whilst at the same time wishing to acknowledge that we’re a local festival too and that we should ensure we build relationships to the local artist community, well that vision was brought to life last night. Broad Street hasn’t been that lively since the mid-90’s. On a Tuesday night there were hundreds of people walking the streets, grabbing a drink and an eclectic range of artistic experiences. Reckless Sleepers kicked off the evening with Pilots and what followed was the most incredible energy from artists presenting can-can, burlesque, holiday pic slide shows and much much more….. a treat of an evening that contributed to this years festival in style.

So dear blog, must go as have to twitter and iron yet more glad rags. Hope to see you soon.

Paul

Wonderful Weekend!

Wow! What a weekend!!Where do I start...

Well Miguel Pereira's Doo was extraordinary. It had me captured from start to finish. I was encapsulated by his storytelling, filling my mind with colourful images. The rhythyms made by Pak were incredible and I loved the use of live sound being captured on stage and then played back in a incredible climax towards the end. It was almost an unbearable experience, but that challenged me to accept the sound intensity and this unique experience, which seemed to take control of me. It was absolutely incredible!!

Saturday was also brilliant! My mum and dad were up for the weekend to see the events so I gave them a real nottdance experience for the day and took them to the Breakjazz event, the double bill at Lakeside and to Jam Cafe afterwards.

The Breakjazz event was an absolute buzz. Chris, Valerie, Ras Happa and Hetain, put on a magnificent performance in the Broadmarsh centre, which drew a huge crowd. The open jam made it for me. The mixture of up and coming dancers and professionals made it really fun and the encouragement from the crowd was great! I was amazed by Clementine (Vanessa's gorgeous daughter) who can only just walk, yet was bouncing away to the music provided by Ras Happa! I think she may be one to watch! I also managed to throw in one my inverted headstands (it was a proud moment!hahaha), but I take my hat off to Paul who also threw down a brilliant freeze! - He's so down with the Kids!

The Rachel Krische and Robert Hylton double bill, was a fantastic mix. I was really fascinated by Rachel's process and her collaboration with Deborah Hay, and really appreciated the complexity of the performance and it's process. However, my favourite, and my parents favourite piece of the night was Robert's. He is such a beautiful performer and I was so drawn into the performance that I started to twitch when he moved! I think he has a real honesty to his performance, and his voice over allowed the audience in on his thought process adding to this. I loved the intricacy that was produced with his locking and popping, and could spend hours watching those tiny movements in the feet rippling up threw the body. I think the audience interaction worked well and think that he could really do more with this in the future.

Back at Jam me, Mum and Dad had a a great time talking to Robert and the team! It was a lovely relaxing atmosphere, with great food and conversation. I am definitely planning to go there more often! However, I did get slightly embarrassed when my Dad starting giving Robert Hylton some movement ideas!! Hahaha, the only dance my Dad has ever done is 'the bump' with my mum about 30 years ago, some bad 'Dad dancing', and he once tried to spin on his head after a few beers!

They would both like to thank everyone for a fantastic nottdance experience, and particularly the staff for being so lovely and so welcoming. They wish us all every success with the rest of the festival.

So... bring on the next week! See you there, Kirsten x

The grand opening certainly lived-up to its billing. New Art Club were, as always, brilliant and made me and many others rather nostalgic for the 80's. Wig, eye liner and jumpsuit coming out at the weekend. Nottingham City Council House looked divine in nottdance09 pink and Dance4 logo was emblazon on Market Square with spinning gobo’s and giant pink flags. The responses to the show from all VIP’s have been gushing and nottdance09 certainly has got off to a great start!

Joining Kirsten for the search for Caramac, apparently need to start going to vending machines in Leisure Centres.

Paul

Festival Firsts!

Hello! I'm excited to do my first blog! As mentioned below New Art Club were fabulous last night. I was actually crying with laughter at one point at Pete's classic 80's style dance moves, and one of my favourite parts was the old skool contemporary dance moves performed by Tom. We know we've all done them far too many times!! The audience interaction and quick witty remarks to the audience added the icing on the cake for me, and as New Art Club put it very in the NOW, NOW, NOW, NOW, NOW, NOW, NOW, NOW......brilliant start to the festival this year. One definitely to see if you missed it. Thank you Pete and Tom, and well done team!

Kirsten x

PS. I'm craving Caramac's now and Rachel says they still make them - I'm on a mission!

Opening of nottdance

Felt very special to be at the Council House last night and all the pink branding and the transformation of the Ballroom looked amazing (thanks to all involved).

New Art Club always hits the mark for me but this was extra special - laughs, tears and lots of nostalgia. Loved those dance class moves and Tom's school jumper in particular!

Looking forward to the rest...

Rachel from Dance4

I took my best buddies to see New Art Club last night who its fair to say don't really engage with Dance or the arts frequently and they loved it! Whilst watching the show I could see shadows of bouncing shoulders next to me to coincide with their bursts of laughter. I was itching to move and my feet didn't stop tapping to the music, then my heart sank as my fella was chosen for audience participation! It wasn't so bad he just got picked on for his poor Nottingham pronunciation!

We spent the rest of the night reminiscing about kids we hadn't seen since school- so the laughs kept coming even post show!

Thank Tom, Pete and nottdancexx

P.S. I'm going to search for my skipping rope later, not sure i could compete with you guys though!

A word from the director of Dance4…

nottdance is 20 years old this year. For two decades, this annual international festival has been a platform to promote the work of artists who don’t classify their work as belonging to one particular art form, but instead challenge the boundaries of dance and performance.
The festival offers audiences, artists, promoters and fellow producers an insight into the work that Dance4 does throughout the year. We regularly support and commission artists to experiment with dance and performance, often inviting them to spend time in our small studio in Hockley. This dedicated choreographic workspace, hidden in the heart of Nottingham, provides a safe and secure place to explore, play, rehearse, devise and, sometimes, present their work. Through this kind of support, artists are able to develop their own practice and go on to produce great work that inspires, excites, amazes, challenges and entertains audiences in Nottingham, the UK, and around the World.

Our building has also been home for many other creative organisations from the city. These have included designers, photographers, filmmakers and perhaps most notably Reckless Sleepers, an internationally-respected theatre company who were responsible for finding and developing the space with Dance4 back in 1996. Now managed solely by Dance4, the building has a commitment to offering affordable space to both emerging and established artists and companies. We pride ourselves on it being a practical, working space for those who wish to be creative, accessible at any time of day or night, without the constraints that commercially focused buildings inevitably bring.

Considered as one of the only independent, artist-led spaces of its kind in the UK, our building is now a vital part of the dance ecology in the city, region and beyond. Many important artists have researched ideas and made work in our studio. These include Nigel Charnock, Jonathan Burrows, Wendy Houstoun, Déjà Donné, New Art Club, Bock and Vincenzi, Felix Ruckert, Willi Dorner, Goat Island, Gob Squad, Fin Walker, Hancock & Kelly, Thomas Lehmen and many, many more…

The list continues to grow, yet the demand for space far outweighs what we have available. For many years we’ve made the best of it, but now we need to think about the future. What could we achieve with more space? How could the community benefit from greater opportunities to take part, and how can we help them to see dance being made in their locality? How do we Dance4, further develop our unique position within the UK dance sector?

It’s become clear that in order to carry on working successfully, within both the sector and the wider creative industries, we need to seek alternative space; somewhere that will enable us to provide the very best conditions to explore and create dance, well into the 21st century.

Over recent years, Dance4 has been researching and campaigning for the development of a space that will fulfil this need and, in the last year we have been able to secure the support and partnership of key organisations. Following an initial feasibility study funded by Greater Nottingham Partnership (GNP) we’ve developed initial plans to build not simply a new space for Dance4, but a bigger vision - a creative production facility that will be the envy of cities across the UK and beyond. Currently called Nottingham Creative Village, the concept has already won the support of Nottingham City Council who recognise its potential to further their own regeneration commitments in and around Sneinton Market. Indeed, Nottingham Creative Village will be the cornerstone of the city’s next phase of cultural regeneration.

We have worked hard to position Dance4 as a leading creative organisation that can increase the reputation of Nottingham and the East Midlands as producers of great contemporary performance art. Nottingham Creative Village will provide Dance4 with three large purpose-built studios, artists’ workspace, artists’ temporary living space, offices and other vital resources for our archive and equipment. Additionally, the Village will be able to house up to 120 organisations on-site, providing over 300 jobs and generating over £7million into the economy of Nottingham and the region. It will enable Dance4 to stay at the forefront of international dance practice and will position Nottingham as a leader in attracting, supporting and retaining inspirational, creative talent.

So… now the hard work begins! We need to attract and secure investment from individuals, businesses, trusts, and foundations. We need to identify and commit to working with local, regional and where appropriate, national partners. We need to work with the wider project team and partners to develop an exemplary design.
Watch the website for all the latest news of the project, including ways that you can get involved. This is a bold new step for Dance4: it is as exciting and audacious as the work we support and promote. It should be magnificent.

Dance4 are now Blogging

Hello friends

Today is the start of Dance4 blogging - sharing our world with a wider audience. We hope you'll join us on this journey.

Dance4 Team