Greetings from Georgia

I hit Batumi on Wednesday night, alongside Ida from Intercult and some of Bad Co – fresh from Istanbul.

I am coming over as part to visit the SEAS X project – (www.seas.se) organised by European Arts Organisations, Intercult (based in Sweden – www.intercult,se). Arts Council England and Dance4 have supported 3 UK Artists to be part of the SEAS expedition: an artistic expedition scaling the coasts of Turkey and ending up in Batumi, The SEAS festival will commense today (Wednesday), so I am here to take in the SEAS festival, support the UK artists and meet the other artists (there are so many, and from all over Europe and beyond!)

Last night we went to the Drama theatre for the grand opening –there was a performance by traditional Georgian dance company, supporting by live music and singers. It was spectacular! The energy of the performers was immense and the atmosphere full of excitement. It felt like a great start to the SAES festival…

So since then, I have been on a fact finding mission – talking to artists about their experiences on the expedition, about their practice and how they found themselves at SEAS.

I am amazed at some of the stories from the artists, some on their first SEAS experience – making this a real research trip for them. Some on their first ‘date’ with another artist (met on a previous SEAS) and some SEAS regulars, performing during the next few days. It sounds as if the SEAS crew have made a real impact on some of the small villages and towns visited during the expedition through Turkey – some audiences seeing this kind of performance for the first time, but remaining so open and curious.

It has left me wishing I was on the artist touring bus… But now off to take in a little of Batumi and then on to our first performance of the festival - Ilia Chavchavadze at the Drama Theatre. Looking forward to taking my experiences back to Dance4 and ACE– and following the artists post SEAS

Greetings from Georgia

Linzi Gibbs – Assistant Producer: Dance4

Events & Promotion Trainee

Hi Everyone,

Let me introduce myself! My name is Shannel I am the new Events & Promotions Trainee for Dance4. Hope you are all ok?

It's my second week in the office and I am already feeling part of the furniture. The important thing is I know everyones correct name and how they like their tea. It's been interesting seeing all the different roles in the office and how they link together. The main job i have been doing is preparing SHIFT which will be out at the beginning of October so make sure you look out for it!

Next week is our Staff day out which i am looking forward to it will be another opportunity to bond with everyone. Fingers cross that it does not rain but we are in Autumn so what are the chances?

Its just a quick Hello but i will write soon when more is happening.

Until next time take care. Bye

Shannel

x

Comings and Goings

At the start of a very busy Autumn, it's been sad to say goodbye to three colleagues - Jamie goes off to his new adventures in dance, Sarah has completed her Creative Apprenticeship (well done!) and is seeking her next big break, and last but not least, Vanessa has gone on maternity leave expecting her second baby at the end of this month. Good luck to them all, we will miss them.

However, three lovely new people have stepped into their shoes, so welcome to Hayley, Shannel and Jenny all of whom are now installed in their new roles, with keys to the office!

Next Monday the whole team are off for the day to walk the hills of the Peak District for a bit of team bonding and to get to know each other better. I'm really looking forward to it - just keeping my fingers crossed for good weather.

Anyway hope you blog-readers get to meet the new team as they are out and about with their busy roles over the next few months. Be good to them!

Rachel