This simple, yet effective motto pinned to the wall in Dance4’s headquarters is one of the first things I noticed upon entering. Secondly, I saw the welcoming smiley faces of all the staff working there, who seemed genuinely pleased to meet me. As I quickly tested my memory trying to remember everyone’s name, I jumped to the intern’s most important task as ‘tea monkey’, making a conscious effort to associate faces, attire and position in the office, with how they would like their morning caffeine fix. However, worry not, as at Dance4 even the simplest of tasks is made easy – they have their very own tea chart, clearly indicating everyone’s name and tea/coffee preferences... Instantly at ease, I felt that a company which puts this much thought into a tea chart, clearly intends to appreciate and value all staff, leaving the ‘tea monkey’ role open to anybody... aside from Mr Russ of course who is naturally exempt!
I felt prepared and excited for an insightful two weeks with Dance4, working on their Autumn Dance season, but was still bowled over by their friendly embrace and willingness to include me in all parts of the process. A rare fate as interns are often seen and not heard! Yet this isn’t the case with Dance4 and I had a supportive mentor, Miss Sarah Maguire, who loves schedules almost as much as she loves Red Bush “caramel goodness” tea, and who made sure I was constantly updated, included and educated on Dance4’s production process.
Beginning with PME-ART ‘Hospitality 3: Individualism Was A Mistake’, I met some lively, creative and jet-lagged Canadians, who are touring their new eclectic piece of work. I particularly liked the start of their performance and the way they asked the audience some thought provoking questions which were incorporated into the piece via an arrangement of post-it notes... I also loved their use of the ‘Space’ at Nottingham Contemporary and felt that this was a nice juxtaposition with Guy Dartnell’s piece held there two days later. ‘Inward Out’, Dartnell’s most recent work, was what I believe he intended it to be, a spectacle of observation and personal interpretation. My initial scepticism quickly dissipated as I found my inner hippie very susceptible to the work and I felt challenged and intrigued by such a unique ‘performance’.
During the last two days I was in the very capable coffee fuelled hands of Claire Hicks, working on ‘Be Like Water’ by Hetain Patel. I got to witness another element to the production process assisting the get-in/get-out and documenting the performance day, a practical engagement I thoroughly enjoyed. Especially when rewarded with New Art Exchange’s tasty samosas!
It’s fair to say Dance4 comprises a great team of talented and visionary individuals and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with them.
Thanking you!
Emily Jenkins
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