People Dancing Summer Intensive: REACH! Network

People Dancing Summer Intensive: REACH! Network

Join People Dancing this Summer at De Montfort University, Leicester for one or both days of their Summer Intensive 2023- formally known as the People Dancing Summer School – on 26 & 27 July. This magical mix of inspiring creative courses, and workshops, with artists from the leading edge of community and participatory dance has been established since 2009 as an annual highlight for development & training with, for and by dancers, teaching artists and community practitioners.

Choose from six lively, relevant practical studio-based courses and two classroom-based workshops on complementary skills crucial to resilience in the current climate for the arts. The intensive is suitable for all career stages – often encouraging an effective blend of them for mutual learning and co-mentorship – for students, teachers and leaders of community and participatory dance and other performing arts specialists with an interest in the field. Enjoy this focused time to fill up on inspiration for the year to come by deepening your current practice or exploring new avenues!

The following sessions have been carefully chosen because they will enhance your Early Years community practice:

“What I need is…’ Negotiating the work you want in the way you need” on Thu 27 July 2023, with Krystal S. Lowe. Discover, articulate and learn to self-advocate effectively around everything from fees to scheduling to any reasonable adjustments you might need to give of your best in your participatory dance work.

Evening lecture demonstration on Wed 26 July 2023, with Anusha Subramanyam. Anusha Subranyam of Beeja Dance Company will share the practice development journey she took through her smash hit combination of performance and workshop for 1-4 year olds, Choogh Choogh.

“Digital Dancing Futures” on Wed 26 July 2023, with Alexander Whitley Dance Company. A practical course with Alexander Whitley as he explorers who want to embrace a scientific approach to their work with primary-school age children and have exclusive access to some of the latest digital advances in technology.

Morning class on Thu 27 July 2023, with Michael Joseph. From Disco to Funk, Funk to Jazz Funk, Jazz Funk to Hip Hop, follow Michael’s dance history through music and dance, shake your groove thang and get down with your bad self. All levels welcome to move and groove with MJ – glitter balls optional!

“Community dance practice: core career skills” on Wed 26 July 2023, with Claire Pring. This mix of practical and discussion work, inspired by the People Dancing Code of Conduct, fosters an essential understanding of the professional practice of working in participatory dance practically and philosophically.

“Developing income streams for your work” on Wed 26 July 2023, with Ruth Lee. A workshop about where and how you might generate income for your work. It will explore approaches, options and models, and pinpoint the range of key skills that help you generate income. 

“Wordwise: writing about your work” on Thu 27 July 2023, with Donald Hutera. A one-day in-person workshop for anyone who want to develop their skills to be able to write about their dance work in a compelling and engaging way.

“An introduction to dance for Early Years” on Wed 26 July 2023, hosted by Liz Clark. A one-day course in the studio for dancers, teaching artists and community practitioners who want to gain skills, knowledge and experience in leading dance activities with Early Years children (aged 4 years and under).

“Introduction to dance with older people” on Thu 27 July 2023, with Diane Amans. A one-day introductory course in the studio for dancers, teaching artists and community practitioners who want to gain skills, knowledge and experience in leading dance with older people.

“A two-day Introductory course to dance with people living with Parkinson’s” on Wed 26 and Thu 27 July 2023. The course is ideal for both early career artists who wish to work in health settings and more experienced artists considering developing a specialism in this area of work.

All courses are one-day, from 9.30 – 5.30 UTC +1.To register and learn more click here.