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STEERING GROUP ACTIVITY
The steering group continue to hold virtual meetings every 2-3 weeks at the moment as we try to stay up to date with any changes and news on dancing safely. It has been very difficult to make plans as you will all be aware so we hope some of you can join us for a virtual Check in and Chat soon or get in touch by email to let us know how you are doing and what dancing plans you have for the autumn.
Virtual Check in and Chat on Thursday 10th Sept from 2pm-3pm
This informal networking opportunity will continue to be a space for you to share news and ask questions of the steering group and each other. We hope you can join us soon. The meeting link will be emailed to all ODF members in advance.
If you are not a member and want to join please email oxford.dance.forum@gmail.com to receive the link.
ODF Walk and Talk on Thursday 17th Sept
Instead of virtual check in and chat, weather permitting we propose meeting in Oxford for a real live walk and talk from 2pm. Grab a take away tea/coffee in town and meet at the entrance to Christ Church Memorial Gardens (Broad Walk, Oxford OX1 1DB) off St.Aldates and have a socially distanced catch up while walking.
CREATIVE LABS
We hope to be able to restart Creative Labs at the OFS. These will be hosted by ODF member Tingting Yang on Weds 10am-12noon: 23rd Sept, 21 Oct & 18th Nov (all subject to change as nothing is certain these days.) Any relevant Covid-19 health and safety guidance will be issued in advance of these sessions and must be followed by all participants. Numbers will be limited and you will need to sign up to attend in advance. Please get in touch to book your space at the lab now.
Creative Labs are free to attend for members.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
Reminder: Due to the unusual course of the year the ODF steering group have decided to not ask members to renew their memberships in September as in previous years. We plan to introduce a new membership offer starting in Jan 2021.
BURTON TAYLOR STUDIO SPACE OFFER
We have just received further information about using the Burton Taylor studio during the week commencing 21 September. This is for use as rehearsal/creative research not teaching a class or workshops. Please email us if you haven't already done so to request a possible slot during the week.
Contact oxford.dance.forum@gmail.com to book your slot/ask a question about any of these opportunities.
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ARTICLES / BLOGS/ WEBINARS ETC
South East Dance are hosting a free mental health training session on zoom:
Feel Safe, Be Daring: How to Switch on your Neurobiology of Safety: A Mental Health Support Session for Artists Dealing with the Impact of COVID-19 Led by Darren Abrahams on the 9th September from 10.00 – 12.00 with a follow up Q&A session on the 16th September from 10.00 – 11.30. Book here
Pavilion Dance South West hosted events:
*Imagining The Future Normal Wed 9th Sept (10:30am) Exploring what works in online delivery @realideasorg Webinar focussing on arts & cultural organisations and engagement of young people/ families. register.gotowebinar.com/register/93544…
*Dance & Tech Forum online - October 2020 - This year's Dance & Tech forum is a fantastic opportunity to virtually explore the use of ‘digital and technology’ within the dance sector and for attendees to dive into creative possibilities for artists and technology companies.
PDSW presents a selection of UK artists working within some of the most exciting fields of dance and technology today. Artists including KwesiJohnson New Movement Collective,Neon Dance, Makeamplify, join with their industry and creative collaborators to explore their practice and present work being made for 2021 and beyond.
See the full programme of activities includes webinars, presentations, demonstration and panel discussions.
People Dancing - Events and Resources
Identity and Purpose: Making a credible & compelling business case as an independent artist: Thursday 10 September 2020, 10am – 12pm
Want to explore WHY, HOW and WHAT your practice involves and how to use this to inform your business planning as a freelancer?
Mortal fools are delighted to be offering the second of three webinars as part of the Proof of the Pudding toolkit. This webinar is free of charge and open to members of People Dancing and ArtWorks Alliance. Only 20 places available – more information and bookings
Read the People Dancing new resources and information written to assist dance artists, practitioners and teachers in preparing for a return to in-person practical work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Invitation to be Curious - A film made with Cecilia Macfarlane and Kirstie Richardson. Made in the first few months of lockdown, this film was created as part of People Dancing’s Summer School 2020. Please note: this film is available to both People Dancing Members AND non-members.
One Dance UK - Returning to Dance webinars
All the Return to Dance Q&A webinars, co-hosted by the Dance Medicine and Science Expert Panel, are available to re-watch on our website here: https://www.onedanceuk.org/return-to-dance/
Topics covered so far include social distancing in dance, considerations for children and young people, mental health and injury management, alternatives to face to face, vulnerability, equality and diversity and much more.
Check out their facebook page and website for other CPD opportunities coming up this autumn for teachers and dancers
Ruth Pethybridge - Dance Futures
A new podcast that discusses dance as a way of life. Created and hosted by our friend Dr Ruth Pethybridge Dance Futures
Hayley J Matthews - Ensemble
Read more about Hayley's blog and project 'Saying no to re-weaving the threads of injustice as we re-build the dance industry. Dancing on the FaultLines instead.' on the Ensemble website
"This unpacks what I feel has been unveiled by the pandemic around the position of dancers in society, and what we should highlight and not return to. As well as a new thread I am weaving, towards a self-selecting, just way forward."
Oxford Dance Writers
Reminder that Susie Crow welcomes you to visit the Oxford Dance Writers blog and leave comments/responses to what you read there. If you are interested in writing a more substantial piece about the dance that you see online, either performances, dance videos and films, or training resources, please email Susie.
DANSOX Virtual Summer School 2020
All events from the summer school remain available to view on the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building's YouTube channel for FREE. Please consider making a donation to support DANSOX if you have watched and enjoyed these talks so they can continue to plan future events. Please use the Dansox fundraising brochure or if you prefer, you can offer a small one-off single gift go to: www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/singlegift and in ‘Designation’ drop down menu choose DANSOX.
Space Clarence Mews - mentoring opportunities
1:1 Virtual mentoring - Aimed at choreographers, composers, directors, writers, maker-performers at any stage in their career. Virtual 1:1 sessions have been a powerful part of the Virtual Programmes. Caroline Salem is offering these to artist-makers-performers who are not part of a programme, but who want individual dialogue around their work and creative process, deepening their understanding of where they are and exploring and affirming new directions. Find out more
Word and the Work is a new virtual programme which aims to develop how you communicate and write about the work you have made and will make. It includes:
- 12 hour programme over 2 days
- 2 x 1:1 sessions with Caroline
Three opportunities this Autumn; first available workshop on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September. Click here for more details, all upcoming dates and to book.
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TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS (Virtual/real world)
South West Dance Artist Network (SWDAN)
The Artists Recovery Plan will take place digitally on 19th-20th September – comprising four 1.5 hour workshops in Technique, Choreography, Online Presence and Fitness & Wellbeing. All workshops will be of a professional level but are open to all who would like to take part.
Skinner Releasing Network
Workshops, classes, training and resources. The Skinner Releasing Network connects the vibrant international community of teachers of Skinner Releasing Technique – a highly accessible but radical and transformative approach to dance, movement and creative process.
Groundwork Pro Cardiff
Groundwork Pro is an artist led collective providing training and professional development opportunities for dancers, movers and makers based in Cardiff. While studio classes are cancelled you can follow an audio class with Cai Tomos and Pre-recorded Physical Practice with Ffion Campbell-Davies - This movement practice consists of three parts.Taking inspiration from Qigong, Yoga and Gaga Technique.
Flexer and Sandiland - 'Acting Our Age' movement classes (on zoom)
Classes are designed for movers 55+ but welcome adults of all ages. Connect, move, dance, and laugh with us, every Wednesday 10-10.45am. from Wed 2 Sept Find out more and book
"With our latest dance show, Acting Our Age, placed on pause, we’re giving the joyful spirit of this intergenerational dance work life through a series of 12 online movement classes.
These classes offer a space for us to reconnect with our bodies and with each other at a time when we are physically distant."
Ballet classes in Oxford - Both online and in studio classes now on offer in Oxford suitable for beginners through to professionals. See the Ballet in Small Spaces blog for more information.
Justice in Motion continue to offer weekly online contemporary classes
Confluence Collective Cafe/Marhaba and Meeting Points
These Oxford based mixed arts groups continue to meet and share virtually. The next Cafe/Marhaba is on Sat 12 September Share a song, dance or poem or else just sit and listen and watch. You will have to be bring your own food and drink. See their facebook pages for more information CONFLUENCE CAFE/MARHABA and MEETING POINTS
Cafe Reason Butoh Theatre - Return to indoor classes
With certain conditions to ensure Covid-security – Cafe Reason will be resuming their regular Saturday morning classes at Mortimer Hall, Old Marston.
Please would you email them if you are interested in attending as places are limited. The first session will be on Saturday 12 September at 10am-1pm and they will continue on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays until 12 December (7 sessions in all).
It will be necessary to book each class by email and pay in advance by bank transfer. Payment can be for an individual session or (more conveniently) for a block of three or more; these can be taken any time during the season. Please note that we need to increase the regular class fee to £20 for each 3-hour session, but we will continue to accept £15 if you are on a low income.
The bite-size butoh series has now ended but you can still find and use the prompts on their website.
Dance in the Park - Physically distanced dance
Thursdays in September from 18:30-20:00
COST: Free!
BOOKING: Email contact@contactdance.org by 8pm on Wednesday evening before, requesting a place.
MEET AT: Keble Gate, University Parks, Parks Road, Oxford. OX1 3PU
Public · Hosted by Andrew Dance and Oxford Contact Dance
Join us to safely dance with other people in a physically distanced way - outside - in the park. It's free but you must book - see below at end.
Let's dance together in University Parks, Oxford. Dance in the Park is a facilitated session where we'll use games, exercises and improvised dance to enjoy moving together.
Suitable for everyone - including beginners and experienced dancers. We'll research and investigate dance without touch - including using sticks and other items to connect and contact-through. see: https://andrewdance.org/contact-improvisation/dancing-contact-improvisation-with-contact-through/
Bring a water bottle and wear loose clothing in which you can move freely. Note: no amplified music is allowed in the park but acoustic instruments welcome.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND COMMISSIONS
Dance Art Journal - call out for submissions
Dance Art Journal are launching a zine of poetic reviews, ‘Lines Curves Galaxies’ inspired by performances that have been seen over the past year or so. The idea is to create a collage style archive of after-tastes of performance art.
They are excited to involve our community and readers in this project by asking for submissions of poem(s). You do not have to be an experienced writer to participate, everyone is welcome to contribute! Deadline for submissions is 27 Sept.
Wriggle Dance Theatre - Call out for Dancers!
Wriggle Dance Theatre are looking for both a dancer/ performer and a volunteer understudy ( the latter would suit a recent dance graduate) for the devising and national tour of a new show for children and families 'Squidge'. Follow link above for full details.
Got an artistic idea to light up our imagination and make connections between people?
We’d like to commission five artists to make a piece of work we can share online.
Here’s the deal:
- We give you £500
- You make something in any medium that we can share online – by photographing it, filming it, as an interactive experience…whatever you like.
- You deliver it to us by Friday 13 November
- You consider connection and relationships when making the work
Interested?
Send us the following information:
- Your name and contact details (this must include an email address)
- 100 words about you and your work
- 200 words on why you want this commission, and what you would do with it
- Up to six examples of your work (as a link or attachment)
Send these to Alex: alexandra.coke@oldfirestation.org.uk by 10am, Friday 18 September.
The AOFS team will select five artists. We are particularly interested in artists who:
- Are local to Oxford
- Are at the start of their career, or returning after a break
- Face disadvantage due to race, disability, socio-economic status or any other characteristic
If you are selected, we will pay you £500 in total up front. This should cover your time, expenses and materials, so please be realistic about what you can deliver with the money.
If you are not selected, we will give you feedback about why this is the case.
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FUNDING & ARTIST SUPPORT DURING LOCKDOWN
Arts Council England
National Lottery Project Grants - The fund is open to all individual artists, community and cultural organisations to support arts, museums and libraries projects. This fund is now open. They are keen to support first time applicants.
Who can apply: Individual artists and practitioners, community and cultural organisations, museums and libraries.
What you can apply for: Arts, museums and libraries projects that engage people in England with creativity and culture. Key dates: National Lottery Project Grants is open all the time, there are no deadlines.
Funds opening in the autumn:
Developing Your Creative Practice
Developing Your Creative Practice is aimed at helping artists and creatives take their work to the next level. We’ve increased the budget from £3.6 million to around £18 million. We want to help as many people as we can with this fund. Find out more about the fund before it closed in March >
Sign up here for monthly newsletter with the latest from the Arts Council and the arts and culture sector.
Sign up here for the Arts Council weekly Arts Jobs and News e-newsletter
South East Dance - artist support
SED recently launched the JamieWattonFund2020 to support South East dance artists struggling to make ends meet due to COVID-19. Read more on their blog.
SED are running a monthly virtual Artists Café aimed at practitioners. This is a really useful space to talk and listen and share ideas and experiences with no pressure or expectation on participants other than to be present and attentive to the conversation/discussion. Follow them on social media for updates on when the next one is taking place and who will be leading it.
SED are also holding advisory sessions on zoom for anyone planning to apply to Arts Council England – National Lottery Project Grants the next one is Tue 15 Sept at 11am: Book here. If you can't get a place contact them to say you are interested and they may run another session if there is sufficient demand.
They are also offering 1-2-1 support and can read your ACE application before you submit. Contact pip.sayers@southeastdance.org.uk to book a slot and give them plenty of notice.
Oxford City Council - Culture Fund
The Culture Fund awards grants of £500-1000. It is designed to enable cultural organisations and individual practitioners to enhance Oxford's cultural offer and leverage in additional funding from other sources. Apply Culture Fund
Round 3 (projects taking place between 1 December 2020 and 31 March 2021)
Wednesday 9 September 2020: Culture Fund opens for applications.
Wednesday 14 October 2020: Deadline for applications.
Applicants will be informed of decisions by Monday 2 November 2020
Also as part of her role with the City Council Claire Thompson is regularly updating a list of funding sources (not just the arts) which can be found here: Funding sources
Claire is also able to support local artists with advice on applications to OCC funds as well as ACE bids if needed. Email Claire: cthompson@oxford.gov.uk
Theatre Community Fund
The Theatre Community Fund has been established to support the theatrical artists and professionals whose livelihoods and creative futures have been threatened in the wake of Covid-19. The Theatre Community Fund has currently raised over £500,000 for creatives and artists in need.
This fund will be separated into two priority strands giving grants of up to £3000:
1. HARDSHIP grants in partnership with the Fleabag Support Fund
2. CREATIVE AND INNOVATION grants
Grants will be distributed in partnership with the Royal Theatrical Fund. Creative and innovation grants will open in late 2020 or early 2021, with the exact date to be agreed. Find out more and apply here: theatrecommunityfund.com
Dance Professionals Fund - The Dancers’ Hardship Fund
Who can apply: Professional dancers. Support given to freelance dancers across genres including ballet, contemporary, Black and Asian dance and hip hop including those with portfolio careers, e.g. choreography, who whose work would normally include employment in the subsidised dance sector. This Fund is supported by Arts Council of England. Applications to this fund are accepted from Monday 29th June. Read more here: https://www.dancefund.org.uk/grants/crisis/
Siobhan Davies Studio - Artist support
SDS have revamped their offer of support to dance artists, choreographers and others working in the dance sector following the easing of lockdown and the reopening of Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants. They now offer bookable sessions with specific members of the team. A session may involve speaking directly with one of the team about your work, or alternatively you might request that they spend the time reviewing material (e.g an application, project budget or a digital content plan) and send feedback via email. For more information go to: bit.ly/c19-artistsupport
Richard Chappell Dance have shared their covid 19 risk assessment to help other professional dance artists planning to return to the studio with writing your own. See here: Resources for dance artists
Further advice, support and resources are regularly updated on these websites:
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LIVE PERFORMANCES
MOTUS have announced that Map Dance (the MA performance group from Chichester Uni will be performing at The Venue Milton Keynes on Tue 22nd September. Tickets will be limited. Book here
VIRTUAL EVENTS/STREAMING/VIDEOS
Trip the Light Fantastic TV - FRI 18th, SAT 19th, SUN 20th September 2020
A three day virtual dance marathon to moove your home groove.
A cyber collection of contemporary dance masterclasses, chit chats, events and meet'ups open to all -dance pros or dance lovers- and culminating in a dance and performance screening night hosted live by the historical double trouble choreographic duo Giuliana Majo & Jose Vidal. Event details
Sadlers Wells Digital Stage: Sadler’s Wells presents a programme of full-length dance performances, films and workshops online, to keep you entertained and connected through dance, wherever you are in the world. Digital Stage
Russell Maliphant Company archive is now available to watch online
Dancing Alone Together weekly recommendations of screen dance to watch
Spread the word about your online classes!
One Dance UK hosts an events calendar for info on classes You can submit your own classes for free here
Don't forget the Dancin Oxford website has lots of information about current online classes, dance videos and events for all levels and ages. To get your class/event on the site email cthompson@oxford.gov.uk
The OFS website has details of classes that normally take place there and are now online and recommendations of shows you can watch online: Arts at a safe distance
Don't forget you can reach the steering group via this email with any questions/news to share: oxford.dance.forum@gmail.com
Stay safe and we hope to see you dancing in the real world soon.
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