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February Newsletter

Thanks to everyone who came to our First Creative Lab of 2023 and AGM on 31 Jan - it was great to see so many dancers in person and have a rich and playful lab together with lots of creative conversation and laughter.

As discussed at the meeting ODF's activities are currently limited due to our financial resources being low.

However we will continue with monthly Creative Labs and adhoc sharing events and the newsletter (slightly less regularly) until we can secure further funding and host bigger events and offer more artist support. If you want to help by joining the steering group or can help in other ways please get in touch.

                        

                                  CREATIVE LAB DATES

                                   Sat 25 Feb 3pm - 5pm 
                                 Tue 28 March 3pm - 5pm
                                   Sat 29 April 3pm - 6pm*
                        *2 hour lab + 1 hour informal sharing

                                 all at the URC Hall in Summertown

Creative Lab is a self organising session by those who attend – Bring ideas to share and try out together in the space and have time for feedback/ discussion. Remember to wear warm comfy clothes as we will need to keep the windows open for ventilation, so bring what you need to feel warm and a drink.

Please email oxford.dance.forum@gmail.com in advance to confirm attendance. In lieu of ODF membership fees at this time we invite all participants to give a donation to help cover the cost of space. Suggested amount £5. This can be paid in cash on the day or via bank transfer.

      

Entrepreneurial Dance Artists: an Oxford Dance Forum professional development and networking day

Friday 10 March in the Long Room at Oxford Town Hall


ODF are pleased to announce an exciting day of networking and learning supported by Dancin’ Oxford. 

Don’t miss this fantastic networking and learning day. It’s great value with lunch & refreshments included

Aimed at local independent dance artists, the day is an opportunity to rebuild and make new connections in person with other artists, local venues and get inspiration, new ideas and confidence in your ability to thrive as artists. We hope you will take up this chance to bond and support each other as dance artists finding their way in a post pandemic landscape.

Schedule:

10am Arrive and coffee/tea
10.30 – 12.30pm Seminar “Why Successful Artists Mean Business and What’s Their Blueprint?” with Tomorr Kokona*
12.30 – 1.30pm Lunch (provided)
1.30 – 2.30pm Representatives from local cultural organisations sharing information on support for artists
2.30-3.30pm Informal networking

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Bookings must be made in advance by Thursday 2 March (3pm) book here: Eventbrite Cost: £10 waged /£5 freelance

*”Why Successful Artists Mean Business and What’s Their Blueprint?” is an introductory seminar designed for performing artists, choreographers, and producers who are seeking to turn their passion into a thriving and sustainable enterprise.

You will gain insights to the S.T.A.R.S blueprint, which stands for Strategizing, Transforming, Acting, Refining, and Scaling up.

You will gain practical insights on how to overcome the top obstacles faced by artists, such as a lack of strategy and market understanding, limited access to resources and opportunities, and challenges in transforming their passion into a viable and profitable enterprise.

Join this seminar to learn how to turn your artistic success into a sustainable and profitable career. More info on Tomorr Kokona https://tomorrkokona.com/

If you have any questions about the day email oxford.dance.forum@gmail.com

    ARTIST SUPPORT from Arts at the Old Fire Station

Reminder -

The dance noticeboard has been reinstated by the OFS next to the Dance Studio where you can put class flyers & event posters. 



Last-Minute Reduced Rate Space Deal 

What is it?
Enquiries should be made no more than 7 days before the date when you want space.

Space is for rehearsal or artistic development only. 

How much?
It's £10 per hour, minimum 3 hours.

When?
The last-minute offer is available every single day including Sundays from 10.00am to whenever the venue closes.

Use
Rehearsal and artistic development
But not classes, income-generating activity or activity which involves members of the public.
If you're not sure, please get in touch to check.

Email bookings@oldfirestation.org.uk to book space/ask questions


Monday Co-Working Space
On Mondays free co-working space for artists is available in the Cafe at OFS To book space or to find out more


OFS Artists mailing list
Make sure you are on the OFS Artists mailing list if you want to hear about opportunities happening at the Old Fire Station. Including:
Offers of discounted rehearsal space
Opportunities for commissions etc
Other opportunities to present work at the Old Fire Station sign up here
 
            CPD WORKSHOPS, CLASSES & TRAINING
 

WATKINS DANCE COMPANY - Professional Level Workshop 

Join choreographer Anna Watkins for a workshop on Sunday 2nd April for an insight into her latest work.

The workshop will consist of technique contemporary class, learning rep from recent Arts Council England DYCP project and creative exploration. Open to all training and professional dancers aged 18+

When: Sunday 2nd April 2023 
Where: Siobhan Davies Studios, London (Roof Studio)
Time: 10.00 - 13.00 Cost: £35.00  Book here
 

Dancers Career Development - FREE online sessions

Evolve Digital is a series of FREE online career development workshops for all dancers in the UK. These workshops provide practical tools relating to career transition, as well as bringing dance artists together to help learn from and inspire each other. See a list of workshops here

Workshops are facilitated by DCD Director of Coaching, Isabel Mortimer.

Dancers can sign up for multiple workshops. Limited spaces are available so early booking is advised.

All workshops will have closed captions and summary notes to be shared after the workshop. For any additional access needs please contact dancers@thedcd.org.uk, we will be happy to support you.


Independent Dance - M-Laboratory: an online space led by Galit Criden

5 week course Thursday 23 March – 20 April 6.30 - 8.30pm ONLINE

Cost £50  more info and book here

M-laboratory will investigate the concept of modern matriarchy in performative ways, including how to establish and weave different dimensions of the matriarchal into everyday life, with the aim to exchange tools, articulate working conditions, and grow within one’s own research and practice.


LOCAL WORKSHOPS/COURSES
 

Cafe Reason 

Café Reason offers regular open butoh classes and workshops. These sessions are suitable for all body types, ages, and levels of skill; no previous experience is necessary. There is a rotating pool of teachers, so that participants can benefit from different approaches to butoh training.

Next class – with the theme The Emergence of Spring (I) – will be on Saturday 25 February 10.00am–1.00pm and will be led by Helen Edwards. Cost £20/15  
Discover your own unique dance of spring emerging from within.  This session invites deep connection between our inner world of images, memories, dreams, and sensation, and our ability to express this through movement. We will draw on the tension between body and image, and awareness of inner and outer reality to create solo and group dance.
Further Open Class dates - Saturdays 10am - 1pm: Mar 11, 25, Apr 15, 29

Sunday 12 March 10.00am–5.00pm special workshop with renowned butoh artist Vangeline.  Cost £50/45/40 as you can afford The workshop will be based around Vangeline's critically acclaimed book, Butoh: Cradling Empty Space, which explores the intersection of butoh and neuroscience. Butoh, she writes, "cultivates a special relationship between gravity, consciousness, and our experience of time. Please contact Ayala to book for either class / workshop (places limited). 

Also a reminder to register your interest in presenting work at our next Diamond Night on 22 April. Please contact Ayala by 18 March if there is something you would like to perform. Offers of practical help also very welcome!


Rivers of Life - The Emergence of Spring (II)

Monthly outdoor movement with Helen Edwards  Sun 26 Feb 2.00pm - 4.00pm Headington Hill Park, Oxford

Following on from Saturday's workshop with Cafe Reason (though each can be attended independently) Discover your inner being emerging. Find your hidden dance in nature. Vital time to rest, remember and reconnect in the web of nature in spring, through natural free movement.

Tuning into nature through connecting with the trees, and cycles of the light and darkness as spring emerges through sensing stillness and movement. the photograph shows Witch hazel (Hamamelis) often associated with sensing hidden aspects in nature.

Discovering moving connections within nature and your movement in the flow of life. Time for being in landscape; inner and outer.

Wear all weather comfortable clothes, the park is a little hilly so good shoes are advisable. Meet at the main double gates in the small car park off London Rd just up from St Clements and the junction with Marston Road. NB earlier winter start timing 2pm to 4pm. Open to all, no previous experience necessary. £10 donation.

Email Helen for more information if you want to attend. FB event link

 

Oxford Contact Dance

We will be using the dance studio at the Old Fire Station in Oxford for our March events. They're on Saturdays from 2pm but not every Saturday! Details:
https://oldfirestation.org.uk/classes/contact-dance/

You can book for any of the sessions below at our Eventbrite page:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/oxford-contact-dance-27577733217

All start at 2pm. Cost: £12 each session.

March
Sat 11: 3 hours - Class & dance (Jam)
Sat 18: 2 hours - Jam
Sat 25: 3 hours - Class & dance (Jam)

For more info go to: www.contactdance.org or email contact@contactdance.org
 

Pro Dance Oxford - Sunday 5th March Luca Braccia will be teaching a Flying Low and Passing Through book here

We will spiral, run, slide, and sing to pass through the floor and other bodies, playing with speed and energy! In the morning, you will be introduced to the basic principles ('gathering and sending') by practising sequences of set material with different pathways. In the afternoon, you will explore instant-composition rules and group improvisation. Peer work will encourage collaboration and analysis, and the session will include reflections on Zambrano's philosophy.

Pro Dance Oxford host regular professional level workshops in Oxford. Email  to sign up for news. Follow them on Instagram 
 

Confluence Collective Cafe/Marhaba 

These Oxford based mixed arts groups continue to meet monthly on the 3rd Saturday of the month. 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 page for more information CONFLUENCE CAFE/MARHABA 


FOR WEEKLY CLASSES BELOW PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK TERM DATES WITH TEACHERS DIRECTLY 

Improvised Dance with Andy Solway -

Mondays 7.30-9.30pm URC Hall in Summertown  

Improvisation is a great way to develop your movement practice, generate new ideas, tune in to other dancers with very different skills, and learn to shape a dance in space and over time.  Andy Solway has been an improviser for many years. He has studied with great improvisers such as Kirstie Simson, Miranda Tuffnell, Steve Paxton and many others.

Email Andy or Book here £10 single session, £24 for 3 classes. (currently running weekly until 20 March)

Bella Blythe teaches contemporary dance and yoga in Oxford - www.bellablythe.co.uk

Cecilia Macfarlane - DugOut Adult Community Dance

DugOut is an adult contemporary dance group which aims to promote dance for everyone (regardless of age, ability, experience or background). The group celebrates individuality, creativity and a love of dance. Every Tuesday 7.15pm - 9.15pm during term time at Ark T Centre, For more information email Cecilia Macfarlane website: Dug out 


Vita Peach teaching new beginner Burlesque classes at the OFS Email Vita to book

Joelle Pappas - Creative Contemporary Dance Class for Adults
With flow and breath, develop the dancer in you! Fridays 19.45 - 21.00 (UK time) at Iffley Church Hall in Oxford. Joëlle Pappas leads a mix of somatic explorations, improvisations, contemporary dance techniques and choreographic tasks. For more details about the class, please email Joëlle 

Lunas Contemporary Dance - Contemporary classes on Weds eves at OFS Email: Ellie Aldegheri

Susie Crow weekly ballet online/in person classes for a range of levels. Email Susie for details

Ségolène Tarte several weekly ballet classes online and in person Dancing Convolutions 

Summertown Morris - Women's morris dancing group, meet on Monday evenings 7.30pm at Cumnor URC Find out more here 

Thomas Page Dances Open Level Cunningham Class Mondays & Open level release class Fridays - Pay what you can. Email Thomas to book.

Mini Professionals -  new adult dance classes for all levels in North Oxford
See the website: https://www.mpdance.co.uk/adult-dance-classes and follow on Instagram: @mpda_plus
 
CALL OUTS & OPPORTUNITIES
 

Visiting Artists at Pavilion Dance (Bournemouth) – January Open Call 
 

A space to breathe and explore by the sea… Dance artists in need of creative space are invited to work in our beachside studios as Visiting Artists of Pavilion Dance. You can test out new ideas or continue working on a project with support from a friendly and experienced team. We are particularly interested in artists who have not worked with us before and are interested in sharing their practice with others. Our venue is fully accessible and there is a bursary of £750.

There will be two open call outs this year for Visiting Artists:

• January Open Call – for residencies taking place in July

• June Open Call – for residencies taking place in December

Two bursaries are available per call out – one to an artist based in the south-west, and one to an artist based anywhere in the UK. More info here

Fill in the Google form to apply for this role: Google Form  Application deadline: 28 February 2023


IMPRINT DANCE - Call out for Dance Artist

Imprint is looking for an experienced contemporary dancer who has a love of nature and wild spaces, to contribute to the creation of two site responsive dance films. The films will respond to nature stories shared by children and young people. From March to August 2023. Fee: £1,825 for 10.5 days

Deadline 1 March. More info and apply here


GREENWICH DANCE - Summer in the Park CALL out for PROFESSIONAL WORK

Greenwich Dance are looking for live performances for their Summer in the Park festival. They will be delivering events across the boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley in June, July and August. Apply here
Deadline Friday 24th March 5pm
 

SUPPORT / FUNDING SOURCES
 

Exhuberant Trust - Small grants for people under age of 30 The Exuberant Trust is a local charity which supports young people (under 30) in Oxfordshire who are developing their interest in the arts: music, drama, dance, art & crafts, multi-media, etc. and who are in need of a small one-off grant (maximum £500) for a specific project or activity. The Exuberant Trust raises funds by organising concerts throughout the year and from donations received from its supporters. Successful applicants are encouraged to take part in concerts and other activities in support of the Trust. To find out more and apply go to www.exuberant-trust.org.uk
Oxford City Council 

You can find useful grants advice, fundraising guidance and support list on Oxford City Council website 

NEW - Oxford Community Impact Fund (OCIF)

This replaces all former funding programmes for communities including: Culture Fund, Green Neighbourhood Scheme, Youth Ambition Fund, Youth Ambition Holiday Activities Fund, Small Grants and Open Bidding.

Individuals can apply for small grants of up to £1k and organisations can apply for small or medium grants of £1k - £5k. Check the website to see when the next round has opened  Read more here



Arts Council England

National Lottery Project Grants - This fund has reopened with new guidance and criteria. You can apply for £1k - £100k. If you are applying for £30,000 or under, you will receive a decision in 8 weeks. If you are applying for over £30,000 a decision will take 12 weeks. You should read the guidance documents on their website before applying. 

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. 

Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP)

The fund supports creative practitioners thinking of taking their practice to the next stage to research, have time to create new work, travel, training, develop ideas, network or find mentoring. 

The next round of Arts Council DYCP grants opens on 26 March, get up to speed on recent changes and be ready to apply here


Sign up here for monthly newsletter with the latest from the Arts Council and the arts and culture sector. 


South East Dance also offer 1-2-1 artist support and advisory sessions. Book here. 

Claire Thompson at Oxford City Council can also offer support and read through applications before they are submitted. Email Claire
 

LOCAL LIVE DANCE PERFORMANCES


Global Dance Stage - Dancin' Oxford
Sunday 26 Feb 12-5pm Broad St, Oxford FREE  -  more info

Starting from 12 noon, 40 dance acts will perform throughout the day, finishing at around 5pm.  There’s truly something for everyone – from school dance troupes, K-pop dance, belly dancing, salsa and much more! 

Lots to watch/take part in and enjoy with Dancin' Oxford Spring Festival from 3-12 March. See full listings on their website selected performances listed below:

Moving with the Times 
Fri 3 & Sat 4 March 7pm at Pegasus Theatre - book here

Every year Moving with the Times, a co-commission with Dancin' Oxford, features new work from four exciting dance companies. This year our four featured artists/companies are Divija Melally, fuse collective, Vita Oldershaw and CTC Dance Company. Read a review by Maggie Watson from the first look scratch in Jan on Oxford Dance Writers here. 


Spring Festival Launch Event
Sat 4 March Leiden Square 12 - 5pm - FREE come along and watch more info

This event will be truly spectacular, with five hours of incredible dance – including hip hop, breakdance and street dance, circus, cabaret, African and contemporary dance, as well as a Zumba party. 


ACE Dance and Music presents: UNKNOWNREALMS 
Wed 8 March 7.3pm at The Mill Arts Centre in Banbury  Book here

Rooted in African and contemporary culture, ACE Dance and Music collaborate with two internationally acclaimed Black male choreographers Serge Aimé Coulibaly and Vincent Mantsoe.


JAMES WILTON DANCE The Four Seasons
Fri 10 March 7.30pm The North Wall Arts Centre  Book here

Using Max Richter’s recomposed version of Vivaldi’s seminal work The Four Seasons, James Wilton Dance has created a work of immense physicality, driving energy and sweeping beauty.


Vangeline, Butoh Institute New York presents Eternity 123
Sat 11 March 6pm at OFS Book here (FREE)

Eternity 123 traces the symbolic journey of women’s liberation across time. With this piece, Vangeline also celebrates the impact of women on the art form butoh, exploring the link between women, butoh, and “cabaret.”
 

BORN TO EXIST: the women I know by Joseph Toonga
Sat 11 March 7.30pm at Cornerstone Arts, Didcot Book here

This Hip Hop Dance Theatre Production forms Toonga’s third part of his Nationally acclaimed, Hip Hop Dance trilogy that invites change, and a sense of overcoming stigmas society holds towards ethnic minorities. Analysing representation with an intersectional focus to show untold, underrepresented, individual journeys.


Looking further ahead...


Body Politic - THEM 
Thur 6 April 7.30pm at Pegasus Theatre Book here

Set to a driving, electronic score by acclaimed composer C. Bickley, and featuring three compelling dancers, THEM is a riveting hip hop dance theatre show about mental well-being and consent. The stunning choreography flows seamlessly from being powerfully gripping to soothingly harmonious. 


Ballet Black - Pioneers  
April Tue 25 & Wed 26 April 7.30pm at Oxford Playhouse Book here

Now in their 21st year, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black is excited to present award-winning choreographers, Will Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli November in a double bill of new and original work.

Will Tuckett's Then Or Now, originally created in 2020, blends classical ballet, music and the poetry of Adrienne Rich to ask the question: in times like these, where do we belong?

Mthuthuzeli November makes his third mainstage commission for the Company, Nina: By Whatever Means, a love letter to musician, performer and activist, Nina Simone, that combines ballet, jazz and the blues in a moving and inspiring piece of dance theatre.
 
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