Varmints: exciting hip hop dance theatre for young people aged 8+ exploring our relationship to nature in a fast-moving society

Photo - Manuel Vason

Varmints, an exciting piece of hip hop dance theatre for young people aged 8+ and their families, will be visiting Pavilion Dance South West on Sunday
9 June, at 11.30am.

Varmints is a powerful tale about what happens if we continue to destroy nature. Based on the award-winning book Varmints by Helen Ward and Marc Craste, it tells the story of a world buried under the relentless march of progress, and the struggle of one small creature to preserve a world in danger of being lost forever.

Varmints explores ecological and universal themes in our fast-moving society, and offers opportunities for young people to engage in dance theatre and have a heightened understanding and awareness of these current issues.

The team behind Varmints, director Sally Cookson and choreographer Wilkie Branson, recently brought the hugely successful Christmas show BOING! to Bournemouth.

“Utterly dazzling... rumbustious, exhilarating dance theatre, enrapturing for children and adults alike” The Guardian

“Poetic, moving, witty and wonderful!” Venue Magazine

Press reviews on BOING!

You can watch the Varmints trailer here. Discover Varmints on this interactive website.

Tickets cost £5, babes in arms are free. For more information or to book call 01202 203630 or visit www.paviliondance.org.uk

Listing information

Pavilion Dance South West and Travelling Light present

Varmints
an East London Dance, Sadler's Wells and Stratford Circus Production

Sunday 9 June, 11.30am

Tickets £5, babes in arms are free

Box Office: Pavilion Dance South West, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU

T: 01202 203630 www.paviliondance.org.uk

Photo caption: Wilkie Branson in Varmints. Photo: Manuel Vason

Media contact: Helga Brandt or Marianne Lucken

Pavilion Dance South West

T: 01202 203630

E: helga.brandt@dancesouthwest.org.uk or marianne.lucken@dancesouthwest.org.uk 

– ends –

Notes for editors

Pavilion Dance South West is a National Dance Development Organisation with responsibility for strategic dance development across the South West of England, operating in partnership with Arts Council England, Bournemouth Borough Council and BH Live, and a contemporary performing arts venue and cinema for Bournemouth.
It is fully accessible and offers excellent facilities, including two light and airy dance studios with views of the seafront and Lower Gardens, plus the 200-seat Ocean Room Theatre, which is equipped with the latest technology.
www.paviliondance.org

Varmints is supported by Arts Council England, Bristol Old Vic and Pavilion Dance South West, with additional support from the Unity Theatre Trust and The Legacy List. The Legacy List was set up in 2011 to help make creative connections between people, the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic park and its surroundings in the areas of arts, culture, education and skills.

Creative Team and Cast

Director – Sally Cookson

Choreographer – Wilkie Branson

Set and Costume Designer – Holly Waddington

Lighting Designer – Guy Hoare

Composer – Benji Bower

Dramaturg – Adam Peck

Projection Designer – Yoav Segal

Performers – Wilkie Branson, Mariana Camiloti, Femi M Oyewole, Letitia Simpson

Travelling Light has been creating exciting and ground-breaking theatre and inspiring young people since 1984, when it was founded in Bristol. The company combines a variety of art forms and collaborates with other companies and theatres to produce innovative work that tours throughout UK and abroad.

Sadler’s Wells, the UK's leading dance house, uniquely dedicated to producing, commissioning, and presenting the very best international and UK dance to London audiences. Under the Artistic Directorship of Alistair Spalding the theatre’s cutting edge programme spans dance in all its forms, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap.

Stratford Circus is a vibrant performing arts centre driven by great artistic experiences and the diverse communities of east London, dedicated to inspire audiences and develop local talent by working with the best UK and international artists.

East London Dance works to develop a dynamic, diverse and inclusive dance culture for communities and artists across, and beyond, East London. ELD works to promote the value of dance in developing healthy, cohesive communities, encouraging access to dance for all, regardless of ability or age.

Ludus Dance seeks Artistic Producer

Are you passionate about dance?  

Are you an experienced and creative dance professional with a strong artistic vision for developing dance?  Can you lead a team of experienced Dance Development Artists to develop and deliver the best, high quality participatory dance projects ever?   

Yes?  Then Ludus Dance needs you!

You will be part of a creative and dynamic organisation that works hard to inspire and connect with all sections of the community developing and delivering a range of high quality dance projects and initiatives. We believe that taking part in high quality dance activity can be a life changing experience.  
As the artistic lead for the organisation you will have strong creative ideas and will lead an experienced team of Dance Development Artists. Together you will be responsible for developing and delivering a range of high quality dance projects and initiatives primarily aimed at children & young people and for people and places with the least engagement.
You will need to be able to inspire and connect with all stakeholders and all sections of the community from those who are new to dance to the gifted and talented to get more people taking part in and making great dance.
Salary:  Up to £24,000 pro rata depending on experience.
Hours:   30 hours (4 days) per week, flexible

Application deadline:  9.30am on Monday 24th June (emailed applications will be accepted)
Interviews:  Thursday 4th July

For an application pack visit: www.ludusdance.org/training/vacancies or email sarah.lyon@ludusdance.org 

This recruitment is taking place under the conditions of our (LududDance) Single Equality Action Plan and Policy
                    

Four Dance Residencies in the Highlands

Four Dance Residencies in the Highlands
Eden Court, plan B and the Highland Council are delighted to announce a series of four dance commissions and residencies as part of the Dance Strategy for the Highlands. Submissions are being sought for four separate projects as outlined below:


‘Out with the old....’ Youth Dance Residency
We are seeking an innovative and exciting company or choreographer to develop a new dance piece with a group of young dancers, aged 13-21 years.

The company/choreographer will work with the group for one week, 12-16 August, culminating in a performance of the piece on the Friday evening at Eden Court. In addition there is studio space available for the previous week, 5-9 August, for the company/choreographer to develop their ideas and their own work. A performance opportunity for the company/choreographer is also available on the 16th August.

The work can be based in any technique and can incorporate other media. We are particularly interested in ideas which integrate the young dancers with the professional performers.
The fee is negotiable dependant on the requirements of the company/choreographer and the piece to be created. Studio space is provided by Eden Court. The residency will be supported by Louise Marshall, CREATIVE Dance Artist at Eden Court.
Deadline: 17:00, 21 June 2013.

Site Specific Residency
We are seeking a choreographer to create a piece with Highland based dancers to be performed in a Highland location of their choosing. We welcome proposals which bring innovative and unusual approaches to creating dance in site specific locations.

The work can be based in any style or technique and can incorporate other media. Studio space will be available for a two-week residency period either at Eden Court, Inverness or at plan B’s base, The Shed in Evanton.

The fee is negotiable dependant on the requirements of the company/choreographer and the piece to be created. This residency is required to take place before 31 December 2013.
Deadline: 17:00, 21 June 2013.

Dancing Into The Third Age
We are seeking a choreographer/dance artist to create a piece of dance with older adults. Dependant on the participants, this may result in a performance or a video/film production. The residency can be based in a studio, in the community or in an Eldercare setting.
We welcome proposals which have themes which are both relevant to and unusual for older adults.

The work can be based in any style or technique and can incorporate other media.
The fee is negotiable dependant on the requirements of the company/choreographer and the piece to be created. Studio space will be available at either Eden Court, Inverness or at plan B’s base, The Shed in Evanton, for two weeks or the equivalent if the project is delivered over a longer time period. This residency is required to take place before 31 December 2013.
Deadline: 17:00, 31 July 2013.

Open Residency
We welcome proposals from companies and choreographers for an open residency, during which new work can be developed and explored.
Any theme or style will be considered.
We can offer studio space at either Eden Court, Inverness, or at plan B’s base, The Shed in Evanton, where full technical facilities can be made available. The residency will last for to two weeks.

The fee is negotiable dependant on the requirements of the company/choreographer and the piece to be created. In addition, development costs will also be considered.
This residency is required to take place before 31 December 2013.
Deadline: 17:00, 31 July 2013.


Fees and expenses are available for each of the residencies and funds for development and production costs will be negotiated, once a proposal has been accepted. Studio space can be provided by Eden Court or plan B.
In the first instance, please:

• Indicate which commission and/or residency is of interest
• Submit a proposal explaining your project idea
• Include an outline budget of costs involved in your project idea
• Provide some supporting material (reference, DVD of previous work or links to online video clips)

Send to:
Louise Marshall
CREATIVE Dance Artist
Eden Court
Bishop’s Road
Inverness
IV3 5SA

E: lmarshall@eden-court.co.uk
T: 01463 239841

These opportunities are made possible by funding from Creative Scotland for the Dance Strategy for the Highlands, delivered by Eden Court, plan B and the Highland Council.
 

CALL for choreographic Associate for "Stuck in the Mud" Gdance Production

GDance is seeking a Choreographic Associate to mentor an emerging disabled choreographer (and supporting Dance Leaders) to realise the Artistic Directors vision for the community dance element of Stuck in the Mud (we are recruiting c.50 performers local to each performance venue). 

He / she will also support in teaching and further developing the Fellows choreography with selected schools and community groups. 
The Choreographic Associate will be part of creating an exciting new dance experience produced by GDance in partnership with Ballet Cymru and The National Trust, and artistically led by choreographer Marc Brew. 
It will be toured in 2013 to Hidcote Manor Garden (in The Cotswolds), Gloucesters Blackfriars Priory and Newport. 

Photographer - Kevin Clifford

PLEASE SEE THE  BRIEF AND PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR FULL DETAILS (including details of how to apply). 

The deadline for applications is Monday 22 April.  

Contact details:
GDance (Gloucestershire Dance), Colwell Arts Centre, Derby Road, Gloucester, GL4 AD
Tel: 01452 550 431, helen@gdance.co.uk, www.gdance.co.uk
Download application form (Word doc 1MB) from our website at http://www.artsinc.gdance.co.uk/Chor_mentor/Chor_Mentor_Brief.doc

Merge invites you to dance, create, share

SpinDrift Dance Company    

Local artists, local creativity

Merge

invites you to dance, create, share

While the Merge 7 Collective of choreographers, film makers and dancers meet this Easter to rehearse, create and share their work, we are throwing our doors open to local dancers and contemporary dance enthusiasts. Come and join us!!

Open Contemporary class with Christopher Reynolds of Udifydance

Monday 1^st Tuesday 2^nd Wednesday 3^rd April  10am – 11.30am

Kingsbridge Community College Dance Studio

£6 each or £14 for three

Christopher's class is a release based class focusing on dynamic shifts, use of levels and focus; the class will work towards a phrase from Udifydance Company's repertoire. This class is suitable for dancers 17 years plus, and those with some contemporary experience.

Half Day Master class with Christopher Reynolds of Udifydance

Thursday  4^th April 10- 1pm

£10

Dartington Space, Studio 2

Half Day Session will begin with a technique class. Christopher's class is a release based class focusing on dynamic shifts, use of levels and focus; the class will work towards a phrase from Udifydance Company's repertoire. 

The day will then go onto a creative session using choreographic tasks from Udifydance Company's latest tour And When We Move... starting with solos, duets and trios. The workshop is relaxed and energetic, allowing participants to enjoy and explore the movement vocabulary. This class is suitable for dancers 17 years plus, and those with some contemporary experience.

Work in progress viewing

Thursday 4^th April  2.30-  4pm

Free

Dartington Space, Studio 3

Open to all

Merge Collective artists including Marie Louise Flexen, Exim, Kaylee Ann Crook, SpinDrift Dance Company and Christopher Reynolds will be sharing their work in preparation for the platform Merge 7 : Telling Stories. We welcome you to view, share thoughts and participate in a discussion with the artists.

For queries and bookings please contact Merge admin Suzie West

suziespindrift@yahoo.co.uk

07532361267

Venues

Kingsbridge Community College                                              Dartington SPACE

Balkwill Road                                                                            Dartington Hall

Kingsbridge                                                                               Totnes

Devon                                                                                       Devon

TQ& 2DT                                                                                 TQ9 6EL

www.kingsbridgecollege.org.uk/contact/directions.php          www.dartington.org/visit/directions-and-maps

GDance, National Trust and Ballet Cymru to create unique open-air performance

A pioneering dance performance will take place in Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire this summer in a groundbreaking new venture.

It will feature a cast of 14 professionals, including 3 disabled dancers, and 50 local dancers. 

The open-air work will be choreographed to fit the surroundings of the world-renowned National Trust property near Chipping Campden. The music will also be specially commissioned.

After its Cotswolds premiere, the show, called Stuck in the Mud, will go on tour to Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester, and to a National Trust property near Newport in Wales.  A European tour is envisaged in 2014.

The venture is made possible by a unique collaboration between the National Trust, Cheltenham Festivals, and two dance organisations that share a commitment to work with disabled dance artists: Ballet Cymru and GDance.

Choreographed by renowned disabled choreographer Marc Brew, the show will consist of an hour-long dance experience at Hidcote, performed from July 4-7.

It aims to reinforce positive impressions of the talents of disabled people, as evidenced in the 2012 Paralympics.

Marc has created dance all over the world. He was guest collaborator and media spokesperson for the London handover ceremony at the Beijing Olympics, and was hailed in Time Out magazine as ‘the best of the new breed of London’s rising dance talent’.

Local community dance groups and schools are being invited to apply to take part – more than 50 dancers are needed to back up the professionals.

(Click here to download information and application form to take part)

Stuck in the Mud is being financed by the National Trust, Arts Council England and Arts Council of Wales.

Lead partner is GDance, based in Colwell Road, Gloucester, which is internationally renowned for its work with dance and disability.

GDance Director Cath Wilkins said: “We came up with the idea of a collaboration with Ballet Cymru and the National Trust two years ago and pitched for support funding from Arts Council England last year.

“It’s fantastic that it’s finally happening. Bringing together Ballet Cymru dancers with highly talented disabled performers and a range of local dance and musical talent in a stunning National Trust setting is a recipe for a truly inspiring audience experience.”

Property Manager at Hidcote, Mike Beeston, added: “At Hidcote we have shared in some wonderful experiences with GDance in partnership with local schools and communities. It’s fantastic to see how the garden can inspire the creative arts and engage younger members of our community. Our partnership with GDance is very special to us and we are really looking forward to this summer’s performances.”

Artistic Director of Ballet Cymru Darius James said: “Ballet Cymru is committed to breaking down boundaries and making ballet more accessible. Working again with choreographer Marc Brew will be a wonderful opportunity for our dancers and it has long been a goal to work more closely with GDance. Add to that the collaboration with The National Trust and I cannot think of a more inspiring and innovative mix, I can’t wait!”

Director of Cheltenham Music Festival Meurig Bowen is commissioning music for the piece and sourcing musicians to join the team.

For more information, contact Helen Crocker, Producer, on 01452 550 431 or helen@gdance.co.uk.

GDance has remedy for too much chocolate this Easter

Local arts organisations GDance and Art Shape have teamed up to help children burn off their Easter Egg calories.  

‘Arts Inc’ Holiday Clubs provide fun, creative dance and arts activities for disabled and non-disabled 8-16 year olds.  Participants will have the opportunity to create choreography, design costumes and props and to show what they’ve created to family and friends.

The courses are in Alderman Knight School and on The Roses Theatre’s stage in Tewkesbury between 26 and 29 March and at Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester between 2-5 April.

Parents and carers can take a break whilst specially-trained arts leaders ensure everyone feels included.  The organisers strive to ensure that additional needs are met, as long as they know about them in advance.

Cost needn’t be an issue for families, as for each child booked on, a sibling can attend for free!  Fees are kept low thanks to funding and support from the BBC Children in Need Appeal, Gloucester City Council, Alderman Knight School and The Roses Theatre.

GDance has been running activities bringing together disabled and non-disabled children and young people for over a decade, and has witnessed the pride participants take in their achievements during the week.

Karen Perrins, GDance Programme Coordinator, said:

‘GDance ran a similar course for ‘Summer in the City’ in Gloucester last year, with great results. The children were thrilled to show off their moves and the costumes and props they had made in the Carnival Parade’.

For more information, please contact Karen Perrins on 01452-550 431 / karen@gdance.co.uk or visit GDance’s website www.gdance.co.uk.

The children from the Club GDance ran in the summer took part in the Gloucester Carnival Parade

Champloo Roots - Dance - Learn - Aspire - Progress

Champloo Roots is a free intensive 3 week course for 16 - 24 year olds Not in Education Employment or Training. 

The course will be based at Bristol Old Vic and be led by independent artist, choreographer and co-director of Champloo Joêl Daniel. It runs from 25 Feb - 15 March from 10.00 - 17.00 with two taster days on 21 and 22 Feb from 12.00 - 14.00. The course will focus on sharing dance skills that will benefit the participants both during and after the project and every participant will undertake a Bronze Arts Award during the 3 weeks.

Champloo Dance Company is one of the UK’s leading bboying-based dance theatre companies that takes hiphop into new territory. Joêl's recent work includes co-choreography of the acclaimed shows White Caps, now touring internationally, and Boing, recently staged at Sadlers Wells, as well as working as choreographer and movement director of the Tobacco Factory’s Cinderella. 

Cool Runnings Outreach Play Programme 2013 with Annet Richards-Binns and World Jungle @GAVCA

Global Games with Annet - time to Play, Sing and Dance!

Cool Runnings Outreach Play Programme 2013 is managed by Annet Richards-Binns, an experienced and inspiring global games instructor & play artist. 

The programme is open to Gloucestershire schools and groups 
such as Brownies, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Youth Groups, Parents and 
Children’s Groups, Church Groups and groups supporting the older 
generation including people in residential homes.

The content of the Global Games workshops may include singing games, play-acting, 
cultural crafts & dances from around the world.  The length and structure of each work-
shop is dependent on the nature of each group. Each Month, FREE ‘taster’ workshops are 
also offered throughout the programme. 

Tel: 07811 304684 to reserve a workshop now.


For further information and to book a Global Games Workshop – please contact
Annet Richards-Binns on 07811 304684 or email coolrunnings@uku.co.uk
From World Jungle
Funded by @GAVCA