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Marking an exciting development for Dance in Oxford!

The Oxford Dance Forum began as an informal network of local professional dance artists, providing a much-valued opportunity for dancers to meet, share ideas / projects and input into the wider spectrum of dance in the City. The Forum has now established its' status as an independent organisation, encompassing the broad range of dance styles that exist within the City.

This marks a very exciting development for dance, on both a local and regional level. The Oxford Forum is already recognised as an example of good practice in the region and has inspired several dance agencies across the South East to develop a similar model.

'The Oxford Dance Forum exists to support the professional development of dance artists whose work is predominantly based in Oxford City. The organisation recognises, draws on and invests in the skills of individual dance artists. The Oxford Dance Forum celebrates diversity and dancers' individuality'. (Oxford Dance Forum Constitution)

A key aim of the Forum is to be an advocate for dance locally, regionally and nationally. There is currently a high level of dance activity in Oxford, and the Forum aims to raise the profile and visibility of dance in the City.

An important part of the Forum is it's role in the professional development of dance artists, and its' aim in developing a programme of training and performance opportunities for dance artists at all stages of their career. In collaboration with Swindon Dance / South East Dance (National Dance Agencies) and 'Independent Dance' in London, the Forum aims to attract dance artists from London and regionally to travel to Oxford and draw benefit from a high quality programme of professional development opportunities, co-ordinated with other dance agencies across the region.

News / Events coming up.....

For information about the Oxford Dance Forum's forthcoming advanced-level classes / workshops, please click on the Professional Development Programme page

U.Dance at Carnival in the Park - Sunday 5th July (12 noon onwards)

Carnival in the Park will have a dedicated dance stage on Sunday 5th July - with a whole afternoon’s treat of lively, colourful and exciting dance performances! Involving some of the very best in Oxford’s youth and community dance talent, the event is free for everyone to watch and enjoy.

The programme includes breath-taking performances by the ever-popular breakdance group Flaw R'tists alongside the rhythms of Latin America with the Oxford University Salsa team and Sol Samba, plus high-energy dancing from Barton-based Hip Hop group Messy Jam. Local Oxford-based groups are joined by dance groups from across the County and beyond.

The dance stage will be co-ordinated by Claire Thompson (Oxford City Council's Dance & Theatre Officer) and Pegasus Theatre, supported by Youth Dance England, Oxford City Council and the many choreographers and dancers who make this event possible. Full programme details will be available on the day.

For more information, please contact Claire Thompson on 01865 252820 / cthompson@oxford.gov.uk

Summer Dancing 2009

21 – 28 June 2009

A seasonal festival of contemporary dance in the city of Coventry

This festival of new dance and movement practice in the Midlands returns with master classes, 2 day and 1 day intensives, workshops, discussion and curated performance across the City of Coventry. There will be a 2 week studio based residency for 3 dance makers, Making Space, which will precede the festival itself.

The graduate platform Moving Out will also return as part of the festival performance series.

The 2009 festival faculty currently includes Gill Clarke, Charlie Morrissey, Lucia Walker, Helen Poynor, Miranda Tufnell, Cecilia Macfarlane, Gaby Agis and Joe Moran. There are flexible fee packages and sliding scales. The full 8 day festival including all performances and workshops will cost £230/ £200/ £160. 2 day intensives and performances will cost £65/ £55/ £50. 1 day including performances will cost £35/ £30/ £28.

The Herbert Art Gallery will host a performance series, curated by Florence Peake: installation and durational live performance by Eva Karczag, Chris Crickmay and Sylvia Hallett; performance by Doran George and installation and performance by Jessica Lerner. There will be opportunities to participate in artist-led workshops and join discussion in relation to the Herbert Series.

Other artists invited to perform at the Festival include Cecilia Macfarlane, Joe Moran, Amy Voris, Katye Coe, Charlie Morrissey, Florence Peake and Polly Hudson. We expect to launch the complete schedule in March. You are welcome to make provisional booking reservations or enquiries by contacting k.coe@coventry.ac.uk.

Summer Dancing is generously hosted and supported by the Institute for Creative Enterprise at Coventry University Enterprise, The Department of Performing Arts and CEMAP at Coventry University. Pum and Arts Gallery and Coventry Cathedral. The festival plan is subject to a successful funding outcome.

For further information contact k.coe@coventry.ac.uk

Brazilian Contemporary Dance Workshop with Special Guest Rosangela Silvestre

Sunday 26th July 2009 (12 noon – 6.00pm)

12-2pm Silvestre Technique / 2.30-4.30pm Orixas dance / 5-6pm Rosangela's performance

South Oxford Community Centre, Lake St, Oxford. Cost: £30 adv./£40 door

Join us for a days’ exciting workshop exploring Rosangela’s Silvestre Technique and Orixa dance movement. The day ends a final interactive performance by Rosangela-not to be missed! Rosangela Silvestre is internationally renowned for her stimulating and challenging dance training.

The Silvestre Technique is a language of dance technique based on the four elements of nature and the three triangles of the body: intuition and inspiration; balance and body control ; and expression and interpretation of the movements. The Orixas dance movement is an Afro-Brazilian sacred dance based on the elements.

For more information see silvestrelink.com and call 07854669717 / email:hyasarah@hotmail.com to book your place

SUMMER DANCE WORKSHOP - Come and Get Fit and Learn how to Dance this Summer!

Contemporary Dance - Mon 27th - Fri 31st July 09 (12-3pm) / Jazz Dance - Mon 3rd - Fri 7th August 09 (12-3pm)

Venue: Ark-T Centre, Cowley, Oxford

Contemporary Dance Workshop- A week of contemporary dance including lessons in technique, choreography and learning dance pieces. Performance of all the work created during the workshop for family and friends at the end of the week.

Jazz Dance Workshop- A week of Jazz dance in the styles of Modern and Street Jazz. Students will receive a technique class each day and then learn dance pieces in both Jazz styles for a performance to family and friends at the end of the week.

Both workshops are taught by Tara Bloomfield. Tara trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. She has professional experience and at present is Head of Dance at The Henley College.

Cost for each workshop- £40 per week. Discounted price for booking both workshops- £70.

Classes are suitable for 15-19 year olds. 14 year olds are permitted to participate if they have dance experience.

To secure your place please call Tara Bloomfield on 07724475032 or 01295 272749

By 12pm on Wednesday 22nd July 2009

Oxford Dance Forum - Subsidy Scheme launch

Oxford Dance Forum has some subsidies available over the next 12 months (on a maximum-amount bursary basis of £50* per person) to Oxfordshire-based dance artists.

The bursaries are to assist towards the following suggested costs: · The cost of attending training outside Oxford · The cost of travelling to attend training outside Oxford – (* Car sharing is positively encouraged wherever possible) · The cost of childcare to enable an artist to attend training / specific ODF projects.

Selection will be carried out by members of the Oxford Dance Forum steering group (with the assistance of an external advisor). A decision will be given within three weeks of the application.

For further guidelines and application form, please contact Claire Thompson - cthompson@oxford.gov.uk.

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Launch of development programme for professional dance artists

This programme gives an opportunity for the continuing development of professional dance artists by offering a regular programme of events within the area, at a highly affordable price. It has been designed following a period of research into the needs of independent dance professionals, and in response to requests for specific teachers and specific styles.

The investment by Arts Council England, South East and Oxford City Council into this two-year programme of work marks a very exciting development for dance, on both a local and regional level. The Oxford Forum is already recognised as an example of good practice in the region and has inspired several dance agencies across the South East to develop a similar model.

'The launch of The Dance Forum is an important milestone for the artistic community within Oxfordshire. It reflects the relevance of Oxford as a dynamic hub of dance activity, the resonance of which is increasingly being felt across the region.
ACE's investment in the individual artist recognises the importance of professional development, ensuring the vibrant growth of the sector. This initiative has a key role to play in helping us meet this objective. We look forward to building a strong relationship with The Dance Forum, and with the diverse range of practitioners in Oxfordshire'. (Arts Council England, South East)

The Oxford Dance Forum works in partnership with Oxford City Council, Pegasus Theatre, Oxford & Cherwell Valley College and the Oxford Playhouse, and is developing collaboration with Swindon Dance / South East Dance (National Dance Agencies) and 'Independent Dance' in London. The Forum aims to attract dance artists from London and across the region to draw benefit from a high quality programme of professional development opportunities in Oxford, co-ordinated with other dance agencies across the region.