Home

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.

dancers dancers dancers

Launch of two-year 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.