Ludus Dance
Digital Dance Cultures and Youth Dance Practices
Ludus Dance set out to explore how the development of a digital platform in Lancashire might support the growth of digital dance practice within the local youth dance sector. Using their existing Lancashire dance platform Big Up North (BUN), which was delivered online in 2022, Ludus Dance examined how to best create an event which encompassed remote engagement alongside presenting live streamed performances and the sharing of dance films (which were watched simultaneously by an audience of young people from their own locations).
To explore their Consultation, please take a look at their Findings and Recommendations report below.
Lucy Nicholson: Moving With
Moving With is a short film by dance artist Lucy Nicholson and film maker Jonny Randall that captures a precious moment in time between mother and son and their local landscape. A celebration of simple things: being together, moving together, listening, and watching all we have on our doorstep.
Moving With offers a contribution to the work being made in Cumbria, for Cumbria by Cumbrian residents. It nurtures a relationship with creative dance amongst young people so that the vital role which creative movement plays in our sense of self, well being, creativity and connection to environment can become apparent to schools and families.
The film, which was selected for the Kendal Mountain Festival and is a winner of the Osprey Short Film Awards at the Kewsick Festival showcases a unique aesthetic and creative practice – an intergenerational, sited improvised work. Read an interview with Lucy Nicholson and Jonny Randall here.
Swati Dance Company: South Asian Dance in the North West
Swati Raut from Swati Dance Company has been exploring the current landscape of South Asian Dance in the North West with a view to unearthing how best to raise its profile and promote better opportunities and links within the sector for its artists.
Swati sought to identify skilled South Asian dance artists and practice in the North West, which should have a wider audience. She looked to connect with northern venues, promoters and development organisations engaging in programming and producing South Asian dance, and to identity the levels of community engagement in the practice. Read more and discover Swati's findings here.
Rosie Watt: Blackpool Dance Research
Rosie Watt, Producer and Arts Practitioner, looked to the DCNW Research Programme to consider how people want to experience dance. With two key questions that asked how communities want to engage with dance and how dance could be used as creative expression to tackle multiple disadvantages and make a positive impact in places like Blackpool, Rosie’s research sought to evaluate to what extent an enhanced dance infrastructure could benefit the town.
Consulting with Blackpool & North West based dance artists & organisations and the community itself, as well as with local cultural organisations, practitioners and voluntary organisations, Rosie’s research looked to identify a joined-up strategy to boost investment and creativity. Read more here or download the full report below.
