Propeller have some amazing clients and we’re proud to support the work that they do. Here’s just one of them!
UCLanDance
Building Student-Community Partnerships.
Background
UCLanDance was launched in November 2018 to help build bridges between UCLan Dance students* and communities across Lancashire. Their programme of work encompasses In Residence; Research; Outreach; Courses and Performance. They are developing opportunities for students to work closely with industry professionals, undertake expert training and be part of exciting new collaborations in the sector. UCLanDance aim to inspire and empower whole communities, with access for all at the heart of their work.
How Propeller Helps
The Dance courses at UCLan are a wonderful example of how the University can integrate with external businesses and communities, as well as sharing research and best practice. UCLanDance began working with Propeller to access our know-how and incubation space:
“Having our base in Propeller has given us a fantastic opportunity to access invaluable advice and guidance around setting up a new initiative, developing further links within UCLan and externally.
Having the space (both physically and mentally) to strategically and artistically plan and advance the work of UCLanDance has been so important. We really look forward to developing this relationship as we continue on our journey!”
Recent Projects
In the last 6 months, UCLan Dance have worked on over a dozen projects, ranging from UCLan-specific, regional and national projects.
One such project was an HE day for university students throughout the region, supporting students in the transition to becoming Independent Dance Artists. The event was organised by UCLan Dance, along with input from UCLan alumni, Artist Network ALFA, the Lowry Theatre and People Dancing.
Over this year UCLanDance have also worked with internationally acclaimed choreographers such as Risa Jaroslow (who was commissioned to create a piece for local arts organisations and UCLan staff, students and alumni to celebrate the University’s 190th anniversary). In addition, they have run a seminar series of 5 workshops with Kapow Dance Circus Theatre, TRIBE://, mapdance, Amy Voris and Rachel Krische, in which both UCLan BA Dance Performance & Teaching students and external Dance Artists from the region explored different choreographic ideas and creative processes, challenging their own creative habits to develop their practice.
Many of the projects run for students are also open to the local dance community, such as the Embodying Health masterclasses that look at developing practice in movement and health, as well as recent project ‘Vanishing Point’ – a community dance showcase to celebrate the work from many local dance groups and companies.
In Residence
UCLanDance have recently started a new venture embedding 3 companies into the heart of the dance programmes at UCLan. They create bespoke collaborations that develop industry links, skills development and employment opportunities, with the recent launch seeing a full house at UCLan’s Media Factory in November. The current companies in residency are:
Preston Youth Dance Company – a faction of Blue Moose Dance Company, supporting gifted and talented young people, aged 11-19 years, to develop their dance technique and creative practice.
About Time Dance Company – Creating memorable experiences for communities with dance, exploring time, place and heritage.
Lisa Simpson Inclusive Dance (LSID) – Delivering workshops across the country and creating opportunities for disabled people with no (or limited) verbal communication to choreograph.
What’s Next?
In June, UCLanDance are hosting the Making Presence Felt Symposium, a 3-day event including presentations and workshops from ISMETA approved programmes throughout the UK and Ireland. The Symposium will look at sharing best practice in health, well-being, social-prescribing, education, social care/other community contexts.
The department are also working hard on running community partnership through their academic offering, with a new PGCert course for Dance Artists currently in review. It is hoped the course will be ready for the 2020 intake.
UCLan Dance are also working in collaboration with various national and regional partners, including UCLan One Health and Healthier Lancashire to introduce dance and somatic movement within a healthcare setting. The research being conducted is at the forefront of developing creative movement as a tool to providing holistic care and working towards a sustainable healthcare system, to relieve current pressures on GPs and reliance on medication.
Find Out More
To keep up to date with everything going on in the University and surrounding communities, follow @DanceUCLan on social media:
