A SEASON OF DANCE, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY CREATIVITY
IN | motion Summer 2016
LUDUS DANCE
Monkey Business The art of wellbeing
IN motion Summer 2016 Spotlight on…
State of FLUX There is increasing evidence to support the positive impact that art and creative practise can have on mental wellbeing. All of the images on this page were created by young people as part of a project Ludus Dance has been delivering for The Junction CAMHS mental health unit in Lancaster called ‘State of FLUX’. Three artists (a dance artist, sound artist and filmmaker) worked with young people affected by severe mental health issues over a period of 12 weeks, culminating in a digital exhibition of young peoples’ work that was showcased at the Wellbeing Centre in Lancaster on Friday 1st April. The project was funded by BBC Children in Need and aimed to help participants develop confidence, self esteem and nurture a sense of belonging.
IN motion Summer 2016 Arts talk Only the Brave: Ludus Dance’s Creative Director shares a personal account of his journey to a career in the arts
“Every year the cuts to the arts just seem to get worse. Within 5 years I have seen establishments such as the Lancaster Library, Ludus Dance and The Dukes having to cut back on what they are offering. They provide opportunities and experiences for people that they may not get anywhere else. It feels like the arts are getting neglected, you can’t quantify what the arts give people in one simple measure.”
Making the decision 15 years ago to precariously position myself within the arts was a big deal for me. I wasn’t the most academically minded and, whilst I enjoyed the sciences, I found more pleasure from exploring the arts at school. If you know me or have met me you probably wouldn’t know it but back then I was a shy, quiet and reserved young lad. I used the arts to discover more about myself, communicate my thoughts and feelings in new ways and escape the pressures associated with being something that society said I shouldn’t be (I will leave my coming out story for another day).
(Esme Coward, 17)
My first experience of the arts was in school. I was fortunate enough to study dance. Fastforward to 2016; it saddens me to think that young people are not able to access the same provision that enabled me to eventually take on the title of Creative Director for a nationally renowned dance organisation. It is my belief that by underplaying the power of the arts, we are in essence neglecting young people’s rights as human beings. Without art we have no culture and without culture we have nothing. With the arts being squeezed out of schools, where can young people go to access high quality provision? Where can they go to develop the skills they need to be the next generation of choreographers, directors, workshop leaders, teachers and producers? The next port of call would be the community and non-commercial arts sector (i.e. us). We work hard at Ludus Dance to develop a robust and high quality offer for people across the county. Recent cuts to Lancashire County Councils (LCC) arts budget however, is making this even harder to sustain. I was lucky enough to be able to carve out a pretty straight career pathway for myself, unfortunately I cannot see the same for young people today. The arts change lives. Dancing changed my life and I dread to think where I would be now without
the arts in my life. We see so much untapped potential in the young people we are privileged to work with. It would be grossly unfair to label the arts – their route to finding their place within society - as little more than a ‘hobby’. Good work is happening to help young people access high quality arts provision in and outside of schools (such as the #culturaledchallenge), however we need your help to carry the message further and build more community-wide support for what organisations like Ludus Dance do. If you cut investment for the arts, society as a whole suffers. The arts end up being a plaything of the elite and ultimately only the bravest of souls will choose to wade those murky waters. So I pose the question: Arts – a privilege or right? You decide!
IN motion Summer 2016 Showcasing and Supporting Talent Lancashire Youth Dance Festival 2016 Dancers from right across the North West will take to the stage on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd April, for the 2016 Lancashire Youth Dance Festival. Once again, Ludus Dance has partnered with The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster to host this ever popular annual gathering, which shines a spotlight on emerging dance talent in the region. Close to 200 young people - and 16 dance groups - will take part across the two days of the festival, which culminates in evening performances that are as innovative and varied as they are exciting. Alongside the prestige of earning their place on the bill - competition at the application stage is strong - and the chance to perform their work on a professional stage to a paying audience; the event also offers young participants a busy but enjoyable day filled with skill-building workshops and new creative experiences.
Tickets are now available for the two 7:30pm showcase performances, priced at £6 for adults and £4 for under-18s/concessions. Don’t miss out… see the stars of the future today! Call The Dukes Box Office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org.
Dance Network North West DNNW is a new professional network that seeks to engage and connect dance artists, dance professionals and dance related (non-dance) professionals, who are either living, working or studying in the North West region. It aims to create a supportive and collaborative infrastructure through which dance sector professionals can champion, build support for and create new opportunities for dance projects across the region. The network’s inaugural meeting took place on 18th February at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. The day started with practical sessions led by Lucy Nicholson and Giorgio De-Carolis, after which delegates enjoyed wide-ranging discussion on the four key priorities identified for the network and shared ideas on how these might be addressed as part of a long-term programme. In the evening, a platform of dance saw performances from HAWK Dance Theatre, Lauren Tucker and UCLan 1st year students.
It is intended that network meetings will take place every six months and a new dance programme developed that will support the continued growth of the North West dance sector. If you would like to join the network and receive email updates about forthcoming meetings and events, you can sign-up for free at http://eepurl. com/bvKfv5.
IN motion Summer 2016 Dancing Across Lancashire The TIG Coming to Lancaster in June, the TIG is a stunning touring space made for movement play specialist, JABADAO by Architects of Air. Designed specifically for very young children (0-6) and their families, this is a space of awe and wonder that takes visitors completely by surprise. Shimmering colour all around; a fabulous domed ceiling studded with twinkling blue stars; a central space; pods to explore... and six dancers waiting to play.
SLiCE (Specialist Leaders in Cultural Education) The Curious Minds SLiCE programme aims to equip teachers with the skills and understanding needed to strategically support the development of cultural education in their own schools. As a ‘Cultural Partner’ on the programme, Ludus Dance is working with a school in Cumbria to help them commission a professional dance piece and scheme-of-work, which aims to use the arts to improve literacy skills at Key Stage 2.”
Dancing Stars Ludus Dance has recently been working with the Coppice School in Preston on a dance and movement project for children with special and additional needs. The aim of the project, which has been funded by Sport England, is to provide long term improvements in quality of life and health benefits for these young people through engagement in physical activity.
Lodestar
Time and Tides
A pilot mental-health intervention scheme that will use dance as a tool to improve well-being for young people experiencing or at risk of mental health conditions. The pilot will run through the Summer of 2016 with active support from ‘The Junction’ CAMHS mental health unit in Lancaster, Barnados and Child Action North West.
A dance and music project, taking place in Thornton and Cleveleys in June and July, which will explore with young people the effect that personal loss and bereavement has had on their lives. The project will culminate in public performances at Cleveleys beach in July.
Light up Lancaster We are in the process of submitting proposals for commissioned Ludus Dance performances at Light Up Lancaster 2016. Watch this space!
IN motion Summer 2016 Dancing In Lancaster From beginners to professionals, Ludus Dance offers a welcoming and friendly environment at our Lancaster dance studio. As well as being enjoyable, dancing also offers a wide range of positive health benefits, including better flexibility, strength and stamina. For adults, it’s a great way to reduce stress, gain confidence and meet new people. For children and young people, regular dance lessons can support the development of balance, coordination, stamina, as well as giving youngsters the chance to work as part of a team and improve communication skills. Our high-quality and varied programme of classes makes learning fun, whether you’re new to dance or looking to improve your technique.
Early Years 0-4 Years • Space Babies (0-17 mths) • Ballet Tots (3-4 yrs)
• Mini Movers (18 mths–3 yrs)
All sessions £3.50 per class.
Young People 5-18 Years • Mini Street Crew (5-8 yrs) • Stage Dance (5-7 & 8-11 yrs)
• Junior Street Crew (9-13 yrs)
All sessions £3.80 per class.
Young Adults & Adults 16+ Years • Open Ballet (16+ yrs) • RetroSpective • Open Contemporary (16+ yrs) Performance Group (40+ yrs) • Beginners/Improvers Tap (16+ yrs) • Stretch and Boogie (40+ yrs)
Prices vary according to lesson duration, see timetable to the right. Concessionary rates available. Block-booking and loyalty scheme discounts available. For more information on these classes, visit www.ludusdance.org or call 01524 35936.
Ludus Dance Satellite Programme As well as running weekly dance classes from our Lancaster studio, we can also help your community centre, nursery or care setting offer dance as a regular activity. For example, Ludus Dance artists provide weekly dance sessions for Little Learners Nursery & Preschool in Galgate. If you would like to discuss offering dance at your centre or setting, please contact a member of our Dance Development team at info@ ludusdance.org or on 01524 35936.
IN motion Summer 2016 Lancaster Dance Classes Timetable
Term Dates
Mondays Space Babies (£3.50) 10:00-10:45am Mini Movers (£3.50) 11:00–11:45am Stretch and Boogie (£5.30/£4.77) 6:00-7:00pm RetroSpective Performance Group (POA) 7:00-8:15pm
Monday 25 April to Monday 25 July Bank Holiday: Monday 2 May (no classes) Half Term: Monday 30 May to Sunday 5 June (no classes)
How do I book?
Tuesdays
Call us on 01524 35936
Mini Street Crew (£3.80) 4:00-5:00pm
Discounts available for full or half term advance bookings, or you can just turn up and pay on the door.
Junior Street Crew (£3.80) 5:00-6:00pm Open Contemporary (£6.25/£5.60) 7:00-8:15pm
Thursdays Pro Class (Free) 10:00-11:30am Beginners/Improvers Tap (£5.30/£4.77) 6:00-7:00pm Open Ballet (£6.25/£5.60) 7:00-8.15 pm
Saturdays Ballet Tots (£3.50) 9:00-9:40am Ballet Tots (£3.50) 9:45-10:25am Stage Dance (£3.80) 10:30-11:15am Stage Dance (£3.80) 11:30-12:30pm
Visit our website at www.ludusdance.org
What to Wear Anything you feel comfortable in, which doesn’t restrict your movement. Bare feet are ideal for working on our dance floor, although some classes require trainers or shoes (not black soled). If you are not sure, please ask. Please remove all jewellery before each session.
Hire our Studio Our well equipped 7m x 15m dance studio can be used for rehearsals, private classes workshops and events at competitive rates. Email info@ludusdance.org for details.
IN motion Summer 2016 Contact Us
Tel: 0152435936 Email: info@ludusdance.org Website: www.ludusdance.org facebook.com/ludusdance twitter.com/ludusdance youtube.com/ludusdance Ludus Dance: Assembly Rooms, King Street, Lancaster, LA1 1RE.
Ludus Dance is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England No. 7729308, and a registered charity, Charity Registration No. 1144163.