A SEASON OF DANCE, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY CREATIVITY
IN | motion Autumn 2016
LUDUS DANCE
The Power of Partnership
Making great art together
IN motion Autumn 2016 Spotlight on…
RetroSpective Performance Group RetroSpective is a unique performance opportunity for adults of 40 years old and above. The group meets once a week at the Ludus Dance studio in Lancaster, where the sessions focus on developing original and fun dance performance pieces. As their reputation grows, RetroSpective have been invited to perform their work at several different community events in and around the Lancaster district. Last year they took to the stage at the Christmas Lights Switch-on event and so far this year they wowed the crowd at the West End Festival in Morecambe as well as at Ludus Dance’s own 40th anniversary celebration event. They also have performances in Preston planned for October. The group is directed by Helen Gould, a local dance artist, and all pieces are devised in collaboration with the dancers, who frequently contribute their own ideas to the development of work. RetroSpective are keen to welcome new participants, who are interested in developing their selfconfidence, technique and performance skills. The group will be holding an open session on Monday 12th September, 7:00-8:15pm at Ludus Dance, and would like to invite anyone who is interested in joining them to come along and have a go! For more information or to register your interest please email info@ludusdance.org or call 01524 35936. Classes cost £5.50 per week, with 6 and 12-week advance booking discounts available.
IN motion Autumn 2016 Arts talk
The Power of Partnership: Ludus Dance Creative Director, Anthony Briggs, considers the great things we can achieve when we work together. When the press and social media are saturated, as now, with so much negative information, I like many others can sometimes find it difficult to go about day-to-day activities feeling positive and hopeful. Whilst I would like to think that I am a glass half full kind of person, even I have struggled sometimes to find a strong enough reason to get out of bed in the morning. Yet I do believe that amidst the sea of social chaos and loss of faith in what we thought made this country great, we do, as a society, have the ability to work together to face the coming storms. What keeps me pushing forward is my belief in the power of the arts to bring people together. Now I am not the only person that shares in this belief. There have been numerous studies done over the last 50 years, proving that the arts have the power to make people better - socially, physically, emotionally and psychologically. So it is within this context that I would just like to share a small moment with you that will hopefully spread a little cheer. Over the past six months I have been working with a number of different partners across Lancaster (arts organisations, nurseries, schools, children’s centres and community agencies) to bring a wonderful piece of performance art to the district, for local children and their families (you can read more about the TIG on page 9).
From my experience of producing work of this kind in the past, I was confident that it would be successful. However, what I did not foresee was the sheer generosity and commitment of these partners. With only a small amount of physical resource, over 500 children aged 0 to 6, along with their family members and support staff, were able to enjoy and benefit from a high quality immersive art experience. This article is called ‘the power of partnership’ for a reason. Yes, the quality of the art had a big part to play and we thank Jabadao for sharing this work with us. However it simply would not have been possible without the sheer determination and strength of the local partnership. So to anyone left wondering at recent divisions thrown up between friends and neighbours, I would say why not instead think of the partnering possibilities? You could organise a park festival, a street party or community boot sale for charity. All it takes is the belief that people want the best for each other and that anything can happen when we come together towards a shared goal!
IN motion Autumn 2016 Nurturing Young Talent Young Peoples’ Forum From August/September 2016 we are looking for creative and dedicated young people, aged between 14 and 19 years, to join the Ludus Dance Young Peoples’ Forum. If you are interested in developing skills for a career within the creative industries, or just want to get involved in something a little bit different, then this opportunity may be for you. You do not have to be a dancer to get involved! The young people taking part will collaborate on the development of a new issue-based project for Lancashire, called ‘You Can’t Erase Me’, and will work towards gaining either a Silver or Gold Arts Award, which is a nationally accredited qualification. Workshops will take place once a month (usually on a weekend), with intensive sessions taking place during school holidays.
You Can’t Erase Me We live in the 21st Century, yet there are still so many people that are marginalized or persecuted for being who they are. Ludus Dance would like to work with a group of passionate and caring young people to develop a significant LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans-gender and Queer/Questioning) project for Lancashire. If you are interested in joining the Young Peoples’ Forum please contact anthony.briggs@ludusdance. org.
IN motion Autumn 2016 Supporting Regional Dance Artists Strong, competent and skilled artists are the backbone of a thriving regional dance ecology. As a dance development agency for Lancashire, Ludus Dance has created TRIGGER – an artist development programme for North West based dance students, graduates, facilitators and professional dance artists. We have given much thought to the variety of ways in which we can offer practical support and up-skilling opportunities to both emerging artists and experienced professionals as they develop their practice - ranging from our free peer–led pro classes to providing in-kind support, advice and mentoring to artists as they develop their own funding bids. In 2015 and 2016, for example, Ludus Dance supported John Hawkins with his first successful Grants for the Arts application and has also been advising other local artists.
Pro Class at Ludus Dance We understand how important it is for professional dancers to have the opportunity to maintain physical fitness as well as coming together with other dancers to make, create and share. Pro class is a free weekly contemporary technique class for dance artists based in Lancashire and the wider North West (or just visiting!). The class is suitable for third-year students, new graduates and industry professionals and is a peer-led initiative, meaning that we actively encourage artists to share their skills by volunteering to deliver a class or two each term. No need to book, just turn up! Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30am at our Assembly Rooms studio in Lancaster. Skills Sharing We are currently looking to collaborate with The Dukes in Lancaster to organise a series of skills sharing days for local artists. These days would run once every 3 months and we hope the first one will take place in October. Contact anthony. briggs@ludusdance.org for more information.
Got a great idea? If you have a project idea you would like to develop but need some support or advice, get in touch now! Contact Ludus Dance’s Creative Director at anthony.briggs@ludusdance.org.
Get Connected If you work in dance, have recently graduated or will be graduating soon, you can stay up to date with our latest news for professional artists by subscribing to receive or email bulletins at http://eepurl.com/bfYwA1. We also run a Facebook page just for professionals. Why not give it a ‘like’ at www.facebook.com/ LudusDanceProfessionals.
IN motion Autumn 2016 Lancashire Encounter
Discover a world of culture & creativity on your doorstep
Lancashire Encounter is a weekend to discover, experience and be immersed in a bold and imaginative spectacle of performance, music, street theatre and art in Preston
After a successful pilot event in 2015, Lancashire Encounter returns to Preston City Centre between Friday 23rd and Sunday 25th September this year. From an illuminated procession weaving through the city centre to a giant wheel house rolling through the crowds, circus acts to princess stories and everything in between; you are invited to participate, spectate or just enjoy a great Lancastrian weekend of fun. Artists and arts organisations from across the county are bringing new and exciting performances, workshops and experiences to Preston for the 3-day cultural extravaganza.
Ludus Dance will help to open the Lancashire Encounter festival on the Friday evening with Light Migrations, a mass participation performance piece, which is being created especially for the festival with the involvement of organisations, schools and community groups from across the region. We are also pleased to be working on a second commissioned project for Lancashire Encounter – Light Tracks – which will be a collaboration between Ludus Dance, UCLan’s Dance Department, Preston Train Station and the Harris Museum. Light Tracks will see 2nd year students working with our Creative Director, Anthony Briggs, to devise two original pieces physical theatre, to be performed at the train station and the Harris Museum. The first work ‘Brace Yourselves’ will be performed at Preston Train Station throughout the day on Saturday 24th of September. The second sited piece ‘LED by Light’ will be performed at the Harris Museum the week after on Friday 30th of September at 4:00pm.
Saturday’s events will culminate in a giant Procession of Light through the City Centre. The theme of the procession will be inventiveness and industry; inspired by Steampunk and referencing Lancashire’s industrial heritage to the modern day innovation of jet engines and scientific advances. The procession organisers, Big Difference Company, are inviting applications from groups who wish to get involved in this spectacle and will be hosting a series of workshops to help groups realise their creative ideas for procession entries.
Whilst you are in Preston why not discover one of the city’s top quality restaurants, enjoy a cultural experience at the Harris, take in a show at the Guild Hall, enjoy a cocktail or craft ale or stroll through one of city’s five Green Flag awarded parks. For more information about Lancashire Encounter and details of the programme as it is released, go to www.prestonguildcity.co.uk/LancsEncounter or follow the @PrestonGuildCity page on Facebook.
IN motion Autumn 2016 Dancing Across Lancashire
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Lodestar The Lodestar project is a wellbeing project, which provides targeted physical activity sessions for young people experiencing or at risk from experiencing mental health conditions. Ludus Dance has been working with local partners, including Child Action North West, Central Lancaster High School and The Junction CAMHS mental health unit in Lancaster to deliver engaging dance activities for young people that help to build confidence and a sense of belonging. The project has been funded through a grant from the Big Lottery Fund Awards for All scheme.
Aspects in Motion Aspects in Motion is an annual dance platform orgnised by Ludus Dance in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Taking place at UCLan’s Media Factory, in Preston, the showcase provides opportunity for Ludus Dance supported groups to perform their developing work in front of an audience. This year’s event is due to take place on the evening of Wednesday 26th October. Entry is free but access is by ticket only as space in the auditorium is limited. Look out for ticket booking details via our Facebook page.
The TIG and Just Be Festival In June we were delighted to welcome Jabadao’s ‘The TIG’ to Lancaster. An impressive inflatable sculpture filled with colour and wonder, the TIG is an outstanding sensory experience for children aged 0-6 with their families. Its visit to Lancaster was the result of close partnership working between Ludus Dance, Lancaster Arts, Ryelands Primary & Nursery School and Primed for Life. Other partners included: Little Nippers Day Nursery, Skerton St Luke’s CE Primary School, Friends of Lancaster Children’s Centre’s and the Loyne School. On the back of this project, we also organised the Just Be Children’s Arts Festival on 26th July. Hosted by Lune Park Children’s Centre the festival was a celebration of free arts play and sensory movement exploration for children and their families. .
Time and Tides Time and Tides is a public art, dance and music project exploring issues around bereavement and loss, especially when experienced by young people. It has been Developed by Ludus Dance in collaboration with Wyre Borough Council Arts Development, performances will take place on Cleveleys beach in Autumn 2016. For more information on how to get involved contact anthony.briggs@ludusdance.org
IN motion Autumn 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 5-16 Years • Mini Street Crew (5-8 yrs) • Make (choreography and performance technique for GCSE, A Level and • Stage Dance (5-7 & 8-11 yrs) BTEC students) • Junior Street Crew (9-13 yrs) All sessions £4.00 per class, with the exception of Make classes, which are £4.50 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.
Space 4… you! Did you know that our dance studio is available for hire? Conveniently located in Lancaster City Centre, our 7m x 15m space is an ideal venue for a wide variety of events - from children’s parties or seminars to private classes, rehearsals and performances – and can be rented at competitive rates. Email info@ludusdance.org or call 01524 35936 to find out more.
IN motion Autumn 2016 Lancaster Dance Classes Timetable
Autumn Term Dates
Mondays Space Babies (£3.50) 10:00-10:45am Mini Movers (£3.50) 11:00–11:45am Stretch and Boogie (£5.50/£5.00) 6:00-7:00pm RetroSpective Performance Group (£5.50) 7:00-8:15pm
Tuesdays Mini Street Crew (£4.00) 4:00-5:00pm
Classes run: Monday 12 September to Sunday 30 October (7 weeks) Half Term: No classes on Monday 31 October to Sunday 6 November Classes run: Monday 7 November to Sunday 11 December (5 weeks)
Junior Street Crew (£4.00) 5:00-6:00pm Make (£4.50) from 27/09/16
6:00-7:00pm
Open Contemporary (£6.50/£6.00) 7:00-8:15pm
How do I book? Call us on 01524 35936 Visit our website at www.ludusdance.org
Thursdays Pro Class (Free) 10:00-11:30am
Discounts available for full or half term advance bookings, or you can just turn up and pay on the door.
Beginners/Improvers Tap (£5.50/£5.00) 6:00-7:00pm Open Ballet (£6.50/£6.00) 7:00-8.15 pm
Saturdays Ballet Tots (£3.50) 9:00-9:40am Ballet Tots (£3.50) 9:45-10:25am Stage Dance, 5-7 years (£4.00) 10:30-11:15am Stage Dance, 8-13 years (£4.00) 11:30-12:30pm
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.
IN motion Autumn 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.