U.Dance on Screen 2023

U.DANCE ON SCREEN SHOWCASE

BFI Southbank

Sunday 6 August 2023

Photo credit: Linden Youth by One Dance UK, Dani Bower

WELCOME

Andrew Hurst MBE Chief Executive, One Dance UK

The nation’s youth dance festival, an inspiring symbol of the future of dance, is back for another year!

The U.Dance National Festival celebrates the quality and vibrancy of young people’s dance across our nation. U.Dance on Screen showcases will take place at BFI Southbank and online, featuring exceptional dance films with, for and by young people, with additional exciting workshop content on offer from Rambert for these talented young dancers.

Recently, over three days in venues across Newcastle, almost 450 talented young dancers took part in performances, talks and workshops.

Special thanks to our funders Arts Council England and Bronze and Access Sponsor, Trinity Laban, and the dedicated volunteers who help us bring this wonderful event to life.

Join us in celebrating the next generation of dance performers, creators and leaders. The future of dance is right here!

Laura Nicholson Head of Children and Young People’s Dance, One Dance UK

Dance has the ability to entertain, to challenge, to make us think differently and to make us question. I am certain that nobody achieves this with more power and conviction than the UK’s young people, who never fail to amaze me with their talent, energy, tenacity and creative courage.

The U.Dance National Festival is an incredible and joyful celebration of the exceptional outcomes that can be achieved when young people are given opportunities to excel and shine. This serves to strengthen even further our passionate belief that access to high-quality dance for ALL young people is more vital than ever before. We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the wonderful and inspiring dance teachers, group leaders and educators who work tirelessly to provide life-enhancing experiences and outstanding training and support for the next generation.

If the performances we have seen on stage and screen are anything to go by, the future of dance is in very safe hands.

The U.Dance National Festival marks a highlight in the youth dance calendar, showcasing the creativity of young people and group leaders across the country. Dance has a unique ability to bring communities together and to inspire. As U.Dance Champion I am so excited to witness the next generation of dance talent.

Photo credits: Both: One Dance UK, DDani Bower

Sir Richard Alston Champion of U.Dance

Photo credit: Linden Youth by One Dance UK, Dani Bower

We Are Here

Freefall Dance Company

ENGLAND - WEST MIDLANDS

Choreographed by: Lee Fisher/Freefall Dance Company

Directed by: Sima Gonsai

Freefall Dance Company is Birmingham Royal Ballet’s own company of dancers with learning disabilities. It exists to provide training, development and performing opportunities and challenge stereotypical views of people with a learning disability and dance.

We Are Here was inspired by the Lunt Fort Coventry. Choreography is by Lee Fisher, in collaboration with former BRB dancers Jenna Roberts and Iain Mackay. Music arranged by composer Richard Syner, performed by the Royal Ballet Sinfona, conducted by Principal Conductor Paul Murphy.

Puppets

Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School Boys

Dance Company

ENGLAND - SOUTH EAST

Choreographed by: Miss Piedad and Albarracin Seiquer

Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School has a reputation for excellence in the Performing Arts: Music, Drama, Dance and Technical Theatre are a very important part of the school’s ethos. We value all the creative arts and believe strongly in the entitlement of all young people to experience specialist teaching of these subjects, giving them the opportunity to develop their confidence, creativity and skills.

Block

Connectingvibes at IRIE! dance theatre

ENGLAND - LONDON

Choreographed and directed by: Leroy Dias Dos Santos

Connectingvibes is the touring company of students on the BA(Hons) Diverse Dance Style delivered by IRIE! dance theatre. The students create a programme with professional artists and lecturers.

The film encapsulates and explores the narratives of youth culture, grime music and society.

Music, Places & Me!

Moving Together

ENGLAND - EAST MIDLANDS

Choreographed and directed by: Dorian Dias

Dorian has been with Moving Together since she was in Year 6, working through her Bronze, Silver and now Gold Arts Award with a dance focus. As part of Moving Together Youth, Dorian has experienced a range of performance opportunities, theatre trips and working with professional artists.

For her Gold Arts Award, Dorian has fused dance and videography to create her own edited dance video. Dorian wanted to explore pedestrian movement to modern music as well as how she can incorporate the use of a hat to achieve her desired aesthetic

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Blood Moon

theschool of Contemporary Dance & Theatre Arts WALES

Choreographed by: Ian, Madeline Vaughton and the students of theschool

Directed by: Ian Woolley

The group attend theschool on a Saturday, where they receive dance training in contemporary, commercial and the theatre arts along with a free choreographic performance class. They learn about choreography and creating material in any style of their choice.

Blood Moon is one of twelve standalone short dance films, however when placed side by side forms a story of young girl who discovers a raven chick with a golden feather, leading her on a captivating journey. Choreographed by the students of theschool, to the music Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi.

The Dictator’s Hand

Isla, Vanessa, Owen and Danny - De Montfort University

ENGLAND - EAST MIDLANDS

Choreographed and directed by: Isla Breach, Vanessa Unsudimi, Owen Cai, Danny Gardner

This screen work was created by a small group of first year dance students from De Montfort university.

The Dictator’s Hand shows a hand controlling and manipulating puppets to create movement.

Babysteps

Project Female Dance Company

ENGLAND - SOUTH EAST

Choreographed and directed by: Ellie BishopWilliams

Project Female’s vision is to create a space where young dancers who identify as female or non-binary can feel free from judgement. Where they can join with other young dancers to produce high quality dance performances, and push their dancing to the next level. Project Female teaches a unique fusion of contemporary/hip-hop dance.

BabySteps acknowledges the debilitating impact that social anxiety can have on young women and girls moving through their everyday lives - and considers how different moments in time can alter the path we travel on during our journey through each day.

JUMP Eloquent Dance

ENGLAND - WEST MIDLANDS

Choreographed by: Romanah Buchanan and Mya Bushell

Directed by: Romanah Buchanan and Daniel Gordon

Eloquent Dance is a multi award-winning dance company and community organisation offering a unique experience to impact the lives of individuals through an enriching combination of dance, empowerment and community.

JUMP is a fun dance film created to express the boldness of our young up-and-coming dance artists in Birmingham.

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ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST

Choreographed by: Lilia Rowe and Faith Priest

Directed by: Lilia Rowe

Lilia started creating films at secondary school with encouragement from her dance teacher; producing work inspired by current affairs and the current political climate. Her interest continued through college, with her final project involving dance film and projection work. The main focus of this film is the idea of how our environment can perhaps limit our creativity and open thinking; disrupting our natural thought pathways- with this being largely influenced by topics discussed by Gillespie in ‘Tenement Kid.’ Furthermore, this film takes influence from psychedelic rock and acid house culture.

elemental Overdrive Dance Company SCOTLAND

Choreographed by: Ross Hoey

Directed by: Ross Hoey and Lewis Landini

Overdrive Dance Company offers a safe space for male-identifying young people to explore their creativity through movement and dance. Award-winning Overdrive seeks to remove barriers for participation in the arts through workshops, performance and film.

elemental is a brand-new dance film choreographed by 17-year-old neurodivergent choreographer Ross Hoey in collaboration with filmmaker Lewis Landini. This film was made in response to the climate crisis.

HOODS

Dance Action Zone Leeds - DAZL YORKSHIRE

Choreographed by: Mason Jubb and Molly Watson

Directed by: Mason Jubb

DAZL is a not-for-profit dance and health charity based in Leeds. It offers a range of dance classes, pathways into dance education, dance leadership and wider dance opportunities such as competitive dance, community fun dance and dance fitness classes, dance leadership training and development, and film programmes.

Hoods was created by Dance Action Zone Leeds Dance Development Officer and Kick Off Boys Choreographer Mason Jubb, in partnership with DAZL Board Member and filmmaker Wayne Sables, supported by Arts Council England.

Red Shoes 28 Dance Company

ENGLAND - EAST

Choreographed by: Sophia Melvin

Directed by: James Copeman

28 Dance Company was founded by leading youth choreographer Sophia Melvin, to create innovative works on screen. 28 is a non-profit organisation that aims to provide a professional platform for young people, that encourages their creative thinking, celebrates their identities and develops their skillset for dance and drama on film.

Highlighting and challenging topics like accessibility and inclusion in what can feel like an elitist dance world, Red Shoes makes 28 proud to be a non-profit dance organisation.

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Schema

Lilia Rowe

925 Inflorescence Dance

ENGLAND - SOUTH EAST

Choreographed and directed by: Phoebe Pullinger

Inflorescence is a contemporary dance company, based in Kent offering training in contemporary technique from ages 10 through to adults. The aim is to encourage and support aspiring dancers to further their knowledge and technical abilities through their passion.

925 is inspired by the true story of a group of Boston secretaries in the early 1970s. Their goals were simple—better pay, more advancement opportunities and an end to sexual harassment—but their unconventional approach attracted the press and shamed their bosses into change.

Where They Once Stood

RISE Youth Dance

ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST

Choreographed and directed by: Sam Amos

RISE Youth Dance’s vision is for every young person to become the best they can be. They provide high quality dance training in an inclusive, nurturing and safe environment for all young people aged 4 -25 years in the Bristol area.

Sam Amos utilises RISE Youth Dance Company’s raw energy and talent in Where They Once Stood, a piece that combines a highly physical and expressive movement style with the company’s passion and spontaneity. Where They Once Stood celebrates and emphasises the groups unique dynamic and their differing individual styles.

Conwy

Dawnswyr Conwy

WALES

Choreographed by: Angharad Harrop and Dawnswyr Conwy

Directed by: Angharad Harrop

The group was brought together by young dancers living in Conwy in the summer of 2022.

The film is inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of Conwy.

GRAB

Fuzzylogic Youth Dance Company

ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST

Choreographed by: Zoie Golding

Directed by: Zoie Golding and Alex Evans

Fuzzylogic aims to push the boundaries of male dance with a unique style by fusing high tempo, energetic contact work and exciting narrative contemporary dance. Innovative works tour the UK regularly, including guest spots at high profile events and projects such as U.Dance National Festival, while working with dance organisations such as Sadler’s Wells, The Place and Trinity Laban.

Grab was originally inspired by the themes of ZoieLogic Dance Theatre’s 2020 show, Heist.

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Reflect

Evie, Amber and Madi - De Montfort University

ENGLAND - EAST MIDLANDS

Choreographed and directed by: Evie Bruce, Madi Atkinson, Amber Kennett

Evie, Madi and Amber are a trio of first years studying at De Montfort University. They got together as a group to create a screen dance piece for one of their assessments.

This film is about exploring the idea of reflections in people and nature. They explored this by using editing techniques and a mirror as a prop.

DITTO MeshDance

ENGLAND - YORKSHIRE

Choreographed by: Abi Sheridan, Emily Kent and dancers

MeshDance is a contemporary dance company based in Leeds, specialising in providing inclusive and accessible dance opportunities for young people and adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

After spending time with the dancers in their rehearsal studio recording their movement using photography and video, Michelle has created three new soundscapes by converting these images into sound. The soundscapes have in turn been interpreted into choreographed responses by the dancers.

THE CABARET Hampshire Youth Dance Company

ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST

Choreographed by: James Cousins in collaboration with HYDC

Directed by: James Cousins

Hampshire Youth Dance Company is dedicated to providing pre-professional training and performance experience of the highest quality for aspiring young dancers aged 13-21 years from across the region.

Knife crime in this country is diverse enough…

This is it; we’re here now. In an age of 24 hour news cycles the absurd, the significant and the terrifying political and cultural events that divide society become a background noise to our subconscious. This highly physical work questions our responsibility in the current context. Do we continue to disassociate from the impact of world events or acknowledge the power of change if we come together?

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“Capturing dance on film is not an easy task. The diverse films selected for U.Dance on Screen show a real commitment from some talented young filmmakers and artists, showcasing the grace, storytelling power and unique visual impact of dance.”

Mark Reid, Head of Education, British Film Institute

SUPPORTING YOU, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Become a member of the One Dance UK community today and get access to expert help, support and more.

Become part of the vibrant community of dance artists, practitioners, organisations, educators and enthusiasts, working in and supporting dance today.

Photo credit: Chinyanta Kabaso by One Dance UK, Dani Bower

ADDITIONAL CREDITS

1. We Are Here - Freefall Dance Company

Director of Photography: Chris Keenan

Composer: Richard Syner

2. Puppets -Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School Boys Dance Company

Filmed and edited by: James Elliott Digital Media

3. Block- Connectingvibes at IRIE! dance theatre

Videographer: Max Cheshire

5. Blood Moon - theschool of Contemporary Dance & Theatre Arts

Producer: electronicgypsy & theschool

Filmmaker: Ian Woolley

Music: Four Seasons Concerto No. 1 La Primavera

II. Largo e pianissimo semipro by Antonio Vivaldi. Reimagined and Produced by Hana Zacapalkova & Billy Jon Stevens

Musicians: Piano - Hana Zacapalkova

Cello: Gill Edwards Randle. A.D: Vinod Teli

Directors of Photography: Leonard Merlin & Daniel Whitehouse

Lighting Designer: Jenny Roxburgh

Second Camera/Grip: Oliver Flack

Special thanks to Rob Nash and USW theatre technicians James, Sam & Greg

7. Babysteps - Project Female Dance Company

Filmmaker: Alice Underwood

Producer: Pip Sayers

9. Schema - Lilia Rowe

Dancer: Faith Priest

10. elemental - Overdrive Dance Company

Producer & Choreographic Mentor:Hayley Earlam

Sound Design: Adam Stearns

Filmmaker: Lewis Landini

11. HOODS - Dance Action Zone Leeds - DAZL

Filmed and Edited by: Wayne Sables

12. Red Shoes - 28 Dance Company

Director of Photography: Richard Bell

Camera Assistant: Samuel Hyde

Sound Recordist: Love Hobbs

Hair & Makeup artist: Luca Chirico

Editor: Victoria Man

Colourist: Jim Bracher

Music & Sound Designer: Jak Melvin

Seamstress: Jo Hryzco

13. 925 - Inflorescence Dance

Phoebe Melissa Film

14. Where They Once Stood - RISE Youth Dance

Filmmaker: Sam Amos

15. Conwy - Dawnswyr Conwy

Camera: Jamie Walker

Edit: Jamie Walker

Music: Henry Horrell

16. GRAB - Fuzzylogic Youth Dance Company

Capture and Edit: Matt Bartram

Production Support: Fee Francis and Zoielogic Team

18. DITTO - MeshDance

Michael Godsall: Videographer

Michelle Duxbury: Soundscape Creator

Niamh Donnelly: Photographer & Assistant to Michelle Duxbury

Anne-Marie Atkinson, Sidney Gilbride and Frances

Hansom: Assistants to Michelle Duxbury. Melissa Jackson, Katie Aynsley and Ellie Smith: MeshDance Facilitators.

19. THE CABARET - Hampshire Youth Dance Company

Director of Photography: Camilla Greenwell

Produced by: Hannah Gibbs

Cinematographer: Ben Williams

Artistic Director of HYDC: Tory East

Choose TL for Dance and Dance

Postgraduate and Diploma programmes Apply now for 2024 entry @trinitylaban trinitylaban.ac.uk

With thanks to the U.Dance National Festival 2023 Bronze and Access Sponsor:

With thanks to event partners: