Three amazing days of dance

For many families who have had their summer plans torn up by the pandemic, the summer of 2020 might feel like it will be more muted than fun. Sure, we can all embrace a staycation and a break from home schooling is probably very welcome, but we still need fun things to do to pass the time, that are safe to do and will make the summer memorable for something else other than Covid-19.

For young people who enjoy dancing and being active, Let’s Move! is a national summer school offering young people aged 8 – 17 from around the world 3 days packed full of high quality dance workshops in a huge variety of styles, from Creative Contemporary and Hip Hop to Commercial Jazz and routines from company repertoire. 

For the first time ever, 6 of the UK’s leading dance organisations are working together to offer this unique opportunity. The challenges that have come with this pandemic have brought the dance community closer together and spurred us to think more collaboratively about what we can do to respond to this situation in a positive way.

 

So why should you dance this summer? Hear from the amazing organisations themselves taking part in Let’s Move!

Dance has really emerged in this pandemic as something that can respond quickly in difficult circumstances. The way it has been able to translate to an almost entirely digital world and reach people in their homes when they have most needed it, either as participants needing some physical exercise or as audiences needing an escape. It feels more important than ever as a way of responding to the physical, emotional and social needs of our communities right now, and when we begin to emerge from the other side. – DanceEast

 

What can dance do for you this summer?

Dance can offer you the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new friends, have fun, stay connected and the chance to improve at something you enjoy doing. Whether you aspire to be a professional dancer or just choose to do it for fun as a hobby, there’s no doubt you’ll have a great time! – DanceXchange

Whether dancing in our living rooms, found spaces around the house, outside spaces, on our streets or parks or beaches, dance can tell stories. Dance can be a fun summer time activity or it could be a release or a break from uncertainty or it can also be a chance to engage with a new art form and be a moment to try something new. Whether experienced or new to dance, movement and music offer experiences for everyone and I can't wait to see what the participants are going to learn and come up with! I know the artist teachers can't wait to meet them and see what they inspire in them! - Pavilion Dance South West

 

What can you expect from Let’s Move?

When taking part in their workshop with Phoenix Dance Theatre, participants can expect to be given an insight into the contemporary dance style. During our fun-filled class, you will have the opportunity to develop your contemporary technique, improve your creative and performance skills and learn movement material from the upbeat, comical company repertoire piece 'Troy Game'. – Phoenix Dance Theatre

High energy, variety and lots of fun!  Young people should take part if they want to keep moving, stay creative and connected to dance over the summer as well as having and insight in to what’s going on across the UK! – The Place

Workshop participants will gain an insight into the process of creating a new piece of dance and be able to interpret the work of our professional dancers themselves. National Dance Company Wales' Let’s Move! workshops will be based on our high energy, Rugby-inspired dance piece “Rygbi: Annwyl i Mi / Dear to Me” which you can watch for free, and in full on our YouTube channel. Created by choreographer and previous NDCWales Artistic Director Fearghus Ó Conchúir, it has toured nationally and internationally including being taken to Japan alongside the rugby world cup! The movement is uplifting: it’s inspired not only by the sport, but by its hope, glory and camaraderie. It celebrates the pride and passion that rugby players and fans experience together. You will never watch a rugby match in the same way again! – National Dance Company Wales

 

What should you bring to the workshop?

All you need to bring is an open mind, a readiness to move and explore and a room/area with enough space to spin around in! If you have all that… sign up and get ready to join us on our digital road trip across the UK! – The Place

Come ready to try out new styles and forms. We've assembled some of the most dynamic and exciting artist teachers in the country. Be open to challenging yourself. There's lots in store. You've got the chance to meet new people across the country and learn about other parts of the UK you may not have danced in or travelled to... this is an exciting moment to celebrate the dance offering available across the country. Be armed with lots of questions - pick the brains of these incredible performers and choreographers! Spinning, twisting, limbering, jumping across the screens throughout 6 regions and beyond is going to be the next era of dancers - we can't wait to meet everyone. - Pavilion Dance South West

 

Any tips for getting the most out of the online summer school?

Take some time to familiarise yourselves with Zoom if you haven’t already and check your set up so you feel confident and ready to connect and take part. Join us promptly each day so we can make the most of the time we have in each workshop and be ready to work hard and have fun! There will also be a range of extra activities that you can do in your own time, so we would encourage you to do these to get the most out of the summer school. – DanceEast

 

Tip One: Invest your energy into the experience

You will get the chance to learn from amazing professional artists who have a lot of knowledge and skills, pay attention and learn as much as you can during your time together.

Tip Two: Have fun

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, it doesn’t matter if you get it wrong or can’t get the hang of it – just make it up! Everyone else is there because they enjoy dancing too so you’re in great company.

Tip Three: Experience Different Dance Styles 

A great opportunity to learn a variety of dance styles! A rare moment to gain signature movement approaches and phases from a variety of artists and choreographers from across the nation, all in the space of three amazing days. - DanceXchange

 

Let’s Move! will take place over three days (Wed 12 - Fri 14 Aug) offering two different workshops each day, taught over Zoom. All levels welcome! More information and booking here.

 

Presented by The Place, DanceEast, DanceXchange, National Dance Company Wales, Pavilion Dance South West and Phoenix Dance Theatre.