News: Dance leaders call for the unification and re-branding of Dance

A Reception at the House of Commons on Monday, 9th January brought to a conclusion the 6th Rural Retreat for Future Leaders & Artistic Directors, an annual event organised by DanceEast to encourage the professional development and networking of current and aspiring artistic directors. From over 70 applicants, 26 emerging and future dance leaders, representing 13 nationalities, were selected to participate.

Guest speakers addressing the Retreat (held at Ufford Park Hotel in Suffolk from 6-8 January) included Sir John Hegarty (Worldwide Creative Director and Founder of Bartle Bogle Hegarty); Dan Topolski (broadcaster and former Olympic rowing coach); Alistair Spalding (Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Sadler’s Wells); David McAllister (Artistic Director of Australian Ballet); Carrie Cracknell (co-Artistic Director of the Gate); and Kathleen Soriano (Director of Exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts).

Hegarty’s leadership mantra of the 3i’s (inspire, inform, innovate) and his experience of creating massive brand awareness through major campaigns, such as ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ for Audi and Nick Kamen stripping for Levis, inspired the 26 to call for a unifying, re-branding under the umbrella of “Brand Dance” . By moving away from a focus on the fragmentation of specific dance forms, the group agreed that a generic focus on dance would combat elitism and promote the art form as inclusive, relevant and accessible.

At the Reception, Christopher Hampson (Artistic Director-designate of Scottish Ballet) and Emily Molnar (Artistic Director of Ballet British Columbia) spoke on behalf of all participants, saying: “…when we say DANCE we mean DANCE in all its forms. As a group we’ve discovered a shared purpose and readiness to embrace the opportunity for change.”

The 26 also discussed the key qualities required for effective leadership, and Caroline Miller (Director of Dance UK) told me that the primary focus fell on authenticity, honesty and integrity. Caroline added that the 26 had praised inspirational leaders who “can tell compelling stories that entice us to join in with their vision and who are inclusive”.

Daniela Cardim, an independent choreographer based in Brazil said “The opportunity that the retreat offers to brainstorm about sustaining and improving our art form is unique. I wish more dance leaders all over the world would open their hearts and minds to this kind of discussion.” And Clara Barberá Tomas, a former Rambert dancer now based in her native Spain added: “…the retreat has reinforced my faith in dance as a universal platform. Politicians all over the world need to recognise the power of dance both as an art form and essential to the development of functional human beings”. She added, “The challenge for dance is to make itself relevant in the next economic context all over the world.”

Viacheslav Samodurov – a former Royal Ballet Principal– said that the Rural Retreat had been perfect timing for his career development as he takes up the role of Artistic Director at Ekaterinburg Ballet. He felt that his leadership decisions would be influenced by discussions during the Retreat. Independent choreographer, Cameron McMillan felt that so much had been absorbed it was too early to prioritise the most important lessons but he was especially impressed by the networking opportunities afforded by the Retreat. Both he and Christina Polychroniadou – a cultural project manager from Greece – told me that the Retreat had been an invaluable contribution to their personal development.

Following an excellent brief contribution from the Ipswich MP, Ben Gummer, who told the audience that dance was the only art form capable of making him cry, Assis Carreiro (Artistic Director and Chief Executive of DanceEast) summed up proceedings by saying: ‘I was overwhelmed by the passion, rigour and huge intelligence shared by all participants. It was an intensive time of deep thinking, inspirational speakers and a unique opportunity to share so much in a nurturing environment filled with camaraderie, non stop discussion and commitment to dance.’

DanceEast’s Rural Retreat was made possible through the support of the Jerwood Charitable Foundation, Tezmae Trust, Best Western Ufford Park Hotel, Harlequin Floors and the Arts Council England.