East Midlands Dance Artist Network (EMDAN) is for those working in the dance sector.

EMDAN operates across the region in partnership with other arts organisations creating professional development opportunities, advocating for those working in the industry, as well as disseminating sector relevant information.

History

EMDAN was established in 2018 after local independent dancers identified a gap in consistent continued professional development provision across the East Midlands.

At the onset, the network consulted the wider dance community with both a questionnaire and an open meeting supported by FABRIC (Dance4 at the time). The response was overwhelmingly positive with over 90 independent dance artists expressing an interest in developing a formal network and engaging in regular group-based activities.

The biggest ‘ask’ from dance artists was access to a local contemporary class suitable for trained dancers, followed by the need to share work, find opportunities, and generally network.

Part of the network’s current organisational development project offers an opportunity for a weekly programme of contemporary classes in the East Midlands kindly supported by FABRIC. EMDAN aim to support the regional independent dance infrastructure and provide freelance dance artists with opportunities to thrive in their careers.

The network has recently secured funding from Arts Council England to develop a yearlong programme of activity across the region 2024 – 2025. This will include a full mentoring programme, scratch night, networking days, mentorship cafes, socials, and classes.

EMDAN steering group members:

EMDAN is run by a group of primarily volunteer steering group members including:

• Sarah Butler
• Alice Marshall
• Ana Raquel Azevedo
• Danni Chell
• Frank McCarthy
• Huai-Wen Chang
• Kiera Sanderson
• Kerryn Wise
• Claire Pring
• Kirsty Russell
• Emma Bouch
• Rebecca Cram
• Seraina Dejaco
• Karla Jones

Organisation partners and supporters: FABRIC,  University of Lincoln, The Hub (formerly artsnk), Sleaford, LCB Depot, University of Derby

Upcoming Open Contemporary Classes