Arts Connect and producers DanceXchange, are thrilled to share 6 short films from the first phase of the ambitious #DanceConnect project.

#DanceConnect, which ran from May to August 2020, is a dance and digital experiment exploring how we can collaborate remotely across borders and boundaries, using movement and phones.

Every part of the creative enquiry project took place during COVID-19 lockdown so participants could not meet in person, enhancing innovation and creativity.  Dance Artists, Young Dance Leaders and young people from across the West Midlands, specialising in different dance practices, met and worked together on Zoom in 5 groups. Together they explored  “what kind of collaboration is possible when we can’t be together in the same space?  What new forms of dance are possible and what new dance languages can be developed?  How can working digitally enhance and expand practice?

The Dance Artists and Young Dance Leaders also collaborated with Digital Artists Wayne Sables and Anthony Shintai, to capture and exchange movement on phones and laptops, and to further explore the creative enquiry questions.

#DanceConnect is funded by Arts Connect, a development agency connecting and supporting communities across the West Midlands to enable children and young people (from 0-25) to enjoy a rich and meaningful arts and cultural life.  Arts Connect also delivers the Bridge programme in the West Midlands for Arts council England. #DanceConnect is produced by DanceXchange on behalf of the wider Dance Development Leaders Network (West Midlands). The creative development process is supported by Artistic Facilitator Orit Azaz, a specialist in creating large-scale, outdoor, collaborative performances.