Things we learned from D&G Dance Consultations

In August 2020 we held two online consultations via Zoom. The aim was to share some of the details of this project, to invite comments, questions and alternative perspectives, to sense-check how the project had evolved in light of COVID and the new circumstances we all find ourselves facing, and to (re)connect with partners, allies and interested parties who we might not have seen much of over the past six months. In interesting and wide-ranging discussions, here are some of the things that stood out for us:

1. An online calendar is useful, but different functionality suits different people.

Whilst there is general enthusiasm for a central resource to share dance events across the region, there were different views of how best to realise this. Some people were keen to list each individual event to create a local listings page, whilst others preferred a lower-maintenance directory - with links to existing websites for full listings. Flexibility will be necessary to enable different kinds of listing to be accommodated, and we’ll need to consider how to make the listings process as straightforward as possible.

2. It’s exciting to connect with different artforms in the region.

There were exciting prospects for connecting with non-dance creative events, such as Wigtown Book Festival. There has already been success in reaching a wider range of people that way, and there seems to be much potential for really exciting creative collaborations.

3. For online watch parties, re-creating the atmosphere of ‘live’ is vital

Some attendees shared their experiences in moving events online, which was invaluable. One observation was that it’s important to find ways to re-create some of the atmosphere of live events - the applause and the informal post-show chats. This will help guide the structure of our Online Watch Parties.

4. We’re all learning to live in a post-COVID world, and can share what we know to support one another

Whilst government guidance is important in making the transition back to (some) safe ‘real life’ events, there’s inevitably a gap between that guidance and the realities of hosting safe dance classes and events. The blog at https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.dance might play a role in sharing some of those real life experiences, so that we can all learn from each other.

5. Timing is everything in complementing, not competing with, existing events in the region

In such a diverse region, where people often travel significant distances to events, it’s important that we complement existing events and opportunities. This may involve continuing open conversations about dates and timing, and might also involve interesting collaborations and tie-ins, to build stronger connected events. We found a strong consensus around helping more people to get dancing (and watching dance) - we’re building the size of the pie, not simply dividing it differently!

6. Technology can be challenging - but working around this can have unexpected benefits

Internet access came up regularly as a challenge of moving events online, and we’re mindful of who might be excluded or missed by moving events online. However, there were also clever examples shared where people had helped to mitigate this risk, and built more inclusive, engaging events as a result. We talked about providing a range of (live and pre-recorded) opportunities to access materials, the future of ‘hybrid’ (online and live) events, and about the ways that different approaches might help more people make a first step toward attending dance events. 

7. Connecting with schools is vital

We discussed the vital role of education in helping large numbers of young people have a first taste of dance - especially for those who might not think it’s for them, or who might struggle to access private dance classes. We also talked about the opportunities for offering CPD for (dance and school) teachers to work with professional dancers via the touring network.

8. Thinking long term from the outset will help us maintain momentum

We discussed the history of initiatives to build a dance network in the region, and the risks of building a community and momentum, only for initiatives to drop off or lose funding. We discussed the 10 year aspirations of this project, but also recognised how important it is to be pragmatic, and to build moments of celebration or milestones for individual young people throughout the project. We also chatted about the importance of building connections and pathways with existing activity in the region, so that young people aren’t dependent on any one project, but are supported to find and create the opportunities they need to progress. 

Next steps:

This is very much the beginning of our conversations - we’d hate anyone to feel that the consultations were the only time to shape the project. Rather, we hope that writing up and sharing these notes will stimulate new ideas and further thinking across the whole of the D&G dance community, and will help us continue to evolve the project together as we go. So - please let us know where all this thinking takes you to, and how it aligns (or doesn’t) with your own ambitions for dance in the region. We can’t wait to keep talking with you.