Encouraging the next step

Diversions believes strongly in nurturing and developing the next generation of dance artists. Dance Explorer: Participation provides opportunities for acquiring skills at every level of ability through courses, events and workshops as well as introducing the art form through talks, lecture demonstrations and introductory workshops. Dance Explorer: Participation ensures that Diversions' professional company dancers engage with all levels of ability and experience to inspire participants. Creative and technical excellence is at the heart of all Participation work. 

If you have a question or would like information on any of the Participation activities listed below, contact our Participation Officer Megan Pugh or call on 029 2063 5612.

Examples of our Participation work:

Tour Workshops:

During the Company's two annual UK tours, half of Diversions' time is given to working locally with schools, colleges and community dance groups.

Workshops are taught by Diversions' dancers and are linked to the National Curriculum. They provide:

• Insight into the daily technique class of a professional dancer.
• An understanding of how a choreographer develops an initial idea into a finished piece.
• A practical introduction to the repertoire currently being performed by Diversions.
• An opportunity to discuss and evaluate dance with professionals.

Above all, workshops are intended to be both educational and fun. We are always looking to build new relationships and work with different groups. Therefore, if you are a teacher and would like to find out whether Diversions is teaching workshops in your area, please contact Megan or call 029 2063 5612.

Future Dance Cardiff:

Future Dance Cardiff is a creative programme of dance training and performance activities run by Diversions in partnership with A2: Arts Active, the education and participation team at New Theatre and St David's Hall. 

Springboard:
A three-day course during the Easter holidays for dancers aged 13 - 21. Participants work with Diversions' company dancers in the Dance House, focusing on contemporary technique and ending with an informal showing for family and friends. It is an excellent opportunity to gain new skills, meet other young dancers and experience what a day in the life of our professional dancers is like. 

Summer Dance:
An intensive week-long summer school for talented dancers aged 14 - 24. Summer Dance is a chance to experience the making of a new dance work and a professional level of performance led by Diversions' company dancers. Participants go through an audition process, enhance their contemporary dance technique and learn a new work which is performed this year at St David's Hall. 2008 marks the 25^th anniversary of both Diversions and St David's Hall. 

Associates:

An opportunity for talented dancers aged 14 - 19 to take weekly technique classes led by Diversions' professional company dancers at the Dance House. Associates is for dedicated dancers with a minimum of two years training and a strong interest in progressing into full-time professional dance. This scheme gives invaluable support, advice and training with continual assessment and feedback. Selection for Associates is made at the Summer Dance audition.

Shake & Shout:

A five day summer school for ages 10 - 13 to dance with Diversions' dancers and with musicians from WNO. Shake & Shout is a collaboration between Diversions Dance Explorer: Participation and Welsh National Opera. It is a fantastic opportunity to work with professional performers, learn new skills, make new friends and have lots of fun. At the end of the week, there is a sharing of the work for family and friends. You can download an application form here (attach hyperlink). Deadline for applications: 4th July 2008.

Boys Only:

Boys Only is a weekend course run at the Dance House in partnership between Diversions and Royal Academy of Dance for male dancers aged 10 - 18. It is a chance to tackle ballet and contemporary dance from a fresh, athletic perspective with classes and a performance at the Dance House. Designed for all levels of experience, from those who have only seen dance on television to those who take regular classes, the main aim of the course is to get more boys involved in and excited by dance and to meet other people who enjoy the physical challenge, mental buzz and fun.

Non-Professional Work Experience: 

Throughout the year, we offer a small number of week-long work experience placements with the professional dance team based at the Dance House. Applicants must have ballet and contemporary experience as part of the week involves taking part in company class. This is a great chance to get an insight into the world of professional dance training through experiencing a class at professional level, meeting our company dancers and watching rehearsals.

Youth Dance Gala:

Each year, Diversions Dance Explorer hosts a Youth Dance Gala at the Dance House, celebrating some of the best youth dance throughout Wales. Groups that are invited are producing the best and most accomplished work and present this work in a showcase of innovative talent and development. The performance is held at the Dance House for public audiences as well as family and friends. The Youth Dance Gala is a superb way of bringing talented and dedicated young dancers together to see the variety of work and the high standard of performance being made by young people today.