summer projects 2023

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This Autumn York Dance Space, along with their partner Young Thugs, bring you an evening of dance at York Theatre Royal! Professional dance artists and community groups will leap onto the stage for Making Moves, showcasing brand new dance work each accompanied by original music composed by professional music artists. Following the success of the community dance event 'Dance It Up North' pre-pandemic, Making Moves will have a new, original format whilst still committing to celebrating the movers and shakers in York and North Yorkshire in this evening of contemporary dance fusion. It is an opportunity to bring to life collaborations between artists in the city and explore new choreographic ideas.

Among the line up is BBC Young Dance finalist Maiya Leek, choreographer Nii Kwartey Owoo and performance collective Night People who delve into club inspired rave and physically hyped movement. The evening will also celebrate the breadth of community dance happening in York and North Yorkshire. This summer young people in York, Thirsk, Selby and Harrogate can work with professional choreographers in their local area to choreograph and perform in the programme, thanks to a successful project grant bid from the Arts Council England. York Dance Space is also really excited to be working in partnership with Mind The Gap, co-creating some of the pieces with their associate artists and making sure inclusive dance and accessibility is centre stage.

The event also sees the first collaboration between York Dance Space and Young Thugs recording label and studio in York. Jonny and the team have selected and supported 3 local music artists who are working on creating the musical composition for the performance. The final 70 minute score has been divided into sections for each of the performance groups to create their productions to. Composing the music are Wilfred Kimber, Hull based alternative/electronics artist Slowdaze and University of York grad Will Jacobs.

Jonny Hooker, Director of Young Thugs '’There’s so much musical talent in the North right now, this is a great opportunity to showcase some of the best up-and-coming composers that the region has to offer".

Making Moves would not be possible without financial support; we are grateful to Make it York and City of York Council for financial support through the ARG Events and Festivals Grant Scheme. The grant funding supports the delivery of events and festivals which were negatively impacted by the pandemic and therefore unable to fund the overall cost of activity themselves.

A huge thank you to the York and North Yorkshire Dance Network for their continued support, both financial and partnership working.

You can buy tickets for the event on Saturday 15th October here:

https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/making-moves/

There are still lots of opportunities to get involved. If you are interested in performing with your local group you can contact yorkdancespace@gmail.com