Making Waves Membership

Background

Formed in 2016, Making Waves is Dancefest’s performance company for dancers over 50 who like to explore, create and perform. The artistic direction of the company is currently overseen by Dancefest’s Community Engagement Manager, who draws together the annual programme, as well as leading some projects, alongside guest choreographers. The Community Engagement Manager is supported by an advisory group made up of up to 4 Making Waves dancers and 2 Dancefest staff.

New dancers: how to get involved

Making Waves does not recruit dancers via audition. Dancers should have reasonable technical ability, but more importantly should be willing to work creatively and have a desire to perform. Making Waves performs not only in traditional theatre spaces, but also in outdoor and unusual locations and wants its work to be quirky and engaging for audiences of all ages. Dancers who are interested in joining Making Waves should first take part in Making Waves Technique classes, this is an opportunity to get to know the group and its approach before joining. Dancers are invited to join through discussion with the Dancefest team.

Programme

The programme is a combination of regular company classes, focusing on technique and performance skills, and performance projects (approximately 3 per year). Performance projects generally include taught material as well as creative choreographic input from dancers. Making Waves values inclusion, equity and the friendly, nurturing environment of choreographers and fellow dancers alike.

Company Guidelines

The following guidelines should be observed by anyone who wishes to take part:

  1. It is expected that Making Waves dancers should not only take part in performance projects but should also take relevant weekly classes e.g. contemporary technique or ballet. This is important to build and maintain strength, fitness levels and movement memory.
  2. It is accepted that not all dancers will be available for all performance projects but it is expected that dancers will take part in at least 1 performance project a year.
  3. When committing to a performance project, dancers must be available for the planned performance date/dates and be able to attend at least 80% of the rehearsals, including the last technical/dress rehearsal. Dancers are asked to advise Dancefest in advance, of any dates they are unable to attend.
  4. Dancers should arrive for classes/rehearsals on time, ready to warm up.
  5. Videos of taught phrases and work in progress are shared with the company regularly. The films serve as a valuable learning tool and dancers are encouraged to use them to help reinforce learning material, spacing, music cues etc, and to practise between rehearsals.
  6. The choreographer is responsible for decisions around costume, props and design for performances, their decision is final.

These guidelines are in place to ensure quality of experience for the dancer, choreographer and the company.

Cost

Costs vary and can be found on the Dancefest website, along with details of different payment options such as Clearpay and Klarna. Every effort is made to make company membership affordable and if cost is an issue, please contact Dancefest.

Arts Council England Worcester Municipal Charities Laslett's Charities The National Lottery Community Fund Roger and Douglas Turner Trust Public Health, Worcestershire County Council. The Bransford Trust People Dancing Professional Member

Dancefest is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and also gratefully receives funding from Worcester Municipal Charities, Laslett's Charities, The National Lottery Community Fund, Public Health, Worcestershire County Council, The Roger and Douglas Turner Trust and The Bransford Trust.