Community Projects

Big Dance South East England (2010)

South East Dance led Big Dance South East England 2010. It was a tremendously successful project that characterised the way in which South East Dance works across the region to support local delivery. Big Dance South East England took place in July 2010, culminating in a week of celebratory and participatory events that aimed to:

• Ensure more people had opportunities to engage with, and participate, in dance
• Raise the profile of dance activity taking place in the region
• Provide employment/skills development opportunities for regional artists and young people
• Encourage greater connectivity and partnership working within the regional dance sector

Activity was delivered through six regional partners including Kent County Council, Hampshire Dance, South East Dance with Brighton & Hove City Council, Wycombe Swan, Woking Dance Festival and Oxford City Council.

The project engaged approximately 12,000 people in dance, including 84 artists and 1862 online audience members with a total of 244 performances and workshops taking place between June and July 2010.

"Dancing in public places means the general public get to see it up close and personal.... In high streets, parks, shopping centres, sea fronts, schools, fields, stadiums, museums, libraries, squares etc.... People get to understand it is not just for the professionals and those that 'know what to do already'. Watching dance can fascinate, enchant, mesmerise and inspire people, it can change peoples focus and add purpose and intent to ones life. It's about celebration, life and vitality.... Dancing makes people happy, it keeps people well and it unites communities. That is what Big Dance does."

Big Dance South East England Hub Partner