Ignite built upon the success of a pilot disabled artists’ training course run by Gloucestershire Dance in spring 2010. The 2011 programme took place in the inspiring, fully accessible rural setting of the National Star College, near Cheltenham and its continued development runs in tandem with Blue Eyed Soul’s own Dance Transformations programme.
Ignite included a 4-day course and a day of debate and sharing. Participants were able to choose a particular area of interest to follow in the Choreographic Labs: dance for camera, issue based work, or work for non-traditional spaces.
Rachel Freeman led the work for non-traditional spaces lab with four emerging choreographers and eight dancers. The choreographers were supported in creating original material that was shown at the Seminar. Along side the aesthetic journey was an exercise in project management which the artists took on board with enthusiasm and growing understanding. Gaps in knowledge were quickly identified and addressed by the team of artists, leaders, mentors and facilitators.
Perhaps the most fundamental lesson learnt was the need to reflect upon the process and product, to become a discerning artist, to make choices and assert your own creative vision. The inclusive dance sector has a times in been danger of settling into an all embracing, positive, supportive, come what may, cosy nest but Ignite ‘got real’ and in search of artistic integrity pursued honest, constructive critical reflection.
The residency was intense, complex, invigorating and inspiring. Working with a broad range of artists and making very individual choices. Blue Eyed Soul Dance is looking to nurture the links between agencies, organisations and artists all committed to and passionate about inclusive dance and the professional development opportunities for disabled artists.
