Escalator Dance Programme
Escalator is an Arts Council England, East initiative which aims to find, support and invest in artists and art form development. In 2011 two new dance-focused strands were launched: Escalator Dance Producers (for aspiring dance producers) and Escalator Dance (for artists).
For this project, Dep Arts Ltd* was invited to lead on the new 12 month initiative. Dep Arts will oversee the training and development of five new specialist dance producers working across the East and South East, and in conjunction with this play a Consultant Producer role to the Escalator Dance artists.
Each trainee dance producer is based at one of five host organisations (Dance Digital, DanceEast, The Junction, South East Dance and the University of Bedford Dance Department).
*(UK-based independent creative producers)
The Escalator Dance artists for the region are:
- BLOOM!
- Robert Clark
- James Cousins
- Robin Dingemans
- Dog Kennel Hill Project
- h2dance
- Divya Kasturi
- Levantes Dance Theatre
- Lost Dog
- Shane Shambhu
- James Wilton
The Escalator Trainee Producers are:
- Felicity Alwell (Dance Digital)
- Natalie Clark (The Junction)
- Vienna Harrington (DanceEast)
- Helen Holden (South East Dance)
- Jih-Wen Yeh (University of Bedford Dance Department)
DanceEast’s Escalator Dance Artists
James Cousins
James Cousins Dance is an up-and-coming contemporary company led by
Choreographer James Cousins. Based in London, James aims to entertain
and inspire with his work and hopes to bring quality contemporary dance
to a wider audience.
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Whilst studying at London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS), James created his first work, The Still Point.
It was an immediate success and was selected for the LCDS Graduation
Performances in 2009 and represented the School at the opening gala of
The Place’s 40th Birthday Celebrations. The Still Point was also
performed alongside the English National Ballet and Richard Alston Dance
Company at Buckingham Palace for the Duke of York’s 50th Birthday
Celebrations.
In September 2011 James became the winner of the very first New Adventures Choreographer Award (NACA).
www.jamescousinsdance.co.uk |
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Levantes Dance Theatre
Eleni Edipidi, Co-Artistic Director of Levantes Dance Theatre/Choreographer/Performer
Originally from Greece, Eleni trained at Laban and gained a MA in
European Dance Theatre Practice, she also has a BA in Dance and Live Art
Practices. Eleni has performed and toured internationally with the
Belgian based company Victoria, with the work For All The Wrong Reasons.
She has also danced for Marie-Gabrielle Rotie, Leda Franklin, Blue Eyed
Soul Dance Company, Cheshire Dance and has performed in the Opening
Ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and Paralympics. |
Bethanie Harrison, Co-Artistic Director of Levantes Dance Theatre/Choreographer/Performer
Bethanie has a BA in Dance and Visual Art. She has collaborated
with art practitioners Andre Gingras and Anna Macdonald, and has also
lead workshops in schools in the Northwest with 'Charged 2 dance'.
www.levantesdancetheatre.org |
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Shane Shambhu
Shane Shambhu Company is led by British-born dancer, actor and award-winning choreographer, Shane Shambhu. By combining Shane's Bharatanatyam and Complicite actor training, the company creates dynamic visual theatre rooted in the traditional South Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam. The company creates pieces that stir emotions through representing modern society, and depicting narratives that expose human experiences and behaviour.
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Shane Shambhu Company uses an organic movement language stemming from Shane’s background in Bharatanatyam, contemporary dance and theatre. The company is fast earning a reputation for leading the reinvention of Indian dance for the 21st Century.
Read an interview with Shane »
www.shaneshambhucompany.net |
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