We believe in being change-makers focused on nurturing young talent, offering creativity for wellbeing, and commissioning bold new work, while fostering hope and connection in our local area. Together, we’re creating opportunity through dance right here in Ipswich and beyond.
There’s no place like home – Rooted in Ipswich
We’re proud to call Ipswich home, and to bring dance to communities across East Anglia. DanceEast is one of just five DanceHouses in the UK, and the only one outside a major city, making it a vital part of the region’s cultural life. We believe access to arts and culture shouldn’t depend on where you live. As our regional programmes grow, we’re reaching more people in more places, especially in rural and underserved communities.
We care deeply about our communities and collaborating with the people who are a part of them. Events like Platforma, brought to DanceEast by Counterpoints Arts last year, demonstrate the power of coming together. Our partnerships with grassroots organisations and individuals working to make Ipswich better for marginalised communities, and ultimately for us all, matter more than ever.
“When there is so much in our society that challenges the multicultural nature of our lives, events such as these are truly valuable. The arts can show how diverse and open society can be. Here at this lovely local event, we got to be an active part in sharing the richness in our own town and county.”
Dance artist who took part in Platforma
Young people are our future – We let them lead the way
We put young people at the heart of our work. Through our classes, professional development on the CAT programme, artistic and producing opportunities for YouthFest, the chance to experience and perform phenomenal dance on stage when at U.Dance East, and more. Youth voice matters, and it’s not only just being a listening ear. It’s enabling them to shape their own pathways and facilitate their own prospects.
“The Young Producer Programme and YouthFest are vital in motivating young people to engage with the arts. DanceEast provides opportunities to be paid for their work, whether that be in planning and curating YouthFest, leading a workshop or performing at the event, and gives participants free access to a range of different artistic mediums to explore and be inspired by.” – Young Producer for YouthFest
“In a time when the arts are often neglected in schools, events like this are really important for young people.” – YouthFest Artist
Access for all – The DanceEast Bursary Scheme
The DanceEast Bursary Scheme is another vital strand of our commitment to nurturing young people’s development. It helps children and young people access dance regardless of financial background. Families tell us bursary support helps their children grow in confidence, feel more connected, improve their mood, and reduce stress. It also opens up new opportunities, exploring future pathways into dance.
‘E absolutely loves the creative class and her confidence has increased so much! It also improves her social and emotional skills. Without the bursary she would not be able to attend and this would impact E in many ways negatively.’ – Parent of a class participant
More than just dance – Living better through movement
You may have heard the term “Creative Health”, especially if you know DanceEast’s work. It’s a big part of what we do. Creative Health uses the arts to improve wellbeing, help prevent illness, and support people living with long-term health conditions. As pressure on healthcare services grows, this kind of work becomes ever more important.
“The exercise is about keeping Parkinson’s at bay. I think it’s assisted me in keeping me going, keeping me mobile and coordinated…Parkinson’s does have a tendency to sap your confidence, but the support we get from the volunteers is very encouraging and supportive.” – Participant of Dance for Parkinson’s
On and off the stage – From an idea’s beginning to production and its future journeys
While many people know DanceEast through what they see on stage, a great deal happens behind the scenes. We support artists at every stage of their career through our Makerspace residency programme, offering space to research, develop and grow new ideas. Artists can also use our theatre and facilities, including the Digital Suite, to explore new technology and ways of making work.
“[The] quality of the support was very good; it is rare to find an opportunity like this; free space with no pressure of an outcome in a world class dance organisation.” – Makerspace resident
“We felt very welcomed and well looked after by the DanceEast staff, from the production and technical support through to the front-of-house team during the sharing. Our time at DanceEast gave us the grounding we needed to focus on the work.” – Dance company
“It is excellent to see such a broad spectrum of world-class artistic talent being showcased right here in the heart of Ipswich…I feel privileged and very lucky to have such an amazing cultural resource at the heart of our community.” – Audience member
How do we do all this?
Our work is made possible by a wide network of organisations, individuals, collaborators, connectors and audiences. Funding from trusts and foundations helps us sustain existing programmes, develop new projects and respond to emerging needs. We also rely on public donations and the support of members in our membership scheme.
How can you help?
If you would like to be a part of this movement, Support Us today.
If you are interested in accessing the bursary scheme now or in the future, please reach out to us at the Box Office on 01473 295230, or send an email to info@danceeast.co.uk.
If you would like to donate towards this scheme and make a difference to young people in Ipswich, contribute to our Impact Fund today: Donate Today – DanceEast.
Together, we can make a difference.
