© Chris Pepper

New exchange programme for city’s dancers launched by Absolutely Cultured

Absolutely Cultured is supporting dancers in Hull and East Yorkshire to realise their ambitions through an exciting new exchange programme that has opened for applications today. Delivered through the organisation’s Hull Independent Producers Initiative (HIPI) and funded by Arts Council England, Hull City Council and Back to Ours, the free programme will offer 15 successful applicants the opportunity to take part in a number of trips and networking events across the north, helping them to grow in confidence, make national connections, and share skills and opportunities.

The network aims to support and continue to develop a strong community of dancers in the region who will continue to communicate, share and work together once the programme has finished. The programme will inspire participants and equip them with the knowledge of what can be achieved in our own city through building creative networks, seeking out and seizing opportunities, and working collectively.

Lily Mellor, producer at Absolutely Cultured, said: ‘This programme will offer dancers in the city a unique opportunity to develop their practice and gain insight into companies and venues around the country that we’re sure will help them in their long-term career. We’re committed to supporting creative people in the city so that they can achieve their potential and networks such as this are a key part of that ambition.’

Running from September through to December this year, participants will visit three cities across the north of England on a series of structured trips where they will learn about companies and venues, meet professionals and local dancers in the region, take part in talks and workshops, and see performances or rehearsals. In addition, there will be a Hull-based dance sector gathering in December that will be open to the wider dance community. The gathering will include discussions and networking opportunities with the above professionals, plus others from key institutions across the UK.

Absolutely Cultured will work with Hull-based dance organisations including colleges, dance schools and youth dance groups to engage students and recent graduates, as well as accepting applications from emerging and professional dancers from all genres of dance that are not affiliated with an organisation

In order to be eligible to join the programme, participants must be based in Hull or the East Riding and aged over 16, although any participant under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian or a representative from the relevant local organisation. Applicants must be interested in pursuing a career in dance and must be enthusiastic and reliable. The network is open to emerging dancers with different experience levels, along with those from all forms and genres of dance and applications close on Sunday 29 September.

For full details about the programme, including details about how to apply for a place, please visit here.