Holly, Alice and James go to out of space!

Monday 10^th March 2014

Holly, Alice and James from the dance team went along to The Mighty Creative’s event in Leicester, Embedding creativity in the Primary Curriculum. We were very excited to find that the venue for the conference was in fact the National Space Centre itself! Amazed as we walked in we were ushered into a theatre where we felt like astronauts straight away, gazing up to the sky in recycling chairs. 

Starting the morning off with keynote speakers such as Emma Trounson – Professional Choral conductor, who taught us to sing and sing in a round as a group. Also, we heard from Jason Wilsher Mills – Bluejayway Digital Arts, Gary Halliday – UK Film School and Liz Macfarlane.

We were then split off into the workshops we had selected for the day. Holly and Alice went along to the new Primary Curriculum. Holly and Alice learnt about the overall changes in the primary curriculum and how there is now more freedom within the framework as to how to deliver it. There is more intention on finding new and interesting ways of delivering it but contacting specialists in different areas to help with this. James went to a workshop based on delivering dance through the PE and Sport Premium funding, where he found more information about the fund and it’s potential. 

After a networking lunch Holly, Alice and James went together to their next workshop Dance in the Curriculum. Alice was shocked to find that the session was actually in fact a practical one. However, she got her moves out and represented the artsNK Dance team very well! Within the workshop we learnt about different ways you can teach the curriculum through the use of dance. We looked into the 3 main core subjects of Maths, English and Science. It gave Holly and James lots of new ideas to try when working in Primary Schools.

For the last workshop of the day Holly, Alice and James explored the space centre! Acting like very excited children the 3 went off to explore. Did you know that if you put the planets into water the only one that would float would be Saturn? Fun fact of the day! Also, they would recommend a ride on the simulator! 

All in all the day was a very productive and successful one, taking away a greater insight into the Primary Curriculum and how we as artists can have our own creative input within the educational setting.

Spring Primary Dance Festival 2014

The spring edition of our Primary Dance Festival, delivered in collaboration with North Kesteven School, saw 160 young people from local primary schools participate – a clear indication of the success of the day!
 

 

A mixture of Year 5 and 6 pupils from Bassingham Primary School, Swinderby All Saints Primary School, Fosse Way Academy, Ling Moor Academy, South Hykeham Primary School and All Saints Waddington Primary School participated in the final showcase on the 13^th February at the Terry O’Toole Theatre, following six weeks of hard work.
 

Working alongside artsNK dance artists, pupils had developed creative dance pieces surrounding the idea of transition from primary to secondary school. Each school drew on elements such as friendship, isolation, discoveries, achievement, team work, support and their journeys to school within their pieces.
 

Throughout the day of the festival young people were able to rehearse their piece within the Terry O’Toole Theatre, providing an opportunity to witness and appreciate the work of other schools. The young people were also able to watch rehearsals from Year 7 and AS Level groups from North Kesteven School, giving them an insight into other dance styles and choreography.

 

 

All schools performed twice in the evening at two sell out shows, with feedback from the young people saying how they thoroughly enjoyed being given the opportunity to perform in a theatre environment!

 

 

This spring project was supported by third year Sport Development and Coaching students from the University of Lincoln. The group helped with all stages of the project, from planning through to hosting the show, as part of one of their modules. The group were mentored by Alice from the artsNK Dance Team, who herself was once student on the Sport Development and Coaching course. Alice worked on the 2013 Spring Primary Dance project in her final year at university so it was an enjoyable experience for her to support the students with this year’s festival.
 

                                 

The Primary Dance Festival is back again in Summer so watch this space for updates and reviews!

 

Coming up!

Even though it's only the start of 2014, we have lots of exciting things fast approaching!


On the 31st of January, we shall be holding our annual and newly named artsNK Youth Dance Programme Showcase. Taking place at the Terry O' Toole Theatre, artsNK's Youth Groups shall take to the stage to perform pieces which they have been working on. This shall include some very exciting new work from our dance companies redXco, kNacKer'd and all new male company, JumpStart. With performers ranging from 4-18 years old, there shall be a range of styles on show so there is something for everyone! Tickets are selling out extremely fast so book yours now by calling the Terry O Toole Theatre on 01522 883311. Tickets cost £3 and £2 for Children (Under 16s).



Going into February, the Dance Factor final shall be taking place at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre on 8th. Ten crews from across NK and Lincoln shall come together, battling it out, one of them shall be crowned best dance crew of 2014. With only 4 weeks left working on pieces, the pressure is hotting up!


We shall then be holding our annual Spring Primary Dance Showcase. With two shows in one night, it's set to be hectic but fun! Local primary schools are currently working on creating dance pieces for the showcase. Based on the transition from Primary to Secondary School, the showcase is a celebration and a chance for the children to perform in front of a big audience!

Whilst all that is happening, we are also planning more for the coming months including aerial workshops and other exciting things! It's a busy time for the dance team! To keep up to date with everything that is going on, check out our Facebook page by clicking here and follow us on Twitter at @artsNKDance.

If you also want to see what other team members are up to, we each have our own Twitters @HollyartsNK, @EmmaartsNK, @MichaelaartsNK, @AliceartsNK and welcoming the newest member of our team James, @JamesartsNK.

If you want to find out a bit more about James, click on the 'About Us' tab above.