Memorandum submitted by Artsworld Presentations
Ltd
CURRENT STATE
OF THE
DANCE ECONOMY
If the many events staged with Arts Council
funding at Sadlers Wells are anything to go by, the half empty
houses would suggest the state of the dance economy is BAD.
If the summer seasons hosted by Victor Hochhauser
at the Royal Opera House, or the annual 16-week sell out tours
of St Petersburg Ballet Theatre presented by my own company Artsworld
Presentations with no funding whatsoever are the example, then
the state of the dance economy is GOOD.
VALUE OF
DANCE
As one of the pioneer presenters of touring
visiting classical ballet in the UK we are one of the most successful
presenters filling local theatres and bringing much revenue. This
also brings much business to the local restaurants, use of public
transport, use of car parks, interest in local dance schools,
books and anything connected with dance. Many of these venues
are those who cannot get visits from national funded companies
and are some of the most prestigious venues in the UK.
BENEFITS OF
DANCE AS
A SPORTING
ACTIVITY
Mysteriously dance is not widely recognised
as a sporting activity even though dancers train as regularly
as athletes in all other sporting spheres. But with a Government
wishing to ensure computers are in every school, and so many restrictions
on activity of children to avoid injury, it is a miracle any dance
classes still exist.
PUBLIC POLICY
AND INVESTMENT
Speaking for my company who receive no public
funding whatsoever despite bringing huge audiences to dance we
remain in waiting and delighted to consider funding and investment
which will be very welcome. The Arts Council England should in
my opinion be embracing the tours we present and the audiences
I attract as part of dance development.
If public funding is sufficient I think it is
severely misplaced. Money appears to be poured into small esoteric
events, which the wider British taxpayer will never be interested
in. I would applaud revision of the funding level but it is wasted
without revision of the spending areas too.
YOUNG PEOPLE
AND DANCE
Workshops and educational opportunities should
attach to as many dance events as possible. If we were helped
by funding from the Government, my own company would be delighted
to present special educational matinees at theatres countrywide.
Dance should form part of the physical education and sports programmes
in schools from the earliest age. It contributes to the health
and fitness of youngsters as well as artistic output and self-expression.
At present for children who are interested in dance it is often
only available to them by the generosity of parents who can afford
to pay for the opportunity.
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