Stretch returned to London in 2024 with a one-day edition focused on networking, community building and the future of the dance sector.
Stretch 2024 asked participants the following question: What does the future of the dance sector look like?
Rather than trying to answer that question alone, this edition created space for artists and cultural workers to listen, share experiences, reflect and imagine what might come next.
The programme was co-curated with London’s dance community, in close collaboration with Chisenhale Dance Space’s Artist Community, and responded directly to the challenges facing the sector including access to professional development & networking opportunities, and sustainability in a freelance career.
Taking a DIY approach, the one-day programme brought together movement, discussion, mentoring, skill-sharing and networking in a welcoming environment, designed around exchange and community.
Programme
Morning Stretch! An Invitation to Move
Movement Session
Starting Stretch 2024 with a gentle movement session to warm-up the body and the mind for the day ahead.
Contributors
Rachel Elderkin
Independent Dance Artist, Writer and Dramaturg
Location
Chisenhale Dance Space, Research Studio
Mental Health & Wellbeing for Dance Professionals: (un)sustainable labor of love?
Panel discussion
A conversation on mental health for dance professionals, including tips and tricks for self-care and avoid stress and burnout.
Contributors
Dr. Lucie Clements
The Dance Psychologist
Finleigh Zack
Dance Artist & Artistic Director (Finleigh Zack Dance)
Moderated by
Ines Carvalho
Co-Founder of Stretch, PR and Communications Consultant (Diagonal)
Location
Chisenhale Dance Space, Performance Studio
Fundraising Today – dealing with rejection, going DIY, and finding new approaches
Panel discussion
Diving into funding and fundraising opportunities in the arts and cultural sector, including new models for fundraising and partnerships within the dance sector. A space to share experiences on dealing with unsuccessful funding applications and how to regain motivation to move forward.
Contributors
Helen Brooker
Rambert
Moderated by
Michael Peter Johnson
Creative Producer
Location
Chisenhale Dance Space, Performance Studio
Mentorship: Artists as Leaders
Professional Development session
An engaging and dynamic mentorship session imagining possible futures for dance artists to lead, inspire and contribute to cultural policy and the wider civil society.
Contributors
Sara Dos Santos
Dance Artist, Producer and Cultural Policy Expert
Location
Chisenhale Dance Space, Performance Studio
Afternoon Stretch! Networking Session & Speed Meetings
Networking session
A fun, energising networking session welcoming all participants to start conversations inspired by the questions: “What do I have to give?”and “What am I looking for?”
Moderated by
Ines Carvalho
Co-Founder of Stretch, PR and Communications Consultant (Diagonal)
With the input of
Emma Zangs
Movement Connects
Location
Chisenhale Dance Space, Green Room
Perspectives on Touring
Panel discussion
A conversation bringing different perspectives on regional, national and international touring opportunities for dance artists.
Contributors
Dollie Henry MBE
Artistic Director (BOP Jazz Theatre Company)
Jean Abreu
Choreographer and Dance Artist (Jean Abreu Dance)
Moderated by
Katie Hagan
Founder & Editor (Dance Art Journal)
Location
Chisenhale Dance Space, Performance Studio
Freelancing in the Sector: walking alone or together?
Panel discussion
A panel discussion in a relaxed format, where participants were invited to join a group circle and actively contribute to new topics, perspectives and questions for wider discussion.
Moderated by
Reece McMahon
Executive Director (Chisenhale Dance Space)
Nya Bardouille
Dance Artist (CDS Artist Community Member)
Emma Zangs and Steph Townsend
Directors (Movement Connects)
Location
Chisenhale Dance Space, Performance Studio
Chisenhale Dance Space, Performance Studio
Dance Art Journal Gala & Performance: Closing Party
Performance
Closing Party curated by Dance Art Journal, presenting the performance Birthday Fish by Erin Hughes and Stephanie Burrell.
Location
Chisenhale Dance Space, Performance Studio
Partners
Stretch 2024 was made possible with the support of Chisenhale Dance Space, Dance Art Journal, IRIE! dance theatre and Movement Connects.
