Portrait and Dorset Youth Dance
Portrait is a project of Dorset Youth Dance managed by Activate Performing Arts.
Portrait at Pavilion Dance in 2009 Portrait at Elevate 2010 Lighthouse Poole photographer Kevin Clifford
Dorset Youth Dance aims are to provide, improve, maintain education in and appreciation of the art of dance for the young people of Dorset by co-ordinating, promoting and presenting dance activities for young dancers.
The former county youth dance company, was revived in May 2007 with the launch of Portrait and is a progression route for young people aged between 14 and 21 interested in learning about contemporary dance practice. The entrance in the company is taking place annually through auditions between September and October. Although previous training and experience is not necessary, enthusiasm and commitment are crucial to be part of the company.
Throughout the year the dancers will get the opportunity to work with professional choreographers, as well as a Rehearsal Director to create contemporary dance work for performances, youth dance platforms and outdoor festivals. Members get the chance to taste the professional life of a working dancer through rehearsing fort-nightly on a Thursday in Dorchester, taking part in residency weeks and workshops.
Portrait at Elevate 2011 at Pavilion Dance- Photo Roy Riley
Portrait has created various dance performances by working with the following artists and companies: Tavaziva Dance, Subathra Subramaniam, Mobius Dance Theatre, Hofesh Shechter, David Toole, Rambert , Jasmin Vardimon and Sarah Shorten.
Dorset Youth Dance aims to embed the future of Portrait Youth Dance Company with the young people to look at its sustainability (financially and artistically) and their aspirations, both as a company and as individuals. Dorset Youth Dance is currently funded by Arts Council England and West Dorset District Council.
Portrait at Debenhams- April 2011- Photographer Pete Millson
Portrait, Youth Dance Company is based in Dorchester and provides opportunities to young talented people to be part of a contemporary youth dance company and work with professional artists and companies to create new work that is performed locally and regionally. The company is managed by Activate Performing Arts and is supported by Arts Council England and West Dorset District Council. For more information about Portrait or additional photos please contact Aurore Parkin by email aurore@activateperformingarts.org.uk or telephone 01305 260954.
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