Between April and July, 25 independent artists attended artists conversations and residencies programmed as part of Dance Transports – Yorkshire Dance’s annual programme of regional professional development.

Taking place in Bradford, Sheffield, Hull and York, Dance Transports was led this year by independent Dance Artist, Danielle Teale, as part of the Artist Exchange Programme – a project spearheaded and conceived by Danielle in response to development opportunities available for dance artists who work within community contexts. The Artists’ Exchange Programme offers a unique style of professional development which places the experience and shared values of dance artists that create work with communities at its heart.

“This programme felt different to other CPD that I have attended over the years. The transparent, open and collaborative process of each person contributing something, rather than being taught a set of skills or ideas, or being expected to learn or achieve a certain goal or outcome, lends the programme a feeling of community and self-worth before even setting foot in the space.” – Ellie, AEP Skills Exchange, Sheffield, 2019.

Yorkshire Dance was delighted to work in partnership with Danielle to bring this unique programme to the region, enabling our regional dance artists to make meaningful connections with each other through their dance practice.

“This year’s Dance Transports created a very special environment for the 25 artists who attended. It felt nurturing, energising and reaffirming. Working with an Danielle as an independent artist to co-design the programme was a fantastic experience and has influenced how we will shape professional development in the future.” Hannah Robertshaw, Programmes Director.