Connecting the dance business with Stretch

Katie Hagan, founding father of Stretch accomplice dance artwork journal, lifts the lid on the significance of Stretch, a networking occasion for the dance sector.

When Ines and Bernardo from diagonal dance first advised me about Stretch and their motivations for making a dance occasion for everybody, I bear in mind instantly feeling how a lot it was wanted. While I’ve solely labored within the dance business for round 5 years – I’m at all times reminding myself to not let my imposter syndrome get the higher of me! – I don’t suppose I’ve ever actually come throughout a conference-style day of dance that brings all disciplines (artists, entrepreneurs, PRs, producers, designers, et al) collectively. Positive, I’d been to occasions catered to every of those disciplines, that are sensible, empowering and actually convey individuals from one specialism collectively. However within the absence of an occasion for everyone there was a possibility for somebody like diagonal to create a spot for all to return collectively; to get out of our silos, share data and experiences, and be taught from each other.

Networking is vital

The urgent want for an occasion the place data and experiences will be shared was highlighted in a current survey performed by diagonal. Dance has one of many greatest data gaps out of all of the performing artwork sectors. Over 40% of individuals surveyed don’t suppose there are enough networking alternatives, with many graduates not figuring out the place or who to show to as soon as they’ve accomplished their research. And this clearly is an issue. It’s an issue not just for the many individuals already working within the business but in addition for these eager to be in it.

For these already within the business, there may be a lot worth in creating networking alternatives. It provides them the possibility to upskill to allow them to maybe work in numerous contexts – possibly you’re a producer and wish to attempt extra neighborhood work? – and likewise ensures you possibly can hold issues recent and meet new individuals. 

Alternatives reminiscent of Stretch are additionally big for these beginning out within the business, reminiscent of graduates, and for many who have an curiosity within the arts however don’t essentially have the simply accessible steerage to find the profession path they search. 

It goes with out saying then that occasions reminiscent of Stretch are significantly necessary for individuals coming from working-class backgrounds like myself, the place they discover there are quite a few financial and social boundaries to accessing the humanities throughout their lives. I didn’t develop up in an surroundings the place the humanities was a subject of dialog on the dinner desk or the place we went to galleries and performances on the weekend. Equally I didn’t go to the kind of faculty the place there was sufficient useful resource in place for profession alternatives within the arts to be clearly outlined to me. In school, and rising up within the shadow of the Recession, a profession within the arts simply wasn’t articulated. My manner into the business, as a graduate, was via a technique of trial and error; googling methods to attach with the best individuals all of the whereas working in hospitality or retail.

Stretch will, subsequently, present a core connection level for us all to be taught from each other irrespective of the place we come from. Whether or not you’re concerned about doing a little skilled self-development, looking for a profession change, or are simply beginning out within the sector, Stretch will likely be for you. 

The programme is now dwell!

The Stretch programme is now dwell and it seems to be completely tremendous. The diagonal workforce has put collectively a wealthy and provoking programme with workshops, talks and performances led by and that includes an enormous number of voices inside the arts sector together with Reece McMahon, Peter Laycock and I Like Networking founder Isabel Sachs. 

In case you’re concerned about discovering out extra in regards to the programme, you head to Diagonal Dance’s designated Stretch website or be part of the Stretch neighborhood on Slack.

We hope to see you there!