Education
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL AGES & ABILITIES
David Hughes Dance is passionately engaged in presenting a comprehensive programme of education and outreach work to increase knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of modern dance theatre. We have in our ranks a nucleus of world-class, mature and multi-disciplined performers internationally recognised as being at the forefront of their individual styles; ballet, contemporary, breakdance, classical Indian, and clowning/circus skills. This spectrum of styles allows us to develop unique combinations of movement, whilst the delivery comes from artists who are proven specialists and perform at the highest level – this is the difference with education received from David Hughes Dance.
EDUCATION FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
Whether you are looking for a one-off class or a longer-term performance project, David Hughes Dance can offer primary/secondary schools and further/higher education colleges dance workshops and residencies tailored to suit the age and experience of the participants, delivered by highly experienced teachers. The company fully supports the current dance inclusion as part of the Curriculum for Excellence and can help your organization fulfill any criteria required for this legislation.
Since 2007 David Hughes Dance has conducted educational residencies in Shetland, Ullapool, Falkirk and the Kingdom of Fife; in the latter area we delivered workshops to over 1000 individuals. Recently we have provided education across the Highlands and Islands, Perth and Gordonstoun School, and created a 4-week residency project for East Ayrshire schools as part of the Kilmarnock Heritage Regeneration Initiative. We have also taught extensively for West Lothian Council, Falkirk Council, Aberdeen City Council and the City of Edinburgh Council. The impact our education work has had on young people has been staggering and we believe it is of the utmost importance that we continue to provide the highest quality dance education in order to nourish future generations of talent.
ADULT AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Our adult and professional education ranges from one-off classes to full choreographic residencies, and gives you access to our exclusive repertoire by world-leading choreographers. The company’s unique and comprehensive pool of movement vocabulary enables us to present the highest-calibre dance education imaginable – technical ability is the lynchpin. We regularly deliver repertory workshops and technique classes to industry professionals and major companies, and our aim is to leave participants with a wider range of ability, a deeper understanding of choreographic techniques and improved levels of confidence and ambition.
LECTURE DEMONSTRATIONS – Solo Works
David Hughes Dance can offer an exclusive lecture demonstration option, based around the solo works created especially for Hughes by choreographers Christopher Bruce, Siobhan Davies, Javier de Frutos, and Cesc Gelabert; this will include professional class led by David Hughes, access to the repertoire, a question-and-answer session and a performance of one of the solos. This allows audiences, students and professional dancers alike to have a privileged insight into the world Hughes shared with each choreographer. They will also be encouraged to investigate Hughes’s unique personal history from his early mentors at LCDT (Bob Cohan – Martha Graham Company) to his time with modern greats (Lloyd Newson – DV8). Not to be missed!
MASTERCLASSES
David Hughes Dance can provide technique masterclasses to colleges, dance centres and private dance schools – please contact us for further information.
“I loved, loved, loved the dance workshop because I thought the dancers were just excellent, they were really friendly and taught us step-by-step.” Participant, Craigrothie Primary School, Cupar
“I thought the dance workshop was fantastic. I really enjoyed the style of the dance as it was very different. I thought the teachers were very helpful and fun.” Participant, Denny High School
“Very fun and enthusiastic teacher in Matt, teamed excellently with the Artistic Director, David, to add extra artistry and performance skills. Great mix of styles.” Tutor, Portree High School
“The audiences’ comments were very positive – they thought the work you had done with the girls was ‘outstanding’ and couldn’t believe it was done in only one day. It’s very encouraging to hear a professional company talk so passionately about community dance.” Alex Emerson, Bodycurrents, Eden Court Theatre
Apprentice Scheme
David Hughes Dance is committed to mentoring and supporting young professional dancers, contributing to their existing training with experience of and exposure to the workings of a major company. This includes continued training in class with the Artistic Director and other members of the company, learning roles within the repertoire of the company and also mentoring in the administration and management of dance. Your support can help to ensure that this process of guidance and mentoring continues and that further young professionals can benefit from the depth of knowledge and experience which exists within the organisation.
If you have an interest in applying to become an apprentice with the company please contact the Artistic Director, David Hughes: david@davidhughesdance.co.uk
