News

CPD for Dancers with Akademi Dance

Dance Woking is delighted to be hosting a CPD workshop led by Akademi Dance in conjunction with their highly acclaimed performance Plastic Drastic Fantastic created for children and their families

Venue: Buzz Studio, 1st Floor Peacocks Shopping Centre (next to Nail bar), Victoria Way, Woking, GU21 6GH

Time: 10.30am – 2.30pm

Fee: £20.00 includes a 2 hour professional dancer CPD & a ticket to see Plastic Drastic Fantastic

Plastic….is it friend or foe? Remarkable or rubbish? Helpful or harmful? Dance Woking is pleased to be able to present Plastic Drastic Fantastic a contemporary dance theatre work for children and their families created by Akademi Dance. This has been made possible following funding support received from an Arts Council England Project Grant.

The show explores humanity’s complex relationship with plastics – the fantastic possibilities they offer, as well as the drastic consequences to the environment.

Drawing from the Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam and South Asian dance techniques, the artists investigate plastics and the dangers of their misuse through intricate movement, gestures and play, infused with interaction with the audience.

The processes and stories underpinning this dance project have been steered by children and young people, who are at the heart of the research for this work, created in consultation with material scientists at UCL.

Designed to be accessible for D/deaf audiences, Plastic Drastic Fantastic is a vibrant, fun and thought-provoking show for our time. An Akademi and Polka Theatre co-production.

This workshop is suitable for those who are interested to learn the Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam and South Asian dance techniques and who are also interested in children’s dance theatre and how a topic is woven into a dance theatre following consultations with scientist and child focus groups.

For more details about the performance Plastic Drastic Fantastic click HERE

News

Plastic Drastic Fantastic

Plastic….is it friend or foe? Remarkable or rubbish? Helpful or harmful?

Dance Woking is pleased to be able to present Plastic Drastic Fantastic a contemporary dance theatre work for children and their families created by Akademi Dance. This has been made possible following funding support received from an Arts Council England Project Grant.

The show explores humanity’s complex relationship with plastics – the fantastic possibilities they offer, as well as the drastic consequences to the environment.

Drawing from the Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam and South Asian dance techniques, the artists investigate plastics and the dangers of their misuse through intricate movement, gestures and play, infused with interaction with the audience.

The processes and stories underpinning this dance project have been steered by children and young people, who are at the heart of the research for this work, created in consultation with material scientists at UCL.

Designed to be accessible for D/deaf audiences, Plastic Drastic Fantastic is a vibrant, fun and thought-provoking show for our time. An Akademi and Polka Theatre co-production.

Dates:

Tuesday 31 October: 10am & 1.30pm

Wednesday 1 November: 1.30pm & 5.30pm

Running time: 45 minutes (no interval)

Tickets: £9 / £6 concession, group of 4 £21; we are offering special rates for school groups 20 plus which could include a workshop in advance of the performance.

School groups for tickets and workshop contact Ellie: HERE

Venue: Buzz Studio

1st Floor Peacocks Shopping Centre (next to Nail bar), Victoria Way, Woking, GU21 6GH

See the trailer:

Dance Woking is also hosting a Professional CPD for dancers led by Akademi Dance on Wednesday 1 November 10.30am – 2.30pm for details click HERE

News

Young Dancemakers Platform 2023

Young Dancemakers Platform 2023 gives children at local schools and colleges the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre. As well as being encouraged to develop and input into the making of the piece, the dancers experience the excitement of being backstage, with pre-show nerves, waiting to perform, the joy of the performance and the preparations in advance such as the dress and technical rehearsals.

This Autumn local schools and colleges are using the theme Recycle, Renew & Reuse as we continue to focus on the environment and sustainability as our stimulus to create imaginative and dynamic dance pieces that link with issues affecting the world around us. This showcase will include Primary, Secondary and higher education students. Dance Woking is delivering a series of workshops, led by our team of professional dance artists, in school settings for 8 weeks to create their work.

Our aim is to introduce the many different dance and music styles from around the world to a new generation of children and to inspire them to develop their own creative response to them through dance.

The choreography, costume and lighting design is also the responsibility of the young dancers with some help from the Dance Woking team.
This platform promises to showcase the next generation of dancers and choreographers!

Time: Doors 6:40pm, Performance starts 7pm
(Performance ends approx. 8pm)

If you are a school, college, university group interested in taking part, please contact Ellie by using this the link: HERE

Dance Woking is hosting Plastic Drastic Fantastic, a show performed by Akademi that explores humanity’s complex relationship with plastics – the fantastic possibilities they offer, as well as the drastic consequences to the environment. We are offering school and public shows for more details click: HERE

News

Step Up 2023

New for 2023 – it’s all about styles that follow steps!

Including Jazz/Tap/Latin/Ballroom/Musical Theatre

Thursday 30 November 2023

NEW for 2023! Dance Woking is introducing a new platform Step UP 2023,  a new platform showcasing dance styles that follow steps. Dance styles to include Jazz, Tap, Latin, Ballroom, Musical Theatre, Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Bellydance. Dance Woking is seeking local dance groups who like to perform in these styles. If you are unsure please contact us: office@dancewoking.com

This new platform will take place on Thursday 30 November, 7.30pm

Venue: Rhoda McGaw Theatre, The Ambassadors, Victoria Way, Woking, GU21 6GQ

Groups must be working in styles that follow steps such as Jazz, Tap, Latin, Ballroom, Musical Theatre, amd as above. All ages and abilities are welcome. To be considered you must complete the booking form and return to Dance Woking as detailed below. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider groups who do not have their own chaperones for dancers under 16 years old, as this is a requirement of our performance license.

Indian classical feet with ghungru

A booking fee applies to take part, you can submit more than one group, a booking fee applies to each group. Once your application has been accepted you will be required to pay the fee by Monday 16 October in order to take part.

To apply please complete the application form: HERE

Registration fees: £50.00 for 1 group. £90.00 for 2 groups

Key dates to note:

  • Monday 2 October – Applications close
  • Tuesday 10 October – Group(s) will be advised the outcome of their application
  • Tuesday 10 October – Tickets go on sale
  • Monday 6 November – Deadline for lighting requirements, music, and programme notes
  • Thursday 30 November – Technical runs will take place from midday; platform starts 7.30pm

Please return completed application forms to office@dancewoking.com

News

Innovate 2023

Dance Woking is returning to Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking, in December to host Innovate 2023, a contemporary led community dance platform. We are now seeking groups who would like to take part. Date: Saturday 2 December 2023, 7pm

Venue: Rhoda McGaw Theatre, The Ambassadors, Victoria Way, Woking GU21 6GQ

Groups must be working mainly in contemporary dance, all ages and abilities are welcome. To be considered you must complete the booking form and return to Dance Woking as detailed below. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider groups who do not have their own chaperones for dancers under 16 years old, as this is a requirement of our performance license.

A booking fee applies to take part, you can submit more than one group, a booking fee applies to each group. Once your application has been accepted you will be required to pay the fee by Monday 16 October in order to take part.

Registration fees: £50.00 for 1 group. £90.00 for 2 groups

To apply please complete the form: HERE

Key dates to note:

Monday 2 October – Applications close

Tuesday 10 – Group(s) will be advised the outcome of their application

Tuesday 10 October – Tickets go on sale

Monday 6 November – Deadline for lighting requirements, music and programme notes

Saturday 2 December – Technical runs will take place from midday; platform starts 7pm

Please return completed application forms to office@dancewoking.com

News

December Travelling Tea Dance

Dance Woking is now taking bookings for the very popular December Travelling Tea Dance.

The Travelling Tea Dance forms part of our work focusing on the older members of our community, to support their well-being through connectivity and supports five ways to wellbeing through the following:

  • By connecting with others
  • Being active
  • Take notice through the themes and dance styles
  • Learning through new dance steps and styles
  • Give – through shared memories support

The event will feature a mix of dance performances and participation opportunities. The Travelling Tea Dance is delivered indoors and gives you and your residents a chance to come together, enjoy some dance, music and movement and be part of a shared experience.

The event is led by 2 professional dance artists, and a facilitator. The team bring resources related to the event theme to support participation.  The event lasts approximately an hour.

Now in it’s third year of touring, We have tested the format under various themes and can’t wait to bring some dancing back to the residents. Feedback has said it is about the right mix of participation, performance, fun and length. We believe it would be a highlight to any social calendar in your venue. Booking for the summer tour is now closed.

December Travelling Tea dance tour week commencing 4 December 2023

To find out more and to book your date on our next Travelling Tea Dance tour please contact us.


This tour has been made possible following funding support from Surrey Community Foundation and Arts Council England Project grant.

News

Young Dancemakers 2022

A Schools & Colleges Dance Platform

Local schools and colleges have been using 2022’s theme of ‘Rhythmn Storm’ as their stimulus to create imaginative and dynamic dance pieces. This showcase includes Primary, Secondary and higher education students. The schools have been working with Dance Woking’s Outreach team for 8 weeks to create their work.

This platform gives students the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre. As well as being encouraged to develop and input into the making of the piece, the students will experience the excitement of being backstage, with pre-show nerves, waiting to perform, the joy of the performance and the preparations in advance such as the dress and technical rehearsals. The choreography, costume and lighting design has all been the responsibility of the young dancers with some help from the Dance Woking team

Performance Groups Include:

Westfield Primary School, Horsell Village Infant School, Horsell Junior School, New Monument Academy, Broadmere Academy, Kings Academy Binfield, Guildford College and Woking College


Tickets are now available to purchase.

Doors open at 6.15pm for refreshments, Theatre doors open at 6.45pm with the show commencing at 7pm

News

Innovate 2023

A Contemporary Style Community Dance Platform

Dance Woking is delighted to be hosting our annual contemporary led community dance platform Innovate’. This year we will be holding this popular platform at Rhoda McGaw Theatre

We are once again looking for local dance groups who would like to perform at our Contemporary Community Platform INNOVATE on Saturday 2 December 2023 at Rhoda McGaw Theatre.

Groups must be working mainly in Contemporary dance, all ages and abilities are welcome. Please note that there is a registration fee of £35.00 per piece performed.

For your chance to take part, please complete the apply here. The deadline to apply is Monday 2nd October 2023.

Please contact office@dancewoking.com if you have any queries.


News

Innovate 2022

A Contemporary Style Community Dance Platform

Dance Woking is delighted to be hosting our annual contemporary led community dance platform Innovate’. This year we will be holding this popular platform at a purpose built theatre situated within Jubilee High in Addlestone.

Join us as we celebrate local dance schools at this contemporary dance platform.

This year we are thrilled to welcome, Illume, Zambesi Dance Company, First Dance Studios, Richmond College, Cremona School of Dance, Alexandra Dance Company, Integr8 Dance, Dancayers, Vital Signz Dance, Leanne Edwards School of Dance and KJ Theatre Arts.

Doors open at 6.15pm for refreshments, Theatre doors open at 6.45pm with the show starting at 7pm.

Please contact office@dancewoking.com if you have any access requirements.


News

Stanwell Events Party in the Park with Dance Woking

The Jubilee weekend will see Dance Woking partner with Stanwell Events group to host a community party in the park to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Held on the 4th June, this special event held on Long Lane Recreation Ground will see Dance Woking facilitate 2 dance workshops throughout the day, a community flashmob performance with the Youth Club, local community performances and bring professional companies Folk Dance Remixed and MCDC (Michaela Cisarikova Dance Company) to perform for the local residents to enjoy.


Dance Woking Outreach team have been working with the Stanwell Youth Project over the last 6 weeks to device a community performance piece and this will be performed on the day at 2pm.


MCDC will perform Fish Out of Water which is a fresh, family-friendly outdoor dance performance using hip hop, interactive sculptures & responsive music to explore themes of belonging, otherness & migrancy. Follow the dancers as they find themselves in a strange new place and help them overcome bizarre, colourful obstacles. By the end of the show, you can help them build a home somewhere new and show them that whatever challenges we face, we are stronger together.

Fish Out of Water is the latest touring performance from MCDC Michaela Cisarikova Dance Company, known for bold visuals and her signature hip hop and contemporary dance style. Fish Out of Water is Co-commissioned by Applause and The Marlowe, with support of SELEP Ltd as a part of Catalyst For Culture and supported by Arts Council England.

Performances will be at 11.30am & 1.20pm


Folk Dance Remixed are a groundbreaking company creating unique fusions between Folk and Hip Hop styles with live music. Led by Artistic Directors Kerry Fletcher and Natasha Khamjani, the company rediscover old traditions through contemporary forms.

The Ceilidh Jam will get you on your feet for a funked up, unique, folky, social dance – a fabulous chance for all to dance! Using traditional callers to teach, we’ll be mixing folk formations, Street Dance, legendary moves and freestyle grooves – from the Soul Train Line to Lucky 7, Strip the Willow to the Electric Slide. The Ceilidh will be performed at 12.30pm & 2.15pm


Provisional Running Order is as follows:

11.00am Dance Workshop – led by Dance Woking

11.30am MCDC- Fish Out of Water

12noon Stanwell Community performances 

12.10pm Dance Workshop – led by Dance Woking

12.35pm Folk Dance Remixed – Ceilidh Jam

1.20pm MCDC – Fish Out of Water

1.40pm Stanwell Community performances

2pm Flash mob – Stanwell Youth Group and audience join in  

2.15pm Folk Dance Remixed – Ceilidh Jam