Performers mean business with talk on dance

Interest in dance is a proven TV ratings winner, with the hugely popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing attracting over 10 million television viewers.

But although a growing number of people are taking part in dance activities, there is also the view that dance has a ‘Cinderella’ status within society, often with little opportunity for professional progression, falling levels of pay and lack of funding.

Heike Salzer, Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Dance at Teesside University and Kristine Sommerlade, Artistic Director of Tees Valley Dance, are joining forces to present a talk here at the University focusing on dance as an enterprise within the creative economy.

The underlying aspects which may contribute to a lack of business awareness within the dance field will be addressed by Heike and Kristine, who will also propose ideas for change in their talk Dance Means Business, which can be heard from 1.00pm to 2.00pm on Wednesday 29 April in Room G0.13, Phoenix Building, off Woodlands Road, Middlesbrough.

Dancer, choreographer and teacher Heike worked as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, lecturer and consultant for various companies and institutions across Europe before coming to the University last year. As well as developing the dance degree course she also continues her artistic work.

Kristine has choreographed and taught internationally for companies and training institutions. She has been the recipient of prestigious German NRW artists’ travelling award when she was Artistic Director for the German dance theatre company mind the gap - Tanztheater.

'We want to stimulate debate about dance and dancers contribution to the creative economy and we invite anyone who is thinking about, or is already working in dance, as well as those who are interested or work in the creative industries to come along,' said Kristine.

Heike and Kristine’s talk is taking place as part of the University’s Culture on Campus series of events. Admission is free and there is no need to book.

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