The Royal Academy of Dance has announced that its next conference will be held between 26-28 April, focusing on Dance and Lifelong Wellbeing.
The conference aims to bring together leading experts in dance, health, the community arts and education in order to explore the ways in which dance can enhance lives, both young and old. The conference will consequently combine interviews, presentations, panel discussions, demonstration classes and a live performance, and will take place at both the RAD and the London College of Fashion. A fantastic dancing treat for all dance fans will take the form of the conference highlights. Participants will have the unique opportunity to hear Robert Cohan, Founder Director of The Place and father of contemporary dance in Britain, reflect on his role as a teacher and mentor to a generation of British contemporary dancers. The Academy’s President, Darcey Bussell, will be also present on the first day of the conference and Gillian Lynne, the internationally renowned choreographer and a Vice-President of the RAD, will provide the keynote address.
The conference will offer a range of perspectives on dance as a means of enhancing lifelong wellbeing, including dance and longevity, dance in the community, dance and disability, dance and fitness and the benefits of dance to physical and emotional health. The event will also provide a forum for sharing the outcomes of the RAD’s outreach work with adults, children and young people.
Presenters will include
Diane Amans (Independent Dance Artist)
Lauren Cuthbertson (Principal Dancer, Royal Ballet),
Fergus Early (Artistic Director, Green Candle Dance Company)
Jennifer Jackson (Senior Lecturer, University of Surrey)
Kenneth Tharp (Chief Executive, The Place)
Robert Lynden (Creative Director, Dance United)
Robert Parker (Artistic Director, Elmhurst School for Dance),
Erin Sanchez (Dance UK Healthier Dancer Programme)
Matthew Wyon (Professor of Dance Science, University of Wolverhampton)
The conference will close with a showcase of dance by performers of all ages in a variety of dance styles, including pieces by Akādemi, Company of Elders, Dance United, Elmhurst School for Dance, Growing Older (Dis)gracefully and Step into Dance. It looks sure to be a fantastic dancing weekend!