New exhibition puts the spotlight on community dance
A new exhibition showcasing community dancers from Lichfield and the wider West Midlands region is now open at The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Why I Dance uses film and photography to showcase the work of the numerous contemporary dance groups in the West Midlands, in particular those for adults with learning disabilities.
The project, organised by That! Dance, celebrates the high standards of creativity and the transformative power of dance in the region, and captures some of the personal stories, joy and skill that makes the inclusive dance community so vibrant.
The exhibition includes a newly commissioned photographic series, created by photographer Mark Anderson. These images show dancers from across the Midlands take their artistry to the streets, landmarks and unexpected spaces of Burton. From the town’s famous bridge to its theatre, gardens and shopping spaces, the striking images capture dancers as they transform familiar spaces through movement.
Why I Dance also includes images of inclusive dance across the region, from the likes of Dancefest, Connection Dance and LEVEL Makes. Comedy short film Clowning Around by That! Dance captures the joy of inclusive dance, whilst Why I Dance examines why dance matters to the people who do it.
Why I Dance is organised by That! Dance, a community dance organisation for young people and adults with learning disabilities, based in Burton and Lichfield.
That! Dance formed as part of the culture programme for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, when dancers performed as part of the Critical Mass project in the Games opening ceremony, Queen’s Baton Relay and Birmingham International Dance Festival.
After the Commonwealth Games finished, the participants did not want to stop dancing – and That! Dance was formed. The That! Dance dancers meet regularly in Burton and Lichfield, working on dance technique, confidence and performance skills.
They regularly perform at events and festivals around the Midlands, including the Burton Christmas Lights Switch On and popular summer programme, Brewhouse on Tour. Their dance, movement and poetry film FOREST, supported by the National Forest, has been watched by over 8,000 people and screened at film festivals across the UK.
Natalie Haslam is the creative force behind the Why I Dance project. As Director of That! Dance, she came up with the idea for the exhibition.
Natalie explains how the project came about: “Why I Dance emerged from our ongoing commitment to showcasing the incredible talent in our community. We wanted to create a platform that highlights the creativity of dancers of all abilities and advocates for the transformative power of inclusive dance.
“Why I Dance is about changing perceptions, raising aspirations, and creating a more connected approach to inclusive arts development in our region."
An image of Sophie, a performer with That! Dance, forms part of the exhibition. She said: “I dance because I can relax and dance freely. I like dancing with friends and taking part in performances. I dance because it’s something I’ve enjoyed since I was little.”
Why I Dance is open until 26 April 2025 at The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union Street, Burton Upon Trent. Entry is free.
Why I Dance is funded by Arts Council England, Fabric, United by 22, and is supported by The Brewhouse Arts Centre and East Staffordshire Borough Council.
