Fund Freelance Dance

Not all dancers rely on the security of a company such as The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet or Rambert. Very many ply their trade on a freelance basis, accepting commissions from established organisations or coming together for special projects.

These freelance dancers, and the supporting artists and services they work with – choreographers, musicians, teachers, photographers and film-makers – depend more than most on public support; and they've been grievously affected by the the first Covid-19 lockdown, which deprived them of gainful employment for the best part of six months.

Rather than stay put, as soon as restrictions were eased a group of 19 dance artists came together over four dates in October to brainstorm, boost creativity and look for ways of gathering enough funds to continue to practise their art. After all, dancers must dance, otherwise an entire generation of dance artists may well be lost.

The first outcome of those working sessions is this poignant short film, directed by Jamiel Laurence, whose initiative this was.

#FundFreelanceDance 2020 from Jamiel Laurence on Vimeo.

Put together to raise awareness of the existential struggle freelance dancer artists face, the film was made possible through a crowdfunding process that reached its initial target.

Now, though, as another lockdown looms, the target is being raised to a modest £11,620 to fund the second edition of the initiative, just as soon as Covid restrictions allow it. This time the aim is to engage 23 artists and to produce a more elaborate film under the #FundFreelanceDance banner.

If you enjoyed the film, you might consider making a donation. If so, you'll find all details HERE.