Blog: Building Community and Shaping the Future of Dance
A review of Dance Leaders group (DLG) Autumn Summit 2024 By Tamar Dixon
Reading time: 5 mins
Please note an easy read version is available
Hello to all the dance enthusiasts of the Midlands! Have you ever wondered how joining a leader's group could benefit you and your practice?
The Dance Leaders Group (DLG) first connected in 2017, creating a platform where dance artists could voice their experiences, stay connected, and move forward together. It became a space for collaboration, and a place to explore how we can navigate the fast-changing world of dance today.
I discovered DLG through word of mouth in 2022, and though I felt ‘late to the party’, I showed up eager to learn. The group's growth and development have not only expanded dance artists across the West and East Midlands but have also fostered a sense of community where we, as dance leaders, contribute to shaping the dance space with our unique insights and expertise. The thing is, perspective is key. We all share our own perspective and light when involved in any networking group. So allow me to share my own two cents as you read this blog
A Welcoming and Inclusive Space
This autumn’s DLG summit, held at Trefoil House in central Birmingham, was a significant event, providing an open and accessible environment. The location was perfect for bringing both familiar faces and newcomers together, offering opportunities to reconnect and forge new relationships. The day’s agenda included reflections and feedback from the spring summit, back in April 2024, at Dance Hub Birmingham. Where we reinforced the importance of each individual in shaping the future of our dance community.
We also heard from guest speakers who brought a national perspective, extending the conversation beyond the Midlands. Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE, Gillie Kleiman and Jamaal Burkmar, shared their valuable insights, fostering inclusivity and setting the tone for meaningful exchanges. Orit Azaz skillfully guided us through the day's discussions, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
The Flow of The Day
As with past summits, the event was facilitated to encourage engagement and interaction. Everyone was invited to form groups based on provocations—topics either planned in advance or created spontaneously on the day. These prompts were instrumental in sparking dialogue and allowing us to collectively share our voices. The format was designed to be dynamic, fostering creativity, connection, and collaboration. For those of us who regularly attend DLG, these thought-provoking provocations are an ideal way to spark discussions about the challenges we face in our dance practice.
However, for newcomers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to jump straight into networking and deep discussions, especially in such a new environment. A guided introduction for first-time attendees could be helpful—offering a gentle entry into the group. For instance, explaining how DLG supports the dance community, and giving an overview of the day’s flow. A softer, welcoming approach would ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared to participate.
"It was great to see so much engagement in the DLG -
A really good place to connect and share."
- DLG participant (Autumn 2024)
Observations and Opportunities for Growth
While the summit was vibrant and full of energy, I believe that having an overarching theme for the day could help focus our discussions and lead to more concrete outcomes. As we prepare for the next gathering in spring 2025, and beyond, it’s worth considering how we can structure these events to best serve the needs of all participants. Rest assured an underlying theme is always present for the day, though the question is, do we want a specific theme, or do we prefer a more flexible, organic flow? What format best supports the deep conversations we want to have?
DLG also supports regional subgroups, which play a crucial role in keeping dance conversations alive and evolving across the region. These groups foster a sense of community and shared purpose, helping to ensure that the dance community remains connected and progressive. But a question arises—when do we pause to reflect on our successes, rather than always striving to fix something? How can we measure when we’ve reached our goals?
Building Connections and Embracing Opportunities
One of the highlights of DLG summits is the openness of the space. It brings together both experienced professionals and those just beginning their dance journey. For me, networking and relationship-building are key benefits. It’s inspiring to meet new and old faces. Simply connecting with others helps take the pressure off and feels therapeutic.
Reflecting Back 10 Years Ago...
I wouldn't have had the courage to enter such spaces. I would have felt uncertain of who to turn to or how to engage with industry leaders. Now, I feel empowered to show up and be part of these crucial conversations. This is a space where we let go of gatekeeping and make room for the next generation of dancers, so they can access too. With that said, we must ensure they are equipped with the confidence, knowledge, and support they need to excel. Knowledge is power! Moving forward, Inclusion has become an increasingly important topic in recent years. A new group formed in the spring 2024 summit, the African & Afro-Caribbean Diaspora Hub. It aims to promote African and Afro-Caribbean dance practices. Samina Beckford and other active dance members are leading this project, and it’s inspiring to see this new focus emerge! Representation matters!
Looking Ahead
The DLG summits continue to provide an essential platform for dialogue, connection, and transformation within the dance community. There’s immense potential to shape the future of dance in the Midlands. By setting clear objectives, nurturing inclusive spaces, and fostering collaboration, we can ensure that our community grows and thrives.
Key questions:
❖ What does a safe space mean to us? How can we ensure that everyone feels empowered to show up as their authentic selves, while learning from each other’s differences?
❖ What do we want to see evolve, grow, and flourish within our community in the Midlands?
❖ As we look to the future, who must be part of this journey, and what can we leave behind that no longer serves us?
Let’s keep asking important questions, embracing bold solutions, and together build a resilient and forward-thinking dance landscape. As we move into 2025 and beyond, we have an opportunity to shape a dance community that is as inclusive, innovative, and inspiring.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Tamar Dixon, known as Unique Tay, is a dance blogger, copyeditor, and a podcast host with a passion for advocating the vision and voices of dancers through writing and community dance. She is the Founder of Unique Movez Dance Collective CIC, based in the West Midlands. As a dyslexic individual, Tamar entered the dance world with a unique perspective, which has driven her commitment to creating inclusive and non-judgemental spaces. Her achievements include being a finalist for the Creative Arts of the Year Award 2024 and receiving Outstanding Contributions to Children and Young Peoples' Award 2024. Upon her dance blog in 2017, a space to motivate and support fellow creatives, Tamar later became a successful participant in the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme: 2018.
About the Author
Tamar Dixon (Unique Tay)
Photo by Ana Gobson
As a result her passion has expanded towards cultural diversity & exchanges, in community dance, blogging, and dance development. Tamar has collaborated with national and international dance projects, through inspiration, dance-writing and more. From organisations East London Dance, Punch Records, Diagonal Dance, Fabric (DanceXchange), Serendipity, Uchenna Dance, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance and more. She has also participated in global cultural exchanges in Senegal, Italy, Jamaica, Cuba and Southeast Asia, gaining inspiration from different cultures and sharing her experiences with the dance community.