Independent Dance (ID) supports the development of dance through radical enquiry, learning, community-building and audience engagement. Based at Siobhan Davies Studios in London, ID is a research engine and ‘home’ organisation for a growing community of practitioners in the UK and around the world. Artist-led since 1984, ID is currently staffed by a team of four part-timers, all of whom sustain freelance practices alongside their role with the organisation. Our public programme supports a wide range of accessible and interdisciplinary approaches to dance, somatic practices, improvisation and choreography. Co-designed with UK/ international artists and partner organisations, this far-reaching programme includes classes, talks, workshops, research, digital initiatives and small-scale festivals. ID also bridges higher education and professional spheres, leading on MA/MFA Creative Practice: Dance Professional in partnership with Trinity Laban and Siobhan Davies Studios. Our aim is to generate a diverse and dynamic ‘community of practice’ which is not limited to one place or location and to agitate for positive change and justice within ID, the arts and society. Over the past five years, we have diversified our programme offer and expanded our reach, supporting a wide range of artists and practices through a live and online programme. We have undergone significant organisational change and revised our policies, including making commitments to anti-racist and anti-ableist working practices and to reducing barriers to engaging with our programme and organisation at all levels. This ongoing work is critical to our future development. Independent Dance and Siobhan Davies Studios (SDS) are proud to be partners in a National Portfolio Organisation consortium, currently receiving regular funding from Arts Council England, with SDS as the lead partner. ID receives core funding of £71,000 a year from ACE and generates further funding through project grant applications.
