Northampton's Royal and Derngate organises virtual festival to inspire next generation of dancers

A day of virtual activities to inspire the next generation of dancers has been organised by Northampton's Royal and Derngate theatres.

Gen-Fest Movement will have performances, workshops, Q&As and networking, offering development opportunities for dancers, choreographers, movement directors and actors on Saturday, March 20.

The theatres' Generate talent development programme held its first Gen-Fest in November and went so well that they wanted to organise another one.

Creative learning associate Erica Martin said: “We had a great response to our first online Generate festival in November so I’m delighted that we are able to offer another event to showcase the talents of some of the diverse and incredible artists making interesting work in our region and beyond, who all have a great enthusiasm for sharing their wide range of knowledge and skills.

"This time we are concentrating on movement, and I hope that we will be able to offer more events in the future focusing on a range of disciplines.”

Gen-Fest Movement's events include a Q&A with renowned choreographer Sir Richard Alston and a workshop with movement director Jo Meredith about devising movement online.

As well as a workshop exploring integrated and accessible practice by Jamie Beddard, co-artistic director of Diverse City.

There will also be a chance to see Parable Dance’s new film about inclusive dance practice, followed by a panel discussion, and one-to- one mentoring opportunities with movement director and theatre choreographer, Diane Alison-Mitchell.

Launched in 2016, Generate aims to strengthen the artistic community in Northamptonshire through connections, collaborations and conversations.

Artists take part in a year of initiatives that help curate new work with Royal and Derngate providing more than 500 hours of staff time, 22 days of rehearsal space and more than 60 workshops and events for each year’s artists.

Entry is based on a 'pay what you can’ basis and once booked, customers will be sent a link to access events apart from the one-to-one mentoring sessions, which are limited in number and require separate arrangement.

For more information visit royalandderngate.co.uk/genfest-movement.