Welcome

Without a doubt, dance is in a period of high popularity and great media exposure in the UK. Programmes on the BBC and ITV plus events like The Big Dance have allowed a new audience to enbrace a number of dance syles and in some ways also permit our art form to beome more accessible. We can’t complain. Getting involved in a dance project, finding something at your level and to suit your taste is more possible than ever and even training to be a professional dancer has a new set of audition criteria increasing the opportunity for a wider and more varied intake of students.

Nevertheless, is all of the current popularity going to lead to with progress in the industry or greater respect and appreciation of the work? Will the result of this interest give birth to new and original artitsic strands and creativity? Will the hearts and minds of this extended family of T.V spectators convert - no develop, into hardcore dance theatre watchers? Time will tell.

With all the hype and exposure it’s a good moment for us all to acknowledge and reflect on where we are, the enormous changes in dance over the last 50 years and more, and pay tribute to some of the literally ground breaking artists and companies who have put dance of the African Diaspora on the European and world dance map.

In this issue our articles and features mirror the launch of the national tour of the ADAD historial photographic exhibition, Black Dance in Britain 1930’s - 1990‘s Moments… currently being displayed at the Theatre Museum, Covent Garden. With input from Dr Christy Adair on Pheonix Dance and Dick Matchett’s work on Katherine Dunham and Buddy Bradley. Regular item, ADAD Asks… interviews well, me! Plus we have a open and heart felt article from Jeanefer Jean Charles and Pearl Jordan.

So read on and then feed back.

Jeannette Brooks
Hotfoot Online Editor