Applications open for Rural Retreat

Posted on August 6, 2014

Applications are now open for the seventh Rural Retreat for established and aspiring leaders in dance. The next retreat, held in Ipswich from January 2 to 4, will be aimed at future leaders from different dance forms, parts of the world and backgrounds.

Founded in 2003, the Rural Retreats provide a short, intensive experience that includes opportunities to hear from leaders in the world of business, sport and the arts, to discuss issues and to build networks with peers. Part think tank, part learning opportunity, the Rural Retreats have gathered leaders from across the global dance community. Retreats are held in Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, England, which is easily accessible by air, rail and road.

DanceEast, which runs the retreats, is now inviting applications from experienced dancers, choreographers and teachers who are ambitious to move into artistic leadership. The majority of costs, including accommodation and meals, will be funded. A small financial contribution is required to cover the cost of travel.

To apply, contact Susannah Burke at susannah.burke@danceeast.co.uk, explaining why you would like to attend, together with your CV. You may also include your thoughts on topics or speakers you would be particularly interested in, as this will help to create an interesting mix of participants and perspective. The deadline for applications is September 1.

Rural Retreat 2015 is supported by Arts Council England and the Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Ipswich.

Picture: artistic leaders attending the 2013 DanceEast Rural Retreat. Photograph courtesy of DanceEast.

Zoe Anderson

Zoë was born in Edinburgh, and saw her first dance performances at the Festival there. She is the dance critic of The Independent, and has also written for The Independent on Sunday, The Scotsman and Dancing Times. In 2002, she received her doctorate from the University of York for a thesis on “Nationhood and epic romance: Ariosto, Sidney, Spenser”. She is the author of The Royal Ballet: 75 Years and The Ballet Lover’s Companion.