We’re back! Making Connections returns to Swindon Jan - March 2025

Following a successful first run of Swindon-based creative sessions in 2024, we’re bringing Making Connections back to Swindon Dance this month for a brand new series of workshops.

Taking place on the fourth Friday of each month, the line-up of new guest artists has now been confirmed for January to March 2025.

These sessions are for you - whether you consider yourself a dancer or a creative in any sense of the word. They aim to plug a gap in professional development opportunities for artists in the South West, with each session combining a creative movement-based workshop with facilitated networking opportunities.

The next session, taking place on Friday on 24 January from 1.30-4.30pm, will feature Theo Clinkard, an internationally acclaimed dance all-rounder: choreographer, designer, performer, mentor and teacher whose work as a Movement Director has seen him work with the likes of Olivia Colman and Emma Thompson. Intrigued? Visit our Neon Dance events page to find out more about Theo’s 2-hour improvisation workshop focused on movement and text.

We asked Theo to give us an insight into what he has planned: “With this session, I’ll invite dancers to join me in building a space that is inclusive and kind. By focusing on touch and care, I intend to bring the focus from 'what we do' to 'how we do it'. I plan to share my ongoing work that centres our attention, our senses and our imaginations as a way to generate and articulate a landscape of feelings as we move together.”

To find out more about Theo’s experience and future project plans, check out his website at theoclinkard.com.

Following on from Theo’s session, future Making Connections sessions will be led by choreographer and improviser Seke Chimutengwende (Friday 28 February) and experienced dance artist, versatile performer, choreographer and movement director Marie-Louise Flexen (Friday 28 March). We’re so excited to see what each artist is going to bring to this interactive series.

We’re really pleased to report that feedback respondents from the first set of sessions awarding Making Connections five stars for enjoyment. 100% of attendees surveyed also said they came away with new ideas for their practice, enthused about their future work, and having made new connections with local creatives. We’re thrilled that the project is having an impact, and hope that you will come along to contribute your own ideas.

Participation is free but advanced registration is encouraged, so let us know you’re coming via the Making Connections registration form on the events page.