Birmingham Dance Network

02/10/2025

💡 Production Lab gave dance artists the chance to build skills that support, enrich and complement their artistic practice – from tour booking and marketing, to dramaturgy and lighting design.

Led by industry experts including Spin Arts, dramaturg Lou Cope and lighting designer Jackie Shemesh, the labs empowered artists to understand the wider production process and strengthen their own creative work.

01/10/2025

As you may have seen in our previous post, BDN will be closing its doors at the end of this month. We’re taking this opportunity to share and celebrate some of the projects we’ve done over the years. Let’s start with…

✨ Introducing…! Since 2015 Introducing… has been Birmingham Dance Network’s platform for new dance made by West Midlands artists.

A vital test bed for choreographers, it gave space for experimentation, honest audience feedback and the chance to share fresh, diverse work in a supportive environment. Hosted in true BDN style, Introducing… brought dance to theatres, studios, galleries and even the Bullring’s outdoor markets – entertaining audiences while championing local talent.

We’re so proud of the artists who have shared their work through this platform over the years, and the conversations it sparked across our dance community. 🌟

Performers pictured:


& elizabeth.randalldance autin and
thread and
Donohoe,
and
and
and




Introducing images designed by Genevieve Say

24/09/2025

💫✨ We’ve got news! It’s time to say goodbye 👋

Birmingham Dance Network has always been about connection, collaboration and championing dance in the city. Over the years, we’ve shared incredible projects, supported artists, and helped build a community we’re so proud of. ❤️

All good things must come to an end though, and we’ve decided that BDN, after 11 incredible years, shall close its doors at the end of September.

However, there is still work to be done!
Gen and Karen won’t be completely disappearing. Both BDN directors have been working with other dance artists in the region to establish Dance Co-operative Birmingham, a project making space for us all to collectively shape the future of dance in Birmingham and the region.

🌟 Artist-led and member-owned, empowers freelance dance artists to lead an adaptable, sustainable creative future. From studio space at Dance Hub Birmingham, to professional development opportunities, shared resources and member-led decision making, the Co-op is here to support artistic visions and celebrate our unique community.

This isn’t really a goodbye – it’s a handover to something bigger and bolder.

“As I move on to focus on new projects, I’m confident that the spirit of BDN will live on in a new generation of dance makers and visionaries who are bold and brave enough to put their heads above the parapet, and ultimately, get sh*t done. Together we are stronger!”—

Working with Gen, BDN staff, and members has made me grateful and proud of the work we have done together. BDN leaves a legacy in the dance sector in Birmingham for freelance artists, knowing that we can do things when we work together.”

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the journey with us. It has always been a team effort, with dancers, venues or companies coming together to build a community.

Keep an eye out on Instagram and Facebook as over the next few weeks, we will be sharing memories and reflections on everything we’ve achieved since 2014.
Thank you for being part of the BDN family! 💃🏾🕺🏼

08/05/2025

HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR TICKET…

Jaivant Patel Company and Arena Theatre present Samarpan Mahotsav 2025: Celebrating New Voices In Classical Dance On Saturday 28th June at 7:30pm

Tickets are £15 (£12 Concessions) and can be booked by calling the box office on (01902) 321 321 or via the link:
https://wlv.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873667961

Curated by Jaivant Patel Company, Samarpan Mahotsav once again brings you a beautiful evening of rich British South Asian Arts, heritage, and culture in celebrating female voices in Indian classical dance and live music.

Please join us for this unmissable, enchanting evening featuring breathtaking performances by Suhani Dhanki Mody (Bharatnatyam), Daniella Zak Varghese (Mohiniyattam), Sundaresan Ramesh (Bharatnatyam), Vaishnav Viswamohan (Kuchipudi) and Kirti Kala Mandir (Kathak).*

Samarpan translates as 'dedication'. This showcase of Indian classical dance celebrates the dedication of its practitioners to its form present in the UK today.

Indian classical dance has many disciplines within its family tree including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi and Manipuri. The form is renowned for its geometry, rhythmical footwork, intricate hand gestures and virtuosity in performance.

Jaivant Patel Company is an associate of Arena Theatre.

Image Courtesy of Simon Richardson.

Promotional Poster designed by Sam Fleming.



@top fansWolverhampton LGBT+Arts Council EnglandWolverhampton VolunteersWolverhampton Art GalleryWolverhampton TodayEnjoy WolverhamptonCreative WolverhamptonWolverhampton LibrariesBob Jones Community HubCreative Black CountryWolverhampton Literature FestivalBirmingham LiveBirmingham LGBTBirmingham Dance NetworkKala Sangam

07/03/2025

🌿The EcoSomatics Conversations Series – Season 2 Coming Autumn 2025!

Explore the connection between body, mind & ecology through dance, art & dialogue!

🗺️Join global practitioners in free virtual talks—Series 1 is now available as podcasts!

Stay tuned for the next series! 🎙️

Listen here: https://tr.ee/O73UYCzimp

25/12/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from Birmingham Dance Network! ✨🎄

As the year dances to a close, we want to thank you for being part of our vibrant community. 💃🕺

This festive season, let’s celebrate the joy of movement, creativity, and connection.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and dance! ❤️🎁

28/10/2024

💡Funding Application Tips & Tricks | FREE online event for creatives in Birmingham & Solihull

Are you a creative based in Birmingham or Solihull, ready to level up your funding game? 💼✨ Join us for Funding Application Tips & Tricks, a workshop by Birmingham Dance Network designed to help you nail that application process!

🗓️Thu, 7th November 10 am —12.3 pm, online

🎉 Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, we’ll guide you through finding the right funds, crafting standout applications, and setting yourself apart. 🖊️💡

This workshop is open exclusively to registered businesses (limited company/PLC/CIC/charity) and sole traders with a Unique Tax Reference. 📝

💼 It’s the perfect space to learn, connect, and empower yourself to achieve your creative goals. 🌟

📅 Not a Forward member yet? Sign-up details will be shared at the event.

🔗Booking link: https://tr.ee/5_EC5UKx_Z
This is a FREE event.

10/09/2024

Join us on September 13th for BDN10: EcoSomatics Conversation with Polly Hudson & Karen Wood! 🌿

From 2-3:30 PM at Patrick Studio (live & online), Polly and Karen will reflect on past conversations and share insights on dance and environmental awareness.

⚠️Plus, Polly will lead a .proclass – Skinner Releasing Technique (SRT) from 10-11:30 AM.

Make a day of it! Attend the class, join the BDN social at 12, and wrap up with this inspiring EcoSomatics conversation.

Don’t miss out! .dance

10/09/2024

Bursaries for Salon Bham are running out fast! If you are a freelancer this one's for you!

The go-to support network for independent dance artists.

10/09/2024

⚠️ Updated schedule for Friday, the 13th.

👀Can't wait to see everyone there!