Supporting participation, creativity and cultural development through dance
Inclusion in Dance (i-Dance) is a Danish non-profit, non-commercial association established in 2017 and based in Copenhagen. The association works to promote participation in dance and ballet and to make artistic and cultural opportunities more accessible to children, young people and adults.
The association supports dance not only as a performing art, but also as a means of personal development, cultural education, creativity, community building and social inclusion.
Since its establishment, Inclusion in Dance has contributed in different ways to the artistic and personal development of more than 100 children and young people in Copenhagen and other parts of Denmark.
Supporting young artists and creative development
A central part of the association’s work is supporting children and young people who are interested in ballet and dance and helping them develop their creative and artistic potential.
Depending on individual needs and available resources, the association may support:
- participation in ballet and dance education, workshops and masterclasses;
- opportunities for talented young dancers to develop their artistic and technical skills;
- participation in performances, festivals, competitions and other professional development opportunities;
- access to national and international dance environments and artistic networks;
- scholarships and other forms of assistance aimed at reducing financial barriers to participation;
- individual creative initiatives and opportunities for young dancers to develop their own artistic ideas.
The association also supports creative initiatives involving adults and established or emerging artists, particularly projects that contribute to cultural participation, artistic exchange and the development of new audiences.
Performances and cultural participation
Inclusion in Dance supports the organisation of dance performances and cultural events for the general public and for local communities.
The association’s activities may include performances in theatres and cultural venues, community events, educational presentations and other initiatives that bring ballet and dance closer to audiences who may not otherwise have regular access to professional performing arts.
An important principle is that dance should not be limited to specialised professional environments. Public performances and community-based activities provide opportunities for audiences of different ages and backgrounds to experience dance as a living form of artistic and cultural expression.
Access to competitions and professional development
For young dancers, participation in professional competitions and international dance events can be an important part of artistic development. Inclusion in Dance supports opportunities for talented young people to take part in such activities where appropriate.
These may include Danish and international competitions, festivals and development programmes, including international events such as TanzOlymp in Berlin, Den Danske Balletpris , Prix du Nord and other recognised platforms for young dancers.
Support may include assistance with participation costs, preparation, travel or other necessary expenses, with the aim of reducing financial barriers and allowing talent to be developed regardless of a family’s financial circumstances.
Cultural and artistic heritage
Inclusion in Dance also works to increase children’s and young people’s knowledge of the heritage of world dance and performing arts.
The association supports activities introducing participants and audiences to:
- the history and development of classical ballet;
- major choreographers, dancers and artistic traditions;
- the relationship between ballet, contemporary dance, music, theatre and visual arts;
- international traditions of stage and performing arts;
- significant works and cultural heritage from different periods and countries.
The purpose is not simply to teach dance technique, but to help young people understand the cultural and artistic context in which dance has developed.
Aesthetic and cultural education
The association considers aesthetic education an important part of the development of children and young people.
Through dance, music, theatre and other performing arts, participants can develop an understanding of artistic expression, discipline, beauty, creativity and cultural diversity.
Exposure to high-quality artistic experiences can help young people develop confidence, imagination, critical thinking and the ability to understand and appreciate different forms of artistic expression.
Inclusion and equal access
Inclusion in Dance aims to reduce financial and social barriers that may prevent people from participating in dance and cultural activities.
The association may provide scholarships, financial assistance and other forms of support and may develop projects specifically intended to increase access for children, young people and other groups.
Its approach to inclusion is therefore both artistic and social: talented young people should have opportunities to develop, while participation in dance and cultural life should remain open to people with different backgrounds and circumstances.
Cooperation with Nordic Ballet
Inclusion in Dance is an independent non-profit association. It may cooperate with dance schools, artists, cultural institutions, associations, public authorities and other organisations in order to achieve its purposes.
Nordic Ballet is one of the association’s artistic partners. The cooperation between the two organisations is governed by a separate Cooperation and Artistic Partnership Agreement.
The association and Nordic Ballet remain independent organisations, with their own governance, responsibilities and activities. Cooperation allows the organisations to develop and support artistic, educational and cultural initiatives while maintaining this organisational independence.
Looking ahead
Inclusion in Dance continues to develop opportunities for participation in dance and performing arts in Copenhagen and elsewhere in Denmark.
The association’s future activities may include educational programmes, workshops and masterclasses, public performances, cultural events, talent-development initiatives, scholarships, participation in national and international competitions, and projects aimed at increasing access to dance and cultural life.
The association welcomes cooperation with cultural institutions, educational organisations, artists, local communities, public authorities, foundations, sponsors and other partners who share an interest in making dance and the performing arts more accessible.
Organisation
Inclusion in Dance (i-Dance)
Danish non-profit association
CVR 38410350
Copenhagen, Denmark
Established: 2017
Email: [email protected]
The association’s governing documents and current Cooperation and Artistic Partnership Agreement are available below.
