NSCD alumni Andrew Gardiner and Rob Anderson have recently been awarded early-stage commissions by Dance City. The commissions form part of an annual round of investment for artists based in the North East, offering support in the form of commissions, awards and bursaries.
Andrew Gardiner is co-creator of dance theatre company Society of Strays, whose artists have toured internationally for award-winning companies including Protein Dance, BalletLorent, Bgroup, Zoielogic and Royal Opera House, among others.
Andrew's work Would You Adam and Eve It?, jointly conceived with Donna Lennard, will explore mankind's ability to both create and annihilate, using dark humour to merge the story of Genesis with AI humanoids. Speaking of the commission, Andrew said:
“I’m so happy to receive this commission and support from Dance City. After such a challenging year and such uncertainty for the arts sector and freelancers, I feel very lucky to bring this project to life”
Rob Anderson will be developing his first full-length solo Buckle Up, which follows the story of a man and his car, from their first drive all the way to the scrapyard and old age. Since graduating from NSCD Rob has danced for multiple award-winning companies, teaching and performing internationally and across the UK. He also represents Bad Taste Cru, one of the UK’s most influential B-boy crews, battling and performing worldwide. In 2020, Rob became an associate artist with MovingArt management and began developing his own work. In January 2021 he was awarded funding from Arts Council England for his project ‘Play:In:Motion’ which aims to establish playful, creative, and accessible movement classes, both online and in person. Speaking of his work Rob said:
“I aim to make work that stays with the audience long after they’ve left the theatre. In many ways, I hope they can see part of themselves in my work. I am truly grateful for Dance City’s support in both this production and the ongoing development of my career.”
NSCD alumna Sadé Alleyne formed part of the Dance City selection panel, and said:
“I’m thankful for this opportunity to give artists a voice and I’m truly happy to be a part of this encouraging and enlightening experience. I am excited for the new, creative, diverse and groundbreaking ideas that will flourish within the next couple of years."
To read more about the commissions, click here.
