Shape It
Contemporary Dance Trust Ltd, UK
Cooperation Projects
England
2019
Total project grant (euros)
199,979
Sub-programme
Culture
Funding scheme
Creative Europe
Location
London
Number of partners in project
4
Lead organisation
Contemporary Dance Trust Ltd, UK
Partners
Comune Di Bassano Del Grappa, Italy
Helsingin Kaupunki, Finland
Tanec Praha Z.U., Czech Republic
Shape It proposes a new model for developing dance performance for young audiences. It is a partnership of four leading dance organisations in Europe who will test the following hypothesis: there is existing performance work made for adults which is suitable for a younger audience with some adaptations. By supporting dance makers in a dialogue with young people about their work, we can open up the best dance being made in Europe to young audiences, without investing in making new work from scratch.
We are motivated to widen the audience for contemporary dance, and in order to make this change happen, we must begin by introducing audiences to dance at a young age. We can’t rely on existing, traditional narratives which are staples of children’s theatre, to build new audiences. Rather, we need new ideas for an ever-changing world, and we should embrace questions which are urgent to children and families in Europe today: for example, migration; gender;sexuality; and health.
The model will be tested and developed through:
- Skills exchange Labs with local artists
- Residencies with young people in host countries
- Touring work beyond urban centres, to audiences marginalised in their engagement in arts and culture
- Showcasing work & disseminating our learning in order to ensure a legacy for the project





