News! Longlisted for a One Dance UK Award
I've been nominated for a One Dance UK Award - well… I'm on the long list!🌟
First things first, I have a few conflicting feelings about awards.
I'm never sure how I feel about 'awards' because so many amazing folk don't get nominated and that in no way reflects or devalues their work. I know these awards recognise brilliance (like so many) but how do we define that? Through what or whose lens? According to who? What’s the measure?
Awards by their nature, whilst celebrating awesome people & top notch work that is going on, are always excluding in some way or other, and that's icky for me. In a time where the sector so badly needs to let go of ego and open more doors, get out of the way of itself and embrace the new, I find myself asking - what does winning an award really mean or achieve? What difference does it make?
Of course, the UK dance sector is full of amazing folks, doing great things. It's also not, so much needs to change and pathways need creating for fresh blood to come through. The sector needs to listen and evolve. I can say, hand on heart, that I truly am about change(-making) and where needed, I also get out of the way.
Can we say that about others? 👀
What is great about this recognition is that, my work, as a producer & mentor has had and continues to have, some impact. Because let’s face it, we are the glue that goes unseen across the work we do and the wider sector. We help to make it all happen, keep behind the scenes together, guide/support/corral/encourage people (artists) to do their best work and often go without recognition - because we’re not the face of the project/show/company.
So all in all, the timing of this nomination for me, is about saying thank you to my nominator(s) (really - this is massively appreciated, allll the gratitude & biggest thanks! 🙏🏼) and another thank you to all the wonderful people that I have worked with, continue to work with/appreciate and to also say, it's about time! I've only been slogging away in the sector since 2009!!!! 😅🙄😂
Read more about the longlist here: https://www.onedanceuk.org
