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I’m not a performer – is this for me?

Absolutely. We recognise that the need for connection, inspiration and knowledge is required in all jobs – dance is wonderful and weird, and parental issues concern everyone, on and off stage. Our sector’s much valued teachers, dance artists, choreographers and movement directors all rely on their bodies for their jobs, not just those who are ‘seen’ in a production. 

 

I’ve been out of the industry for a while, can I take part?

Definitely! We warmly welcome participants who have had to step away from the industry for a period of time due to the pressures of parenting/life (this was a driver for the project). We also welcome those with sustained careers to build further on their skills, with the potential for all participants to make connections that will be of benefit to them and the industry.

 

Who do you consider to be a dancing parent?

Dance Mama is committed to being inclusive for parents from all backgrounds working in dance and extends this definition beyond performers to those working in studios and off-stage in professional contexts including state and private education. Please see our Eligibility Policy for more information. 

 

My children are grown-up, can I still take part?

Yep! Once a parent, always a parent. 

 

Do I need a Zoom account to take part?

Yes, for any live online events, this is the primary platform we have chosen to make the sessions as accessible as possible (Zoom is free to join). All recordings are uploaded to a private YouTube playlist. 

 

Can I participate in lives with my camera off?

Yes. Although we would love to see some faces, and it is easier to support you physically in dance sessions if we can see you, it’s entirely up to you if you want to be seen, or simply enjoy engaging with us as a ‘viewer-engager’ rather than a ‘viewed-engager’. 

 

Sometimes you do in-person hybrid events – how do they work?

In 2023 we introduced in-person workshops with our partner organisations in Birmingham, London and Leeds which are on our Silver Member replay list. This solidified our method of delivering opportunties that have cultural childcare options built in. Simultaneously, when these took place we ran children’s workshops (withe great artists like Johnny Autin and Hawk Dance Theatre)  to enable participants to attend their workshop without their children (if they choose) as part of the programme. Of course, people could keep your children with them (especially babies and young children) if they wished - we will left that decision up to them. All sessions were 'Zoomed' so anyone who couldn't get there could join in online. 

 

What is Dance Mama doing to support my safety?

Working together with our Research Advisory Group, (partners including One Dance UK, colleagues such as Active Pregnancy Foundation), Dance Mama has risk-assessed this activity, and has prepared some safety online and etiquette tips. 

 

I’ve missed a live session – will there be a replay?

Yes, for the most part we make replays available. We have a library of 40 hours of webinars and workshops that you can fully access when you become a Silver Member.  

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This is all great, but it doesn't answer any of my questions, can you help me?

Please email us if you need support – hello@dancemama.org

 

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