Watkins Dance Company
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News

Podcast Interview ResDance 2023

Anna was invited to speak with Dr. Gemma Harman for ResDance podcast, have a listen to their conversation on Spotify:

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ResDance Series 3: Episode 8: Bringing the voice of the freelance dance artist to the fore with Anna Watkins
ResDance Series 3: Episode 8

ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND FUNDING 2023

​We are very excited to announce Anna has received Arts Council England DYCP funding starting a new development project in 2023 #DevelopYourCreativePractice Congratulations! 

Special thanks to Arts Council England & Swindon Dance who are supporting Anna on her development process! 

ŻfinMalta, National Dance Company of Malta
September
 2022

Anna will be working with ŻfinMalta leading company class for the company dancers for a week, she is looking forward to the international collaboration and working with the dancers! 

Soul City Arts 
August 2022
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We are excited to announce Anna will be working with Soul City Arts for their production 'Waswasa' as Movement Director this August. Performances will be at Birmingham Hippodrome, find the ticket link below! 
Artistic Director: Mohammed Ali, Executive Director: Rajpal Pardesi, Director: Hassan Mahamdallie

Part of Birmingham 2022 Festival of the Commonwealth Games.

'Waswasa' Tickets

Rehearsal Director, Rubicon Dance Company 
September 2021 - August 2022


Anna has been busy working with Rubicon Dance Company since September 2021 as Rehearsal Director as well as one of the three choreographers commissioned to create a new work '24HR' for their upcoming Triple Bill alongside choreographers Jamiel Laurence & Marcus Jarrell Willis. Catch the Triple Bill in Wales at the Riverfront Theatre, September 2022!

Research and Development, commissioned by Pavilion Dance South West and supported by Siobhan Davies Studios (London)
​August 2021


Continuing to celebrate 10 years of Watkins Dance Company through Covid restrictions, Anna is excited to be working on an R&D next week commissioned by Pavilion Dance South West to explore her choreographic voice further. Dramaturg and mentor Lou Cope will be joining Anna as part of the process developing a solo of which Anna is the choreographer and dancer. Siobhan Davies Studios (London) are supporting the R&D with studio space, Anna will be working with some external artists she has invited into the space as part of her development process. Welcoming Kayleigh Price leading classes and Jordan James Bridge who will be leading a creative session with Anna as part of exploration. 

One Dance UK Awards 2021

We are excited to announce Anna has been nominated for 'The Jane Attenborough Award'. Thank you to One Dance UK and Anna's nominators for such an incredible recognition! 
One Dance UK Awards 2021

WOMEN IN DANCE AWARD

We are excited to announce Anna has been nominated for an award 'WOMEN IN DANCE AWARD'. This award has been set up by AWA DANCE charity for the first time this year to celebrate a women for her outstanding achievement as a leader in the UK dance sector in 2020.

​To attend the ceremony event in March 2021, click below:
women in dance award ceremony

DEMETERA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, PARIS 2021

We are excited to announce Anna’s short dance film IDENTITY in collaboration with composer + singer-songwriter Zosia Jagodzinska, has been selected for Demetera International Film Festival, Paris.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF WATKINS DANCE COMPANY 2021

2021 marks our 10th year since formed in 2011 by dance artist Anna Watkins. 

We are celebrating by sharing
on our social media channels: Instagram, Facebook + Twitter, some of the works and collaborations produced during these 10 years. With works funded by Arts Council England (GFA), commissions from Film Oxford, Swindon Dance, East London Dance, IdeasTap, international commissions and more.

Keep a look out to see images of our work and celebrate with us by giving us a share and a like!


FLUX ONLINE MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL 2020
FILM OXFORD, ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND 

We are excited to announce Anna’s short dance film IDENTITY in collaboration with composer + singer-songwriter Zosia Jagodzinska has been selected for FLUX Online Festival 2020! Film Oxford, Arts Council England 

Watch the festival here: 
flux online festival 2020
Thursday 27th August - Sunday 6th September 2020

VIRTUAL INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL INDIA (VIPFI)
ART ON CLICK & VIKRAM MOHAN DANCE FOUNDATION 

We are very excited to announce we have been invited by VIRTUAL INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL INDIA (VIPFI) to present two of Anna's works REPEL and HUMAN ANIMAL!

Tune in:


Presenting REPEL (duet) and HUMAN ANIMAL (solo)
Facebook live ART on CLICK

9th July 2020
6.00pm (New Delhi time)
1.30pm (UK time)


watch here - Facebook live - art on click - 9th july 2020

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Anna has launched a new platform for dance artists!
LAUNCHED 17.06.20


​theArtists network was founded in 2020 by professional dance artist and producer Anna Watkins. Creating a platform to profile professional dance artists from cross art forms, providing a hub to collaborate.

This network presents talented young, mid career and experienced dance artists with a wealth of creativity to share with you as a collaborator.

OUR MISSION
To represent talented dance artists from cross art forms working within dance and wishing to collaborate. We would like to avoid 'tick boxing' our artists in terms of age, gender, ethnic origin, sexuality, religion, as we feel this is not important, their talent and professional experience is the most important at its highest quality!
​Breaking through the hierarchy systems presenting all artists wishing to join theArtists platform. 

Join the network, be part of change!

www.the-freelance-artists.com
theartists.

IDENTITY 

NEW LOCKDOWN DANCE FILM 

Anna has created a new dance film whilst in lockdown in collaboration with talented composer and singer-songwriter Zosia Jagodzinska.

 
'A reflection of freedom and the enemy, finding the light through the darkness of isolation. Trapped, restricted and addicted, a complex mixture.'

Anna and Zosia have been working together on various projects for several years now and each time the process is an enjoyable and inspiring one!

We hope you enjoy IDENTITY and it brings some creative energy to your day!

Experimenting, moving, film, dance, light, collaboration 
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#covid19 #lockdown #uk #supportthearts ​
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AWA Dance (Advancing Women's Aspirations with Dance)
Avatâra Ayuso - Founder and Director

Watkins Dance Company have recently become a partner with AWA Dance. We are excited to be supporting UK based CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) and look forward to our future work together.

AWA Dance is dedicated to the leadership development of women and girls, using the transformative power of dance as the tool to empower their voices.
AWA Dance - website

​Dance Dialogues: A Podcast | Tuesday 14th April, 5pm

Anna will be joining Rachel Elderkin as a guest artist for Dance Dialogues live podcast. We are very excited to be joining this discussion and look forward to hearing your feedback. 

​
Join us on Instagram and send in your questions - @dancedialoguespodcast

Topic we are discussing: How can we help each other as freelance artists?
​
dance dialogues: a podcast - website

More links and inspiration has been added on our page

 Click here to get involved - 'ONLINE RESOURCES FOR PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS & FREELANCERS'

Staying inspired and creative during Covid-19!

Join us on Instagram today!
Let's get creating...share your improv from home and tag us in your story. Let's have some creative fun today! Get everyone at home involved @watkins_dance_company
instagram - watkins dance company

Supporting our artists and students 

We having been updating our website to support our Associate dancers/students, Professional Artists and Freelancers. 

On our website we have two new pages -
  • ONLINE DANCE CLASSES - ASSOCIATES & STUDENTS 
Providing online dance classes with Anna Watkins, for our Associate dancers and external students Anna is committed to teaching. These individual pages are password protected for the safety of our young dancers. 
 
  • ONLINE RESOURCES FOR PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS AND FREELANCERS (COVID-19)
A new page dedicated to support the arts and artists sharing helpful advice links, inspiring reads and video footage.

Please do get in touch if you are seeking support and we will do our best to help!



Update Covid-19 (Cornona Virus)

Today we have received further updates on the Covid-19 situation. Siobhan Davies Studios have closed their building as of tomorrow, until the end of April. Sadly this means our final session for our Associates Spring Term, Sunday 5th April has been cancelled.

This is in light of the most recent advice and guidelines released by Public Health England (PHE). The safety and health of our associate dancers, staff and guest teachers are always at our upmost importance to us and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and support during this time.

If you would like to obtain online strengthening classes during this difficult time, please do let us know. Currently Associate sessions will resume from May for our Summer Term, unless new updates cause to suspend further. 

Please continue to support the arts in any way you can in this current situation. If you would like to donate to Watkins Dance Company to secure our future please visit our support us page. 

Thank you for your understanding and I hope all stay safe and well in the weeks to come.


Click here...Working together to support the arts industry!

CAT (Centre for Advance Training) Contemporary Programme | Coordinator

We are delighted to announce Anna has been appointed an additional role as the new Coordinator for CAT (Centre for Advanced Training) Contemporary Programme at Swindon Dance.

Anna has choreographed and been a guest teacher for the CAT programmes all over the UK and is excited to now be leading at an amazing hub for talented young dancers. National Dance CATs is an exceptional programme with nine branches over the UK.
National Dance CATs

AWARD NOMINEE OISFF 2020 | MORTELLE

​We are very excited and honoured that film 'MORTELLE' has been nominated for an award in the Genre Awards category for:

Best Musical or Experimental Film
​Oxford International Short Film Festival 2020

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​Film Oxford, Arts Council England. 

OXFORD INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL | 2020

The very first FLUX Moving Image film 'MORTELLE', has been selected for Oxford International Short Film Festival. We are delighted to be part of such a prestigious film festival for our short dance film created last year in collaboration with Film Oxford. Choreographed and performed by Anna. FLUX was created by film director, Nicola Josse from Film Oxford, bringing together 3 artists to collaborate with dance, film and sound. Funded by Arts Council England. 

The film festival is taking place on Saturday 
28th & Sunday 29th March 2020!
OXFORD INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL | 2020

FILM OXFORD | SHADOWLIGHT ARTISTS 2020 - FILM COMMISSION

​We are very excited and inspired to be working on a new film project. Anna has been commissioned by Film Oxford as Choreographer and Movement Director for disabled artist Danny Smith, as part of their Shadowlight Artists programme. Supporting Danny to create his vision for his new short dance film. 

For more insight into the Shadowlight Artist programme please visit their website:: 
Shadowlight Artists | Film Oxford

THE PLAYGROUND 2019 | RAMBERT 

We are excited to announced we will be performing Anna's latest duet REPEL at Rambert for their two year anniversary special of The Playground platform. Come and join us for an evening of artists sharing their work!

29 Nov 2019 | 7.05pm & 8.10pm​
The Playground two year anniversary celebration
Mercury Studio (Level 4)
​Rambert, 99 Upper Ground, London. SE1 9PP


COHAN COLLECTIVE 2019 - PAVILION DANCE SOUTH WEST

Anna was invited back this August as a choreographer for the Cohan Collective Development Week at Pavilion Dance South West. Mentorship with Robert Cohan, directed by Yorke Dance Project.

FLUX | FILM OXFORD 2019

Anna has been commissioned for a new film project with Film Oxford. FLUX is a new collaboration project including film, dance and music funded by Arts Council England.
As well as their new short dance film which Anna has choreographed for and performed in, REPEL will also be shown at the film festival screenings.
Film screenings include Tandem Festival Oxford and Modern Art Oxford | Dancin’ Oxford. For dates, go to ‘What’s On’.

DA​P FESTIVAL 2019 | ITALY

We are very excited to announce, recently commissioned duet REPEL, will be platformed at DAP Festival in Italy. Performance date 26 June 2019. Take a look at our upcoming performances for more information.

SWINDON SPRING FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE AND THE ARTS | 2019

We are delighted to announce, Anna has been commissioned by Swindon Dance to create a new duet for Swindon Spring Festival of literature and the arts.
REPEL will premiere on Sunday 19th May 2019 at Swindon Dance.
More exciting news...Anna will be performing in the new duet with dancer Andre Kamienski!
Special thanks to Swindon Dance.

COHAN COLLECTIVE 2018 - PAVILION DANCE SOUTH WEST


Excited to announce Anna has been selected as a choreographer for the Cohan Collective residency this summer at Pavilion Dance South West. Mentorship residency with Robert Cohan, directed by Yorke Dance Project.

ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND FUNDING 

We are very excited to announce choreographer Anna Watkins, has been awarded Arts Council England funding for SPRING 2018 - TRIPLE BILL. Featuring HUMAN ANIMAL, new short dance film and all female work based on the suppression of women in society today.

Thank you very much to Arts Council England and to all our collaborative supporters; Swindon Dance, Pegasus Theatre, Film Oxford and Watermans Theatre.

ASSOCIATE ARTIST SWINDON DANCE

​We are very excited and honoured to announce, Anna Watkins has been awarded Associate Artist at Swindon Dance for 2017 - 2018. Looking forward to our partnership building a new programme of work together.
New project commissioned by Swindon Dance, Pegasus Theatre involving photographer Chris Nash and more incredible collaborators to be announced later this year.

ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND & EAST LONDON DANCE IDEAS INITIATIVE FUND
We are very excited to announce that the Triple Bill collaboration between Artistic Director, Anna & choreographers Salah El Brogy and Neus Gil Cortés, have been awarded funding from Arts Council England, Grants for the Arts. The project has also won one of the East London Dance Ideas Initiative Fund awards. Collaborating under the name of Organic Entity, please follow their Facebook page to follow their journey. Presenting a solo for the Triple Bill, we will be working with dancer Carmine De Amicis of Tavaziva Dance & Edifice Dance Theatre for this project. Thank you to all who have supported the project so far and to producer Mars El Brogy. 

Arts Council England, East London, The Garage, DanceEast,  Swindon Dance and South East Dance. 

Ignition Dance Festival 2017 & Musical Mayhem
Our Associates will be performing 'My duty' at two more events: Musical Mayhem charity event and Ignition Dance Festival at the Lyric, Hammersmith. Please go to 'What's On' to find out more information on their performances. 

YDA, Youth Dance Academy - Swindon Dance
It was great to work with YDA students (Youth Dance Academy as part of CAT, Centre for Advanced Training) this Easter creating a new piece 'Crossing borders'. The students will perform 'Crossing borders' this July at their annual showcase, featuring works created also by Phoenix Dance Theatre and Richard Chappell. 

Associates
Excited 3 of our Associates are performing a trio this Sunday at the Lift Off Dance Festival, Bracknell. Performing 'My duty' choreographed by Artistic Director, Anna Watkins. 

'The physical strength of the female youth forced to deliver their service of duty in the army'

Sunday 26th March 2017, South Hill Park, Bracknell



ENBYouthCo, English National Ballet
ENBYouthCo of English National Ballet will be performing Anna's new work 'Forbidden Territory' inspired by Akram Khan’s Giselle at Move It 2017 and Sadler's Wells as part of Dance Journeys.

11th March - Move It
30th March - Sadler's Wells


Interview with Artistic Director, Anna for Dance Direct, March 2017

New interview, by Jessica Wilson of Dance Direct. Click on the link below to get an insight of Anna's work.
http://blog.dancedirect.com/2017/03/17/watkins-dance-company-woman-on-a-mission/

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Dance City, BA (Hons) Degree 3rd Years
Artistic Director, Anna will be 
choreographing and teaching company rep on the BA Degree 3rd year students at Dance City this October 2016. They will be performing the work at Dance City and tour the work to schools in January-February 2017!

Ignition Dance Festival 2016
Our Associates will be performing at Ignition Dance Festival on Sunday 3rd July 2016, 1pm at the Rose Theatre, Kingston. Performing 'The Journey' choreographed by Artistic Director, Anna.
For tickets visit our 'What's On' page.

                                                 
Summer Course & Associates 2015
We had a great Summer Course, thank you to all the students who attended and our fantastic guest teachers for sharing their extended knowledge and artistry. We offered one full scholarship for 2016 and one guaranteed place to join the Associates company.
Congratulations to our talented Associates company for giving a fantastic end of year performance. An amazing 1st year of the Associates company, we are looking forward to another successful year starting back in September!

TUNE IN

RADIO INTERVIEW​

3 June 2015
8 - 9pm

Resonance 104.4fm


Live Interview with Artistic Director, Anna Watkins by producer Lea Jacques. Discussing her work as a choreographer and dancer.

If you missed the interview you can listen on replay here:
https://www.mixcloud.com/Resonance/clear-spot-metropolis-3rd-june-2015/
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Success!
We did it! Our Kickstarter fundraiser was a success exceeding our target of £500 to £505. We can't thank everyone enough for participating and helping us make it. Thank you to all our followers, friends and family who supported by sharing, tweeting, and pledging. After the campaign closed we received a further donation of £100  towards our Associates Programme fundraiser. The support has been incredible!

We would like to say a special thanks to all our pledgers who made it a success: Anna Jago, Alexandra Rutherfurd, Avatara Ayuso, Barbara Dawson, Bart Ziegler, Gail Lanksbury, Gemma Lewis, Helen Rawlings, Jane Coulston, Kathi Hankinson, Kathy Gladstein King, Katie Cambridge, Kayleigh Atkinson, Kellie Jackson, Luke McDonough Stratford, Malcolm Lewis, Marc Watkins, Mark Henderson, Nina Kov, Pierre Palluet, 3rd Stage Dance

For our pledgers who opted out of receiving a reward we would like to thank you for your generosity. A special thanks and mention to pledgers who donated £50 or more and to two of our highest pledgers donating £100 and £165. 


Special thanks and mention to Lucy Glover our Education Project Manager for your hard work towards this project.

Again thank you to all friends, family and followers who supported us!


Artistic Director, Anna Watkins:
"The generosity and support you have all given us is highly appreciated, thank you for making the start of 2015 a fantastic celebration!"
Happy New Year!


Help us meet our Kickstarter target
Watkins Dance are fundraising £500 for our Associate Programme ( Watkins Dance Associates). The funds will enable us to continue bringing in renowned choreographers and artists to work with The Associates. The Associates programme specialises in developing a solid contemporary dance technique giving pre-professional dancers an advanced training to boost their employability into the industry. 
 
"Over this past term we have become a lot stronger and our technique has developed. We also have a new appreciation for performance qualities. We have been challenged to work as a company, which will prove invaluable experience when we come to look for professional jobs in the future." 
Rachael Dawson, Associate Dancer


We need your help to reach our target by 31st December 2014. Please check out the campaign video to see the talent of these young dancers for yourselves. Of course Christmas is a time for giving so we have some great rewards to offer our  campaign backers in return for your generosity. Please give anything you can and spread the word with you networks.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1274113902/watkinsdance-associates-fundraiser
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