Hosted at Dance City’s landmark venue in Newcastle on Tuesday, the event brought together artists, alumni, supporters and visionaries from across the region for an evening that both honoured Dance City’s remarkable legacy and looked towards its future.
At the heart of the evening was a call to action: to safeguard the future of dance in the North East by supporting Dance City’s new campaign. The 40 Million Minutes appeal invites support from individuals, businesses and communities, with opportunities to contribute via donations, by becoming a Dance City Champion or through corporate and patron partnerships.
“This is more than a fundraiser—it’s a commitment to the future of dance in our region,” said Anand Bhatt, Artistic Director and CEO of Dance City. “By pledging 40 million minutes of dance by 2035, we want to see more classes, more creativity and greater access for all. To achieve this, we need our community to stand with us as custodians of that future and help shape the next chapter of Dance City.”
Newly appointed Chair of Dance City, Lyndsey Turner Swift, added: “The North East deserves a vibrant dance offer delivered by expert practitioners and we pledge to deliver dance in line with our cornerstones of arts, learning and health.
“Creating and experiencing dance together is transformational—for individuals and for communities. In a region with some of the highest rates of poverty and lowest health outcomes in the UK, dance has a proven role to play in changing lives.”
Guests were treated to performances from award-winning artists and rising talent, including work by Dance City’s BA2 students, a response to Kate Bush’s Aerial by the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) students and a piece by the over-55s company Boundless. The evening also featured discussions by a panel of North East artists, including Rachel Birch of Moving Arts Management, Martin Wilson of Tin Arts and independent dance artist Connor Scott, and a welcome from Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England.
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England, said: “I was delighted to attend Dance City’s 40th anniversary event, celebrating its achievements over the last four decades. We want everyone to access culture and creativity, wherever they live and whatever their background, and the 40 Million Minutes campaign will help achieve this by offering access to dance opportunities to people across the North East.
“We’re proud to support Dance City as part of our national portfolio as it builds on its impressive legacy to ensure everyone in the community can experience and enjoy the power of dance.”
As part of the celebrations, much-loved former Artistic Director, Janet Archer, was awarded the title of Artistic Director Emeritus for her dedication to the organisation and pivotal work in creating its now home in the centre of Newcastle. She said it was ‘humbling and a great honour’ to receive the title.
“I will always hold Dance City close to my heart,” she said. “The range and quality of dance in the North East is impressive and I feel very proud of all that has been achieved by the many people I’ve had the privilege to work with.
“Dance City’s role in championing the art form is vitally important in laying foundations for future dance makers, audiences and dancers to thrive. It was fantastic to hear Sir Nicholas Serota talk in such positive terms about the role of dance in society and all that it offers. I congratulate Anand Bhatt and Dance City’s board and staff on reaching an important milestone and look forward to seeing how the organisation continues to evolve and grow.”
Founded in 1985, Dance City has grown from a grassroots initiative into one of the UK’s leading regional dance organisations – launching careers, nurturing talent and becoming a beacon for diversity and inclusion. Through professional training, community classes and world-class performances, it has inspired and supported hundreds of thousands of dancers, artists and audiences.
Key milestones in its journey include the opening of its flagship building on Temple Street - one of the largest dance centres outside London - by former Artistic Director Janet Archer, who returned to speak on the night.
Looking ahead, Mr Bhatt emphasised Dance City’s responsibility to adapt, grow and lead. He said: “Dance has always evolved, and so must we. We need to ask: What will dance look like in ten years? What are the dreams of the dancers who haven’t even found us yet? This campaign is about ensuring we’re ready for them, and that dance remains a powerful force in every corner of our community.”
For more information on how to support Dance City’s 40 Million Minutes campaign, visit www.dancecity.co.uk/about-us/support-donate/ or contact Rachel Fenton at fundraising@dancecity.co.uk.