We aim towards bridging the gap between the academic and performative world of dance, thereby making discussions around dance more accessible for the public sphere. Our work is largely academically orientated in the topics chosen but does not aim to be an academic journal or a peer-reviewed resource. Instead, we aim to present discussions around dance in a friendly magazine-style format so anyone with an interest in dance can dive in to subjects they may not have familiarity with or limited knowledge about. By having a diverse team, busting myths and assumptions, we hope to ensure that a wide range of dance forms have space for representation.

 

Diversifying our platform’s discussions around dance includes having writers with a range of backgrounds, helping to unveil broader topics with a wide range of research lenses and perspectives. The UK dance scene has much to offer where dance forms and discourse are concerned, its multicultural landscape creating a backbone for art to grow from. However, where many mainstream publications often focus on larger companies, Dive(rse) Dance aims to seek out either smaller organisations or dance forms that are seldom spoken about expansively. The result is a magazine that unveils a corner of the global dance scene that should intrigue anyone who has a natural curiosity for movement.

 

Dance as an industry, art and academic subject is often shrouded in stereotypes, making it seem inaccessible to those with a casual interest. Open publications focussing solely on dance are steadily declining in the UK, leaving most in-depth explorations of the art form confined to academic journals. As critical dance writing becomes confined to academia, public understanding is often reduced to theatre reviews. Dive(rse) seeks to uncover the intellectual value of dance for a broad audience by examining dance as an inclusive and accessible art form. Through reviews and informative articles on underrepresented genres and academic trends, we aim to provide resources that encourage readers to deconstruct their perceptions of dance.

 

At Dive(rse), or Dive for short, we believe in the equitable allocation of resources and funding to empower marginalized voices across diverse communities. Our blog serves as a vibrant space for dialogue, encouraging the sharing of thoughts and experiences that foster a seamless exchange of ideas.  Our own team, comprised of a variety of backgrounds in terms of practice, ethnicity and culture, consciously avoids the centralization of mainstream arts and aims to bring together varied perspectives that decolonize discussions around dance. This approach invites us to interrogate existing narratives and create new ones that reflect the rich tapestry of dance as an art form. By integrating diverse voices and practices, we aspire to build a community where every perspective contributes to a fuller, more nuanced narrative about dance, honouring its cultural significance in shaping the social realities.