Dance Voice exhibited at Olympia - London again this year and made many contacts, some of which were willing to donate items for our resource cupboard. It was as successful as last year in that hundreds of people stopped to ask what Dance Voice actualy does. We enlightened many people, some of which were prospective students, who went away suitably impressed by our commitment and professionalism.
Here is just one review from Liz Shaw:
"OLYMPIA - WE WERE THERE!
Amongst "top exhibitors, dazzling performances and loads of classes", Dance Voice held its own as the only dance-movement therapy and education centre in the country to be at the MOVE IT exhibition held at Olympia, 6-9th March. As one of the therapists employed at Dance Voice, I joined our stand ont he last day and found myself talking to all sorts of young performers, students, parents and other professionals with the common connection of dance. One turned out to be a lecturer from my own university who teaches the Psychology of Performance!.
Naturally, crowds were just passing and glad of the 'freebies' being handed out, but many were clearly keen on the application of dance as movement psychotherapy, and the training offered at Dance Voice. We returned to Bristol much lighter for having distributed so many leaflets! Running our performance dvd gave instant recognition of the variety of client groups we support, and the potential that dance-movement therapy can effect.
Students just finishing degrees took application forms for our MA (and more than a few mothers were actively asking how their off-spring could apply 'a dance degree' in the future!). Other people thought attending our Easter/Summer Schools en bloc would suit them, some seeing it as a means of maintaining their Continuing Professional Development; and maybe a few will arrange a single visit.
As 'time out', I visited some merchandising stands seeking unwanted/unsaleable tu-tus and tap shoes, and a colleague invited sponsorship from the big organisations. No doubt, time will tell if our efforts pay off!.
Liz Shaw
March 2008"