AnnieVickySarah (AVS) is the coming together of Sarah Blanc, Vicky Malin, and Annie Hanauer. A collaborative endeavour launched in 2017, AVS came together over their shared interest in artistic research, investigating ideas of inclusive dance practice, and supporting professional development for disabled & non-disabled artists in the dance sector. AVS are interested in supporting & challenging our diverse ways of working, and in creating platforms to enrich our artistic practices, share ideas, and bring people together.
AVS has so far been funded to present a scratch night of their own new works at The Place (London), supported by Candoco, The Place, and Arts Council England, and to facilitate a series of week-long intensive Labs, supporting artistic development for disabled & non-disabled dance artists across England. AVS Labs have taken the three artists to Plymouth, Carlisle, and Shrewsbury, generously hosted by our partner organisations Exim Dance (Plymouth), University of Cumbria (Carlisle), and Shropshire Inclusive Dance (Shrewsbury).
AVS’s inaugural project in 2017 consisted of an ambitious programme of research & development focusing on inclusive dance practices and choreographic development. Annie, Vicky, and Sarah each researched a new creation, sharing their three works in a scratch night at The Place in spring 2017. During their residency they lead professional morning classes and an Easter Lab workshop at The Place. AVS Take Space was supported by Arts Council England, Candoco Dance Company, and The Place.
AVS’s second project focused on facilitating week-long Artist Labs in three areas around the country. AVS Labs were initiated to provide a space for dance artists in diverse geographies to meet and exchange practice, and an opportunity for disabled & non-disabled dance artists to continue their professional & artistic development in a supportive space.
AVS Labs are designed in response to the bespoke structural & artistic needs of our regional partners. The Lab series also aims to address the dance sector’s gap in providing opportunities for emerging disabled dance artists to gain experience in a professional environment. They are a vital opportunities for AVS to share practice with artists around the country interested in working inclusively, engage with new communities, and test new creative ideas.
AVS Labs have so far facilitated Labs in Plymouth with Exim Dance, Carlisle with University of Cumbria, and in Shrewsbury with Shropshire Inclusive Dance. AVS Labs are supported by Arts Council England, Candoco Dance Company, and our fantastic regional partners.
Read more about AVS here