Missy Lorelei takes a peak at one of Edinburgh's most exciting venues: Dance Base.
Situated in the corner of the Grassmarket in Edinburgh since 2001 lays Dance Base, one of the city's most interesting small venues.
With a strongly themed aesthetic for each year—2011 was Americana, Little House On The Prairie -inspired patchwork look while this year it's international departure lounge chic all the way. With hugely welcoming, enthusiastic staff, it has a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking places to visit- buzzy and eclectic but never pretentious. Even if your tastes run to the more mainstream end of dance, something will appeal.
Artistic Director Morag Deyes is key to its continued success, a likeable, enthusiastic auntie figure who really knows her stuff. She and her team have been establishing Dance Base as a place to socialise, catch shows or study, with classes in everything from contemporary dance to tap, bellydancing to ballet, and classes for children to older people; it's this inclusive atmosphere that keeps it ahead of competitors.
Some of the most challenging and exciting choreographers have put on pieces here—from Gary Clarke's jarring, provocative meditations on identity and societal exclusion to the Liz Roche Company, based in Ireland, whose work is simultaneously both ethereal and firmly rooted in the everyday. This year's Fringe programme saw artists and choreographers from Italy, Korea, Ireland and America rub-up against local dance companies, with work ranging from esoteric, politically -charged pieces, to devised musical/ comedy shows.
Art without limits—all you could ask for: all to be discovered in a wonderful space in the heart of the city...just keep it under your hat. We don't want everyone to know.
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