Today on Earth Day we reflect upon the Art & Climate Roundtable event that took place Tuesday 18 April, in partnership with Dancefest and the Art House at University of Worcester. Four leading artists and the Sustainability Director from Hay Festival explored the climate crisis and how artists use their creativity to address the critical environmental concerns we all face. 

In response to Earth Day, following the roundtable event there was a live, open-air performance by Dancefest at University of Worcester City Campus terraces, weaving in and around the artworks Flood & Potemkin by Daniel Pryde-Jarman. 

Dancefest produces outstanding contemporary dance opportunities. Over three decades they have provided opportunities for over 200,000 people to take part in contemporary dance, through a programme of classes, workshops, school and community projects in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

You can read the below blog written by Lucy Dennison, member of C2D performance company with DanceFest to learn more about the ideas behind the performance which responds to Meadow Arts exhibition, Watermark.

As someone who has always been passionate about dance, I never expected that it would become a tool to help me cope with the impacts of climate change. However, over the years, I have come to realize that dance can be so much more than just an art form – it can be a way to connect with others, express our emotions, and take action against the challenges we face.

Lucy Dennison

One such challenge that we are facing in our community, along with many other riverside communities, is flooding. The river Severn in Worcester is particularly susceptible, and it is a problem that we have seen increasing over the years. Recently, I was involved in a project called Watermark, funded by Meadow Arts, that explored the issue of flooding and its connection to climate change through a dance performance.

Through dance, we were able to explore the impact of rising water levels, the changes in the natural environment, and the feeling of displacement caused by flooding. We were able to use the power of movement to communicate these issues to the audience, creating a sense of urgency and reflection on the importance of taking action against climate change.

Rehearsing this piece throughout the winter months  has allowed us to connect with the natural world in a profound way.. It has allowed us to not only express our emotions but to use creativity as a force for change. Through movement, we were able to remind ourselves that we have the power to take action and create a brighter future for our community.

Of course, dance alone cannot solve the complex issue of climate change and flooding. But it is one tool among many that we can use to help us navigate these challenging times. By taking action through dance, we are creating a safe space where creativity, community, and communication are key. This allows us to be part of a wider movement towards a sustainable future.

So to all the dancers out there who, like me, care deeply about the environment and feel concerned about the impact of climate change, consider using dance as a tool to take action. Whether it’s through joining a community dance group or creating your own choreography, dance has the potential to raise awareness and inspire change. By using our creative skills, we can make a difference at a time when it is needed the most.