< Previous | Contents | Next >

Traditional and Contemporary Dance in Community Settings

demonstrating ways in which dance can take forward important functions of community education.

Case studies

The following case studies present examples of dance developments in communities throughout Scotland. Some are run in association with community education staff. In some instances, local communities, voluntary groups or individual enthusiasts have been responsible for leading developments. The case studies highlight key points and not do pretend to give a detailed account of the visits. It is hoped that the case studies will be of use to various agencies as examples of the potential of dance for assisting in the development of a healthy and vibrant community and cultural identity. In this respect, the case studies also demonstrate the ways in which dance can take forward important functions of community education.

Adult Learning Project (ALP)

Purpose

The Adult Learning Project (ALP) is an adult education project, founded in 1979, serving the Dalry community in Edinburgh. It is supported by Edinburgh Community Education Service. ALP explores the relationship between traditional arts and community development and offers a broad programme of classes, workshops and study circles.

Provision

ALP delivers a programme of over forty classes, weekend workshops, ceilidh dances and performances at festivals in the local community. The project is run by a voluntary committee which is made up of students and staff. Anyone who joins a group in the project automatically becomes a member of the association and is invited to contribute in whatever way they can. All ALP classes are run on a participative basis and both students and tutors play an active role in deciding the format and composition of their classes. To illustrate the scale of ALP, there are now eleven ceilidh bands, a thirty-piece folk orchestra and a folk choir associated with the project. Four hundred and fifty adults are currently involved in ALP courses in traditional song, dance and music classes and the project has an annual turnover of £63,000. ALP and the ALP Scots Music Group regularly run ceilidhs at the locally-based St Bride's Centre as well as larger, monthly ceilidhs at the Assembly Rooms. ALP ceilidh bands play for the dancers and over four hundred people regularly participate. Profits from ceilidhs are used to fund classes in ceilidh dancing and step dancing, as well as workshops and community events. ALP has been successful in tapping a growing interest in traditional music and dance and in creating an environment where participants from the local community meet together in community groups to learn and practise their new knowledge and skills. ALP musicians find an outlet for their skills by accompanying the dancers at ceilidhs.

< Previous | Contents | Next >