Today’s the day!

Well – we’re here – finally!
It’s not perfect – yet. Like any house-warming there are things that still need finishing, but we wanted to invite all our friends in as soon as possible to share our excitement. Things may not go totally to plan as we’re all still learning how the building works. But it’s beautiful – a wonderful space to make watch and take part in dance.
Big projects like this happen through collaboration, relationship building, mutual trust and many cups of tea.
So I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in Pavilion Dance. First – the wonderful Dance South West team, who have worked so hard and well and been right behind the project from the outset.
Our Board and especially our Chair, John Struthers, who has occasionally provided me with a shoulder to cry on and a clean white handkerchief.
Project Manager, Ian Kendall – who I gather is now being headhunted by the United Nations for his diplomatic skills.
Drews builders, Jed, Alex, ALS, Theatre by Design and everyone else involved in the design and build. A special mention for architect Andrew Lockwood and surveyor Paul Belfield for bringing the neglected building to life in such a graceful and authentic fashion.
I’d also like to thank the staff of BHLIve and especially of Pavilion Theatre- Christian Knighton, Bob Bentley and Dave Hume – and everyone else who has made this project work.
Next, I’d like to thank Councillor Bob Chapman for his vision, persistence and kindness and the Borough of Bournemouth for placing their trust in us. And finally I’d like to thank my family and friends for tolerating me over the past fractious weeks.
The experience of the last 18 months can probably be summed up in the words of the American dance critic, Edwin Denby.
‘There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good.’
But why is dancing important?
I’ve worked in this field for 43 years and have not always felt the passion I did at first – I’m sure you’ll all recognise that feeling? The days when you feel disillusioned, cynical or even bored by something that once excited you so much and then, suddenly, you get a glimpse of something that rekindles the passion.
Last week I went out to see a summer holiday project we’d been running. 17 young people working hard each week and I watched the final sharing of the second week.
There was young girl – about 14 – who made and performed her own solo. And there was a moment in this dance which I can only describe as one of the purest joy – a moment when mind body and soul came together in perfect synergy.
And the important thing about that moment was that it she was able to communicate it to me – to transcend any barriers in a unique and common language.
I hope that at least some of what you see and experience at Pavilion Dance over the coming years provides those unforgettable moments.

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