The Encounter & Exchange

​Earlier this year, the DLG network launched the Encounter & Exchange – a match-making programme designed to support information sharing and connection across the region.
This initiative brought together dance leaders from different areas, practices, and organisational contexts, creating space for meaningful one-to-one exchanges. Each participant was paired with someone whose experience offered fresh insight – perhaps working in a different style, setting, or part of the region. The aim? To explore inclusive approaches in dance and to strengthen collaborative learning within our network.

Over half a day, pairs met to dive into pre-agreed themes and follow the flow of their shared interests. Reflections from these meetings were captured and have helped shape a wider understanding of the opportunities and challenges we face in building a more inclusive dance ecology. 45 dance professionals took part in the project from across the region at all levels, including company Directors, freelance artists and everyone in between.