Tanzmesse is a big dance festival, dedicated solely to contemporary dance. It is based in Dusseldorf Germany. It takes place biannual at the end of August. See more about Tanzmesse here 

I was lucky enough this year to be able to attend this, as a representative of Citymoves Dance Agency SCIO, and as part of the Scottish delegation, a group of 10 people representing dance in Scotland. This was hosted by The Work Room, an artist led contemporary dance organisation based in Glasgow.

There were independent artists and producers as well as RFO organisations represented.

It was a great meeting point. There were rooms full of stands representing organisations from across the world with the aim to share and connect. A lot of producers are looking for places to tour their work, and equally, programmers, such as myself, are looking for exciting new works to present.

It was great to be able to see new works. I particularly liked the studio sharings that were available, where companies could present work in progresses, or parts of full length works. It was great to be able to see works at their ‘raw’ state, without lighting and often without costume. It also felt a more relaxed atmosphere to be able to connect with choreographers and producers.

I particularly loved a piece called Disco Foot by Ballet De Lorraine. This piece was performed outside with dancers disco-footing a football game. It was hilarious! And a very welcome break from the intense selling situation that was indoors.

I really loved spending time with the Scottish delegates, and meeting new people. I learnt a lot! I did feel completely out of my comfort zone quite a lot, however every body was so welcoming.

It was also great to see all of the marketing materials and to get ideas for our own. I stumbled across this one which really resonated with me.