The Harvest: A New Celebration of Dance and Community Comes to Dance City this September
Fertile Ground, the North East’s leading professional development dance company, is proud to launch The Harvest, a vibrant, one-day celebration of movement, creativity, and community, at Dance City, Newcastle upon Tyne on Sunday 7 September.
The festival invites participants and audiences of all backgrounds to come together for a dynamic programme of workshops, discussions and performances, all designed to highlight the region’s rich and growing contemporary dance scene. Curated and produced by Fertile Ground, The Harvest provides a platform for emerging and established artists connected to the North East, offering opportunities for participation, performance and engagement as audience members.
At the heart of the festival is a commitment to community engagement, inclusive practice, and regional talent development. The programme features seven inspiring dance workshops, led by Fertile Ground alumni and local dance professionals, covering a wide range of styles and experiences - from floorwork and ballet to choreographic exploration, contemporary and ballroom partnering, and inclusive seated dance.
“The Harvest is more than a festival - it’s a meeting place,” explains Fertile Ground’s Artistic Director, Renaud Wiser. “A space where people can connect through movement, learn from each other, and be inspired by the incredible breadth of dance talent across the North East. Whether you’re a dancer, an artist, or someone simply curious about contemporary dance, The Harvest offers something for everyone.”
Festivalgoers can also experience a free afternoon platform performance, showcasing original work created by local community dance groups in collaboration with Fertile Ground alumni. A panel discussion will open timely conversations around pathways into a professional career in dance in the North East. The evening will culminate in a dynamic triple bill of contemporary dance, featuring work by Fertile Ground’s alumni and the world premiere of E-Motion - an interactive performance created by Fertile Ground’s Artistic Director, Renaud Wiser that invites audiences to help shape the show in real time.
Anand Bhatt, CEO and Artistic Director at Dance City, said: "The opportunity for Dance City to once again partner with Fertile Ground is hugely exciting. Fertile ground produces work of outstanding quality and knowing many of their artists trained here at Dance City makes it extra special to be able to support them.
“The performance work that will be presented at The Harvest and the opportunity to get involved in workshops will provide a jam-packed day. Ending the day with E-Motion, a brand-new performance from Fertile Ground which allows the audience to be the choreographer is bold, and something we are really looking forward to.”
The Harvest has been made possible with funding from the Backstage Trust, Sir James Knott Trust, Community Foundation North East, The Garrick Charitable Trust, The Barbour Foundation, The Shears Foundation, Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, The Joicey Trust and Arts Council England with support from Dance City and Gateway Studio. To find out more, and book, visit www.fertileground.org.uk/the-harvest
