About DanceBase

ActOne’s DanceBase projects are inspiring spaces where young people (age 5 to 19) explore dance theatre in a fully accessible, supportive environment. ActOne has accumulated 10 years' experience adapting classical and contemporary techniques to suit every body shape and ability. DanceBase dancers go home feeling exhilerated and satisfied with their achievements.

DanceBase projects are led by experienced inclusive choreographers and dance professionals, who are all committed to ActOne's philosophy. Each project is supported by a minimum of two professional Support Workers and two trained Volunteers.

Dancers take part in

• Adaptable exercises tailored to each individual
• Warm ups concentrating on breathing, relaxation and gentle stretching exercises ideal for those with chronic conditions such as breathing difficulties or long term pain
• Exploring maximum movement potential supported by dance tutors with experience of injury technique and remedial exercise
• Collaborative choreography where individual creativity is nurtured and encouraged

Performances

DanceBase have taken their uplifing repertoire to Saddler's Wells, the Barbican, the StAlbans festival and the Kaleidoscope festival. There is a performance at the end of each term and once a year participants from ActOne and partnership projects come together to stage a full scale showcase production at a local theatre.

Other Inclusive Projects

If you, or someone you know is interested in dance but are outside the age range of ActOne please get in touch! We may be able to advise you of other projects you could access. There are lots of opportunities in Hertfordshire for people of all ages to dance!

Times and Venues

• DanceBase Hemel Hempstead takes place on MONDAYS at Woodfield School, Malmes Croft, Leverstock Green, HP1 2TH
• DanceBase Ware takes place on TUESDAYS at Chauncy School, Park Road, Ware, SG12 0DP
• DanceBase Hatfield takes place on WEDNESDAYS at Birchwood School, Birchwood Avenue, Hatfield, AL10 0PS
• DanceBase Stevenage takes place on THURSDAYS at The Leys Primary and Nursery School Ripon Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 4QZ

Projects are divided into 2 groups roughly split by age:

• Intermediate class for 5-11 year olds meets from 5pm until 6.15pm
• Advanced for 12-19year olds, from 6.30pm until 8pm.

Fees

The cost of attending ActOne projects is always kept to a minimum so that no-one is excluded from participating. Fees are subsidised by various funding bodies and grants.

The fee per term at DanceBase is £85. This can be split into two parts with the first payment due on the first session of term and the second on the first session after the half term. Please note that if a participant leaves before the second payment is due it is still counted as the balance owed for the term and should be paid in full.

Unfortunately in the event of a session being cancelled by ActOne refunds cannot be made and fees are non-refundable after registration.

Cheques should be made payable to ActOne Theatre Company (please note our legal name remains ActOne Theatre Company not ActOne ArtsBase)

Further Assistance

If you think you can’t afford it please get in contact with us. This is the standard fee which is applicable to all participants. We can advise you on how to get individual financial support to participate in our projects. This can take time so please apply as soon as possible.

Uniform

There is no official uniform for DanceBase but participants must wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move around in and soft shoes such as dance shoes or indoor trainers. Do not wear jeans, tight trousers, skirts, low cut tops or low waisted trousers. For your own and others safety please do not wear any jewelry or bring valuables to sessions.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the ActOne office between 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

Have Your Say Meetings

Parents, Guardians and Friends of ActOne are invited to attend a termly meeting with the aim of sharing feedback on all aspects of the company’s running. Meetings are spread across the first half of each term and take place during each groups usual session times.