From the editor

This issue focuses on work being developed from across Latin America, which is often described by its artists and leaders as ‘dance for social transformation’. This way of describing the work we might call ‘community dance’ is a result of the economic, social and political reality for many of the peoples of Latin American countries. Much of the work I have been fortunate to see in those countries during my time at the Foundation for Community Dance has been of the highest quality whilst at the same time addressing and transforming some tremendous inequalities through the power of dance.

By the time you read this I will have retired from the Foundation for Community Dance. So in this, my last editorial for Animated, it is fitting that I end with this focus which so clearly stands for what I believe community dance to be about – bringing people together to dance and find their individual and collective dance voice. And, through the creative act of dancing and making dances, to become the artists and creative people they seek to be, finding fulfilment and transforming themselves and their communities through the amazing power of dancing.

So thank you to all of the people who do this work – artists, teachers and leaders – often with little public recognition or reward, knowing that your work is valuable, life changing and inspiring.  

Ken Bartlett, Creative Director, May 1995 - August 2013 Foundation for Community Dance