Back in 2014, frustrated with the lack of professional-level dance training available in Cardiff, practitioner Beth Powlesland was inspired to do something about it. Sure enough, she wasn’t alone and after seeing the huge amount of enthusiasm and demand for more professional development opportunities in the area, Groundwork Pro took shape. We are a Cardiff based artist-led collective consisting of Beth Powlesland, Chloe Loftus, Jessie Brett, Joanna Young and Deborah Light. We have since been joined by Lara Ward and Zosia Jo.

Fast-forward to today and, thanks to Arts Council of Wales funding and support from venues and organisations across South Wales, Groundwork Pro completed a successful 6-month pilot programme and are now providing a one-year programme of training and development opportunities. Running from September 2017 to December 2018, this will include:

  • Pro Class – Offering 3 professional-level classes per week for the first 2 terms, in our final term we are offering this one week per month. Taking place Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday primarily at Rubicon and the Dance House with guest teachers of the highest calibre. £10 per week or £4 per class drop in.
  • Groundhub Events – 10 throughout the year, curated to facilitate skill development, broaden artistic perspectives and support exchanges these will include workshops, seminars and networking events.
  • Groundspace – following class we will have a weekly open shared studio time for development of personal practice, exchange of skills and sharing of ideas, a space to explore and refresh.
  • Ticket Offers – Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for Cardiff venue ticket offers.

This programme is further supported by an access fund, available to cover expenses such as travel and basic accommodation costs for practitioners based outside of Cardiff, child-care costs or removing barriers to attendance for disabled artists.

We are really excited about this new venture and we hope this is the start of something great for the sector, both for Cardiff and for dance in Wales.

Our Mission

Groundwork Pro’s aims are to nourish independent dancers, to maintain and elevate their skills, and to enrich their perception and creativity. We will provide space and opportunities for artists to connect, cross-fertilise and expand both their practice and their networks. Our goal is to create an environment in which individual artists can thrive and a vibrant dance community can flourish.

Groundwork Pro will deliver high calibre development opportunities and artistic encounters for professional level dance artists. This will include professional level class, workshops, talks, sharing of practice, exchange of ideas, dialogue and networking opportunities.

Groundwork Pro would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those that supported this pilot programme. Arts Council of Wales, Creu Cymru, Coreo Cymru, Chapter, Proper Design, Rubicon, National Dance Company of Wales, Cardiff Met, National Theatre Wales, University South Wales Cardiff Dance Festival & Ty Cerdd.