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We’re delighted to announce that Jasmin is a judge in the BBC Young Dancer 2015 competition, which is being broadcast this April and May on BBC Four.

Cameras followed the journey of young dancers aged 16-20 as they competed for the chance to perform in the Grand Final of the first ever BBC Young Dancer, which is to be held at Sadler’s Wells on 9 May and broadcast on BBC Two.

Jasmin’s segment in the Contemporary Final was broadcast on Friday 17 April, 7.30pm on BBC Four. You can catch up with her appearance on iPlayer here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p023t1xz

Each programme focuses on an individual Category Final and include profiles of the young dancers, go behind the scenes as they prepare for their performances with their teachers and mentors, and introduce each of the dance forms. With highlights of their performances and the thoughts of some of the foremost dance experts in Britain today. BBC Young Dancer provides an insight into what it takes to succeed in one of the most competitive and pressurised of disciplines.

The Company has joined Turner Contemporary in announcing an extraordinary new production at Margate’s Winter Gardens in April 2015. The company will work with designer, artist and architect Ron Arad and installation artist Guy Bar Amotz to create an architectural structure from industrial foam in which Maze will be performed: an extraordinary new work bridging dance theatre and the visual arts, will invite audience members to explore a world of surprise, wonder, delight and occasionally, unease. Tickets will be on sale from early 2015, and pre-registration will open shortly.

Jasmin Vardimon states:
“I’m excited to create a project that will allow audiences to experience my work at an extremely close and intimate proximity. This will be an experience that is similar to being on stage with the dancers and face-to-face with the artwork itself. The adventure each visitor will have will be dictated by the individual path they might choose within the architectural structure.”

Victoria Pomery of Turner Contemporary adds:
“We are delighted to be working with Jasmin Vardimon Company on one of the most ambitious projects we have supported to date. This unique collaboration allows both organisations to create an exceptional new work which draws together choreography, the visual arts and architecture. Jasmin Vardimon is an extremely talented choreographer and her experimental approach will be inspiring and unsettling.”

Ron Arad states:
“When Jasmin described this exciting project, I could not help but remember a visit to a foam factory in China, a few years ago. I recall seeing enormous volumes of foam being extruded from a giant gate. I saw the blocks being cut down to smaller sizes, it took my mind to other places: quarries, or ancient walls. This was so exciting, and I couldn’t stop imagining what can be done with this material. I always thrive on not knowing how something I haven’t started yet will end up. If you’re working with someone who comes from another discipline the chances of being surprised by your own work are definitely far bigger.”

Celebrate 10 years of Park and the Jasmin Vardimon Company with a gift

“I created Park 10 years ago and it quickly became an acclaimed signature production of our then-new dance company. Now a decade later we are still here and continuing to thrive, touring extensively nationally and internationally. Your support will enable us to continue touring to venues like this and also to support our expanding education activity. Come with us on our next 10 years’ journey”
Jasmin Vardimon

You can help the Jasmin Vardimon Company to keep touring new and exciting dance with a gift of £10, £100 or £1000 to mark its anniversary. Why are we asking for your help? Well, with the costs of touring on this scale ever increasing and with grants from public funders decreasing, we need your help.

YOUR GIFT WILL BE USED TO:

•  Support our dancers and technical staff while on the road
• Allow us to increase our education work to a broad range of young learners, both while we are on tour and through our new education programmes in Kent
• Pay for bursaries to support for student dancers, interns and other young professionals on placement
• Fund the costly scenic and technical design work that is a distinctive feature of JVC
• Increase the range of work we offer to audiences across the UK

WHY WE ARE WORTH YOUR SUPPORT:

•  JVC is one of the only UK contemporary dance companies that regularly tours throughout the UK
•  The company is building a unique multi-disciplinary and education centre at its base in Ashford, Kent, for 2017
• Innovative dance comes at high cost that the company can only meet by the added support of our audiences

We make our work for you and hope your gift will make the difference for our future!

To make your gift of £10, £100 or £1000 to the Park Appeal please call 01233 628545

We look forward to hearing from you.

In response to the news that Jasmin Vardimon Company has again secured its place in the Arts Council’s National Portfolio of arts organisations with in an increase of core funding from £240,000 to £289,000 per anum over a three year period and its successful capital funding bid of £3million from The Arts Council, the company issues the following statement from Artistic Director Jasmin Vardimon:

“We are delighted that the Arts Council has decided to continue with its backing for our work.  The capital funding is a real vote of confidence and allows us to move forward with our exciting plans for the future. This, along with funding already committed by Ashford Borough Council, will allow us to realise our ambitions to create an international hub for dance in the heart of Kent.”

“Whilst we are only too aware of and sympathetic to the fact that other organisations have not been so fortunate and are facing uncertainty as a result, this funding represents investment in our future that will enable us to continue and expand our work both locally, across the UK and beyond”

Leader of Ashford Borough Council Cllr Gerry Clarkson said:

“This is fantastic news, not just for Jasmin and her impressive team but for Ashford as a whole, as we continue to grow and achieve great things in arts and culture. We have been proud to support the Jasmin Vardimon Company as they make their home in the heart of the town, and have watched with delight as they worked with local schools and groups while creating world class projects for their International audiences.

“We are delighted that Arts Council England is supporting the company to expand its team and facilities in Ashford so that they can create an international dance academy. We look forward to working closely with them to help deliver high quality and inspiring cultural projects for the borough.”

Our summer intensive provides the unique experience to train in the Jasmin Vardimon production space (Ashford, Kent), learning repertoire and the methodology behind the creative process of Jasmin Vardimon, taught by our very own dancers.

Whether you’re new to dance and the work of Jasmin Vardimon, or looking to enrich and challenge your practice, we have something for you.

04.08.14 – 08.08.14 / 10.00am – 16.00pm
This five-day summer intensive is for dancers currently in training or pre training; it offers the opportunity to work intensively as a company. The week will consist of an introduction to the Jasmin Vardimon Company. As well as gaining an insight into the creative process of Jasmin Vardimon’s work, there is opportunity for participants to create their own movement material.

An informal sharing will be open on the Friday afternoon for friends and family to see the work created during the week.
Price: £150

PLACES ARE LIMITED AND WILL BE GIVEN ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

Non-refundable deposits of £50 are required to secure your place.
Deadline for application and payments to be received in full by 14.07.14
To request an application form email: info@what2make.com

We are pleased to announce our NEW Summer Intensive Bursaries Programme. These limited bursaries are available to those who would otherwise be unable to attend our summer intensive due to financial circumstances.
To apply please submit via email no more than one side of A4 as to why this would benefit you and the reasons why you are in need of financial support.

Last night, one of the UK’s most innovative and acclaimed dance companies swept the board at a glittering gala event at the University of Kent to celebrate East Kent’s Culture Awards. Picking up no less than three awards, The Jasmin Vardimon Company dominated the evening.

In recognition of their special cultural achievements and their contribution to the artistic landscape of the area, the company walked away the The Artist Award, The Destination East Kent award and was honoured with the coveted Canterbury Award.

Artistic Director Jasmin Vardimon says,

“We are overwhelmed to have picked up not just one but three awards and are incredibly grateful to the Culture Awards, Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council, Ashford Leisure Trust and The Arts Council of England for their continued and vital support. Since we relocated to Kent two years ago, we have been deeply impressed by the artistic vision of this region and by the importance it attaches to its vibrant cultural scene. This is no more clearly reflected than by The Cultural Awards and we are honoured to have been recognised by them”.

The Canterbury Award is the top prize in The Culture Awards which are designed to recognise the outstanding work of creative practitioners in East Kent: fine artists, performers, venues and commercial designers working in all mediums. They celebrate and showcase the benefits that the creative industries bring to the East Kent region, helping it to become a prime tourist destination, a centre of excellence for arts education and a magnet for commercial creatives. Sponsored by Canterbury City Council, The Canterbury Award is given at the discretion of the judges to recognise the very special cultural achievement of an individual or organisation connected with the Canterbury District. There is no entry or public voting.

In a statement issued on behalf of the judges it was stated,

“In order to be considered for the Canterbury Award the winner must have an established history of success within the arts at the highest level of administration or performance. The Jasmin Vardimon Company succeeds on both counts. Since relocating to Kent the Jasmin Vardimon Company has become a jewel within the county’s cultural scene: setting examples of excellence, education and accessibility. The company is defined by the word quality’.

The award was presented to Jasmin Vardimon by Colin Carmichael, Chief Executive of Canterbury City Council.

The Artist Award is given to a cultural practitioner or collaborative group of practitioners working within East Kent who are judged to have created a new work of high quality within the last twelve months. Winning this Award is recognition of exceptionally high quality and creative work. The judges particularly commented on the way that the company focused on building local partnerships and were proud to talk about East Kent as their home, describing the company as presenting incredible work deserving of its international reputation. The Award was presented to the Jasmin Vardimon Company by Denise Harmer representing the Award sponsor, University for the Creative Arts.

The Destination East Kent award rewards the organisation, group or individual judged to have been most influential in raising the profile of East Kent’s cultural offering regionally, nationally and internationally. Jasmin Vardimon Company was described by the judges as being “like a supply chain of art, connecting the local to the international” and was credited as doing a tremendous amount to boost cultural tourism in the east Kent Region. The Destination East Kent award was presented to the Jasmin Vardimon Company by Declan Kelly, General Manager of the Abode Canterbury, sponsors of Destination East Kent.

The Culture Awards were established in 2011 as a partnership between CANTERBURY FOR CULTURE and Canterbury City Council district. Today the Awards are organised by CANTERBURY FOR CULTURE, the independent strategic group representing the views, needs and ambitions of the district’s cultural sector.

Jasmin Vardimon Company has been part of the Kent cultural scene since it moved to its creative home The Jasmin Vardimon Production Space in Ashford in 2012 thanks to the support of Ashford Borough Council, Ashford Leisure Trust and Arts Council England. From there, the company have been responsible for connecting people, institutions, organisations and opportunities in and for the area. With a specific focus on Canterbury as a central cultural hub of activity, Jasmin Vardimon Company have enriched provision in the arts in institutions through education work and provided access and audience opportunities for residents of Canterbury as well as developing tourism opportunities by attracting people to the city. The company’s relationship with both The Gulbenkian and The Marlowe has grown and developed over the past two years. Not only do they stage their major productions at both theatres, they work hand in hand with the educational and outreach initiatives of each by nurturing new talent and engaging new audiences through the work of JV2 and involve local communities through Q&A sessions and open workshops. The company launches their national tour of the acclaimed piece Park at The Marlowe Theatre.

Jasmin Vardimon Company was founded in London in 1997 and has rapidly risen to become a significant element within the British dance theatre scene. The company is dedicated to the choreography of Artistic Director, Jasmin Vardimon – Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells since 2006.

For The Culture Awards Liz Moran, Director of The Gulbenkian says:

“We are incredibly lucky that Jasmin Vardimon has chosen to base her company in Kent. Jasmin has played a vital role in Canterbury now being recognised as an international destination for vibrant and pioneering arts and culture. Her work not only inspires audiences and artists but also a new generation of exceptional dancers through the work of JV2. There is a rapidly developing audience and interest in dance in Canterbury and Jasmin has been a lead contributor in this creating work that challenges the perception that dance is for the few.”

Borough Council portfolio holder for culture Cllr Jessamy Blanford says:

“I am thrilled that Jasmin Vardimon Company has scooped all three awards. They thoroughly deserve such prestigious recognition for their work. This is great victory not only for them, but for Ashford. Jasmin Vardimon Company have been a wonderful addition to our town, both as artistic residents and as committed members of the community. They have worked closely with schools and young people even while rehearsing for international tours. These are extremely exciting times for the arts for Ashford, and we look forward to supporting the company as they continue to grow here in Ashford.”

 

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new JV2 International Bursary!

The JV2 International Bursary is available for International students who have been selected and offered a place on the JV2: Professional Development Certificate Course. The bursary is awarded on the basis of talent in order to show our dedication and commitment to providing unique and high quality training opportunities to talented individuals from overseas.

Only individuals from outside of the UK and EU are eligible for this bursary in order to assist students with the much higher industry standard International Fees for Postgraduate Training. The Bursary will be equivalent to the difference between the UK and International Training Fee.

Please note there is a limit of one Bursary per year. Selection of students eligible for the Bursary will be determined on talent and financial need and will be awarded by Jasmin Vardimon.

For more information and to apply please email: education@what2make.com

PARK is an urban oasis, a place of refuge from ordinary life where eight characters play, fight, fall in love and learn to survive. In this playground of relationships, young lovers wrestle in a historic fountain, a graffiti artist  prays his story, a busker finds his only appreciative audience in a bag lady, and a flag-waving bully rants worn out political beliefs. Their stories intertwine creating a modern day fairytale that is alternately sharp, funny and cruel.

Jasmin says:
“We are delighted to present this updated and reworked production of Park. Surprisingly I find the themes explored and social comments even more relevant now than they were 10 years ago. Bullying, otherness, alienation, gender and homelessness are all explored in this island of urban lives.  It is exciting to revisit these concepts with the perspective of time and with a fresh and multitalented cast and we are happy to bring the work back to our repertoire following high demand for its return.”

Full tour dates on sale soon:
Exeter Northcott 9 & 10 October
Marlowe Canterbury  14 & 15 October
DanceEast, Ipswich 17 & 18 October
Theatre Royal Winchester 21 October
Lincoln Performing Arts Centre 23 October
Junction Cambridge 6 November
Sadler’s Wells  10 & 11 November
Octagon Yeovil 14 November
Theatre Severn Shrewsbury 19 November
Brighton Dome 21 November

Saturday 3rd May 10am – 4pm
St Mary’s Parish Centre, Cannon Street, Dover, CT16 1BY
Dover Arts Development (DAD) is looking for Fathers/Dads to participate in an introductory one-day workshop with musician Richard Bundy, and dancer Luke Burrough from the Jasmin Vardimon Company, both of whom are fathers of 3.
Richard and Luke will use movement and music to explore what it is to be a father. Not only the strength and importance of a man in a modern system and family but also his vulnerability and uncertainty resulting in an acknowledgement of the importance of the role of men as sensitive individuals.
The workshop is FREE and suitable for Fathers of all ages.
Please come in comfortable clothes.
LUNCH will be provided.
Please note – This first session is without children.
Please contact Joanna Jones (Dover Arts Development) for more information and to reserve a place: info@dadonline.eu