| Description | Dancers Anonymous were an independent dance company. Formed in 1973 and active until 1987, the company was managed by Bridget Crowley, then Head of Theatre Training at Arts Educational Schools in London. Although not formally connected to the school, the school premises were used and most of the dancers were students at the school.
The aim of Dancers Anonymous was to launch promising dance students into the professional world in a secure environment. The dancers were invited to join the company by Bridget Crowley, Michael Holmes, and other teachers, based on who would gain the most from being in the company, rather than on aptitude as a dancer. The pieces performed were designed around the members of the company, and the company toured with musicians to familiarise the dancers with performing to live music. Musicians were the responsibility of the musical director. The company were all volunteers, and relied on grants and donations. They also did sponsored walks to raise money and costumes were often made by parents.
Dancers Anonymous performed annually at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A venue was hired for four weeks and then sublet for the morning. Accommodation and the venue were paid for from existing funds and from grants, but the dancers had to pay their own travel expenses. The company managed the whole production themselves, from promotion to performance. Dancers Anonymous also performed at other small venues. Venues would approach the company and contacts were also made via parents and personal contacts.
Choreographers included Brute Krony, who was in fact Bridget Crowley and Ruth Carney working together and the name is an amalgamation of their two names. Many of the dancers went on to become professional dancers. Alumni include Catherine Becque, Diane Walker and Rebecca Ham who all went to Rambert Dance Company; Caroline Pope, choreographer; Martin Gurnett, English National Ballet; and Alan Meggs, now Member of International Dance Council (UNESCO).
The collection comprises management and administrative records, performance and production records, and publicity material for Dancers Anonymous. Photographs, videos, music, and costumes, as well as programmes, posters and reviews document the company’s appearances at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and papers and correspondence record how the company operated.
|