One Dance UK work experience student talks U.Dance National Festival

During U.Dance National Festival 2023 in Newcastle we had the joy of working with Minnie Morgan a student from Newcastle University who shadowed our Marketing manager and dance photographer Dani Bower during the weekend. We asked Mini about her highlights from the weekend. 

Throughout my weekend at the U.Dance National Festival, I had the opportunity to work alongside Dani Bower and the One Dance UK team. As a student from Newcastle myself, I felt proud to witness a huge variety of talented dance groups from across the North East, from contemporary performers to ‘The Toon Tappers’; my personal favourite! I was able to photograph dancers practice, perform, and take part in a range of workshops, whilst gaining expert tips from the professional photographers amongst the team.

We travelled between the three main venues where we took photos and videos backstage, front stage and in the studios. Having never shot in these environments before, Dani and Brian guided me how to capture the dancers movement and work with the various lighting across the stages. I was also granted creative freedom to take images when and where I wanted to which helped me gain confidence and take some direction for myself! 

Overall, I didn’t think the weekend could have gone better, and I felt extremely welcomed by all of the lovely One Dance UK team. It was amazing to see so many diverse groups from across the UK be United by dance and be totally immersed in the fun of it all; I’d recommend anyone to get involved in any way they can, whether that be participating or watching! 

See below a slideshow of images Minnie photographed over the U.Dance National Festival weekend.