Rural Moves https://RuralMoves.podbean.com Rural Moves: A series of podcasts exploring a decade of dance in rural communities

Since 2015 the Rural Touring Dance Initiative (RTDI) has been facilitating extraordinary encounters between dance artists and rural audiences. 

During a decade in which our relationship with live performance has been challenged by a pandemic, and the rise of the online attention economy, RTDI has resolutely championed the joy of intimate connections in community spaces around the UK. 

In six 36-minute episodes, four hosts and their guests explore the legacy of RTDI, celebrate the people who made it happen, and look to the future.

Artists, choreographers, producers, promoters, project staff and partners reflect on their experiences over the last ten years. 

Enjoy unique insights into this distinctly different approach to touring and what we can learn from RTDI’s 421 rural shows performed by 55 companies to more than 20000 audience members at over 400 venues across the UK. 

Students, artists, producers, promoters, venues and audiences anywhere will find something to inspire in this joyful journey through a decade of dance. 

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:52:00 +0200 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Arts:Performing Arts 1440 serial The Place The Place No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/22390206/Rural_Moves_Covers_3_7rj8b.jpg Rural Moves https://RuralMoves.podbean.com 144 144 Trailer Trailer https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/trailer/ https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/trailer/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:45:00 +0200 RuralMoves.podbean.com/28b66947-1493-349f-acf0-5620e8ab8f89 Get a feel for the sound of the series with this short trailer

]]> Get a feel for the sound of the series with this short trailer

]]> Get a feel for the sound of the series with this short trailer The Place false No 230 1 trailer Introduction Introduction https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/introduction/ https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/introduction/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:46:00 +0200 RuralMoves.podbean.com/e126d961-d0f0-3506-bed0-603f8f09c1c4 A brief guide to the world of the Rural Touring Dance Initiative and what you can expect from this series.

]]> A brief guide to the world of the Rural Touring Dance Initiative and what you can expect from this series.

]]> The Place false No 354 1 1 full 1. Is It Dance? 1. Is It Dance? https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/episode-1-is-it-dance/ https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/episode-1-is-it-dance/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:47:00 +0200 RuralMoves.podbean.com/cb816fd0-17ed-3572-b2eb-378429dd687f RTDI has been inviting audiences to experience dance in new ways for 10 years. We explore how we talk to audiences about something which is initially unfamiliar, and what we have learnt about overcoming barriers of language and perception, sharing some of the beautiful and extraordinary encounters artists and audiences have experienced along the way.

 

]]> RTDI has been inviting audiences to experience dance in new ways for 10 years. We explore how we talk to audiences about something which is initially unfamiliar, and what we have learnt about overcoming barriers of language and perception, sharing some of the beautiful and extraordinary encounters artists and audiences have experienced along the way.

 

]]> RTDI has been inviting audiences to experience dance in new ways for ten years. In this, the first episode of the series, we explore how we talk to audiences about something which is initially unfamiliar, and what we have learnt about overcoming barriers of language and perception, sharing some of the beautiful and extraordinary encounters artists and audiences have experienced along the way. Christina Elliot, Head of Programming and Producing at The Place, one of Europe’s most exciting, innovative dance spaces, home to London Contemporary Dance School and a leading partner of the Rural Touring Dance Initiative (RTDI) since 2015, talks to internationally renowned dance artist Jo Fong, Manager of Lancashire’s rural and library touring network Spot On Lyndsey Wilson, and Professor Stephanie Pitts, Director of Sheffield Performer and Research Centre at Sheffield University. The Place false No 2162 1 2 full 2. Your Place or Mine? 2. Your Place or Mine? https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/the-artist-as-guest-your-place-or-mine/ https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/the-artist-as-guest-your-place-or-mine/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:48:00 +0200 RuralMoves.podbean.com/2fe6edd8-20b2-33e0-8d63-dc8181c3cba4 In rural touring dance artists and their companies are invited to perform in unconventional spaces without the convenience and technical capacity of a traditional theatre tour. What challenges and benefits are there for the artist in this different way of working?

]]> In rural touring dance artists and their companies are invited to perform in unconventional spaces without the convenience and technical capacity of a traditional theatre tour. What challenges and benefits are there for the artist in this different way of working?

]]> In rural touring dance artists and their companies are invited to perform in unconventional spaces without the convenience and technical capacity of a traditional theatre tour. What challenges and benefits are there for the artist in this different way of working? Beccy Lloyd (RTDI/Eloquent Productions) invites three experienced dance artists to share the ups, downs and everything in between of getting up close and personal with the audience, facing unexpected logistical challenges, and finding joy in adapting not just one show but an entire professional practice. In this episode we meet Sonia Sabri MBE(Sonia Sabri Co and RTDI partner from 2022-2026), Solène Weinachter (solo artist) and Ben Duke (Artistic Director, Lost Dog Dance). The Place false No 2135 1 3 full 3. A Good Night Out 3. A Good Night Out https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/a-good-night-out/ https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/a-good-night-out/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:49:00 +0200 RuralMoves.podbean.com/0b64da9b-5fb6-33b0-ace7-62ed979b1c15 Rural touring is not just a way of presenting dance but a way of bringing people together. Episode 3 of the series explores how artists, producers and promoters have shaped performances into social occasions. We’ll ask what makes a good night out in a rural context, how do dance events sit within community life, and what does the wider sector have to learn from this?

]]> Rural touring is not just a way of presenting dance but a way of bringing people together. Episode 3 of the series explores how artists, producers and promoters have shaped performances into social occasions. We’ll ask what makes a good night out in a rural context, how do dance events sit within community life, and what does the wider sector have to learn from this?

]]> Rural touring is not just a way of presenting dance but a way of bringing people together. Episode 3 of the series explores how artists, producers and promoters have shaped performances into social occasions. We’ll ask what makes a good night out in a rural context, how do dance events sit within community life, and what does the wider sector have to learn from this? Courtney Beadle (RTDI Producer, The Place) chats with Luca Silvestrini (Artistic Director, Protein Dance), Helen McIntosh (Creative Producer) and Natalie Kidman (Director, Black Country Touring) about their experiences of creating many great nights out. The Place false No 2122 1 4 full 4. Curation in the Community 4. Curation in the Community https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/curation-in-the-community/ https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/curation-in-the-community/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:50:00 +0200 RuralMoves.podbean.com/eff35b51-0362-31bd-88ee-80ac73cddfe0 The structure of rural touring across the country varies but the role of the venue promoter, often a volunteer in their own community, is undoubtedly crucial to a successful event. Episode four in the series goes hyper-local and examines the role of this lynchpin, the venue promoter as curator, connector and cultural advocate

]]> The structure of rural touring across the country varies but the role of the venue promoter, often a volunteer in their own community, is undoubtedly crucial to a successful event. Episode four in the series goes hyper-local and examines the role of this lynchpin, the venue promoter as curator, connector and cultural advocate

]]> The structure of rural touring across the country varies but the role of the venue promoter, often a volunteer in their own community, is undoubtedly crucial to a successful event. Episode four in the series goes hyper-local and examines the role of this lynchpin, the venue promoter as curator, connector and cultural advocate. Kate Lynch (Manager, Highlights Rural Touring, RTDI Partner 2022-2026 and herself a volunteer promoter) invites her guests to reflect on their roles and share their experiences of promoting dance in rural communities. Kate is joined by Amanda Drago, volunteer promoter at Gilsland Village Hall, and dance professional leading Greencroft Arts and Claire Smith, Manager of Vicars Cross Community Centre and RTDI Project Manager from 2015-2021. The Place false No 2130 1 5 full 5. Audience Development 5. Audience Development https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/audience-development-for-dance-%e2%80%93-has-rural-touring-cracked-it/ https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/audience-development-for-dance-%e2%80%93-has-rural-touring-cracked-it/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:51:00 +0200 RuralMoves.podbean.com/fd2f7d7e-a63d-3262-bcdc-b5a8dc27bffe Christina Elliot (Head of Programming and Producing, The Place) returns to host episode 5 of the series and delve into how approaches to audience development that have been practised for many years in rural touring are gaining currency in other contexts. Christina asks what the ingredients to successful audience development are and how are they being employed across the sector.

 

]]> Christina Elliot (Head of Programming and Producing, The Place) returns to host episode 5 of the series and delve into how approaches to audience development that have been practised for many years in rural touring are gaining currency in other contexts. Christina asks what the ingredients to successful audience development are and how are they being employed across the sector.

 

]]> Christina Elliot (Head of Programming and Producing, The Place) returns to host episode 5 of the series and delve into how approaches to audience development that have been practised for many years in rural touring are gaining currency in other contexts. Christina asks what the ingredients to successful audience development are and how are they being employed across the sector. Hear examples and reflections from Emma-Jane Benning (Artistic Director, Strike A Light, an RTDI Associate Venue), Ed Collier (Co-Artistic Director, China Plate and co-founder of RTDI in 2015) and Beccy Lloyd (RTDI Co-ordinator for the South-West region from 2022-2026). The Place false No 2132 1 6 full 6. Closing Thoughts 6. Closing Thoughts https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/closing-thoughts/ https://RuralMoves.podbean.com/e/closing-thoughts/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:52:00 +0200 RuralMoves.podbean.com/6fcb7e7f-c313-3c50-bd0c-8e03632b1080 Three of the lead partners of RTDI reflect on ten years of rural touring dance, the partnerships and networks that have grown around it, its impact on the dance touring ecology, audience development for dance and the work dance artists are making, what does it all mean for the future?

]]> Three of the lead partners of RTDI reflect on ten years of rural touring dance, the partnerships and networks that have grown around it, its impact on the dance touring ecology, audience development for dance and the work dance artists are making, what does it all mean for the future?

]]> Three of the lead partners of RTDI reflect on ten years of rural touring dance, the partnerships and networks that have grown around it, its impact on the dance touring ecology, audience development for dance and the work dance artists are making, what does it all mean for the future? Beccy Lloyd (RTDI/Eloquent Productions) hosts a conversation with Alison Lord (Dance Director, Take Art), Eddie Nixon (Artistic Director, The Place) and Abigail Reeve (Director, National Rural Touring Forum). The Place false No 2251 1 7 full