Contemporary dance
Sir: The article on British dance, 'Dominat- ed by the second- rate' (Arts, 29 Novem- ber), raises a number of issues that merit a response. It suggests that the number of people buying tickets has fallen. In the case of the subsidised companies, there has been an increase in audience numbers of approx- imately 40,000 in 1996/97 over the previous year. Reference is made to the malaise of institutions with its potential for stifling creativity. Contemporary dance is not sti- fled by large institutions. Companies are lean and led by an artistic director, fre- quently the choreographer of the company.
I would like to emphasise that funding decisions are driven entirely by artistic quality. The Arts Council does offer three- year funding agreements to the bulk of its Contemporary Dance portfolio. It also retains a pool of funds to support indepen- dent choreographers in creating a piece of work within a financial year. This enables it to nurture and develop talent within the art form. The Arts Council recognises that there is an acute need to increase these `flexible funds', which are significantly over- subscribed.
I would like also to emphasise that Northern Ballet Theatre has consistently increased its audience over each of the past three years and frequently plays to capacity houses. The Arts Council would welcome an increase in the opportunities to broad- cast dance. Broadcasters rarely prioritise dance in spite of the excellence achieved through the Dance for the Camera series. Finally, the Arts Council is working with Richard Eyre to review all possibilities for lyric theatre in London. All feasible options including a Dance House will be consid- ered.
Deborah MacMillan
The Arts Council of England, 14 Great Peter Street, London SW1
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