Create, Collaborate and Redefine Dance
![[Image description: Nadenh and Laura dance in their wheelchairs with other figures in the studio. The words "Creative Tank" are overlaid and woven into the photo, with Laura's arms reaching through the characters, and the 'K' of 'tank' is tucked into Nadenh's chair.]](https://www.stopgapdance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/creative-tank-1-1140x614.png)
[Image description: Nadenh and Laura dance in their wheelchairs with other figures in the studio. The words "Creative Tank" are overlaid and woven into the photo, with Laura's arms reaching through the characters, and the 'K' of 'tank' is tucked into Nadenh's chair.]
Applications for Creative Tank 2026 are now open
About the intensive
Stopgap Dance Company warmly invites Disabled and non-disabled professional artists, performers, choreographers, and those in training to join us for Creative Tank, a dynamic three-day workshop led by our experienced artistic team.
This practical laboratory is designed to enrich, evolve and expand your dance practice through innovative movement exploration, collaboration, and creative exchange. Held in the Jamie Watton Creation Space at South East Dance, Brighton, the workshop offers a focused and supportive environment for artistic growth and experimentation.
Session Overview
Optional Settling-In Session, 3-4.30pm
Begin with an informal introduction to the company, schedule, and fellow participants. This session provides an opportunity to align expectations, ask questions, and foster connections before the intensive begins.
Three Days of Immersive Practice, 11am-4pm
Engage in movement exploration that is physically and creatively rich with sessions that integrate Stopgap’s signature approach to inclusive dance. Expect:
- Choreographic tasks tailored to diverse movement vocabularies
- Collaborative improvisation and supportive feedback
- An introduction to Stopgap’s Translation Method
Who Should Apply?
This workshop is ideal for professional and emerging artists including performers, choreographers, and those in dance training seeking to:
- Deepen their practice through collaborative exchange
- Explore innovative, inclusive approaches to dance
- Engage with an experienced and leading Inclusive Dance Company
Uncertain if Creative Tank aligns with your practice? We’re happy to discuss. Please reach out to Lucy Bennett to learn more.
Accessibility & Support
Stopgap is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. We welcome all movement and learning styles, and our team will work with you to tailor support where needed.
Available support includes:
- Travel assistance
- Discounted places for Access/Dancer Support Roles
For further details or to discuss your access needs, please contact Lily Norton, Stopgap’s Content and Access Artist.
Bursaries
We are offering two funded places to Creative Tank.
Each place is supported by a dedicated bursary, designed to remove barriers to participation and open the programme to those who might not otherwise be able to attend.
Distance Access Bursary
- This is for people who face a financial barrier due to the cost of travel to Creative Tank
- To be eligible you must be travelling more than three hours to attend, and financial support must be a deciding factor in whether you are able to come
Dave Toole Bursary
- This bursary is for people who are physically Disabled or have a physical impairment, and for whom financial support is a deciding factor in being able to attend Creative Tank
Both bursaries are chosen by lottery. We do not require proof of eligibility, but please consider carefully whether these bursaries are the right fit for you.
Details
When:
- 3-day intensive: 11am – 4pm, 8 – 10 September 2026
- Optional Settling in session: 3-4pm, 7 September 2026
Where:
South East Dance’s Jamie Watton Creation Space, a purpose-built studio designed to support artistic development.
Fees:
3 days – £250
Companion / access workers who are also participating in the workshop – £125
Access workers not participating in the workshop – free
A payment plan is available for the cost of Creative Tank, which can be adjusted to further suit your needs if requested.
How to apply
Deadline for applications is Friday 7 August, 5pm.
You can apply to join us for Creative Tank 2026 via the online application form, linked below.
If you’d prefer to apply another way, we welcome audio and video applications, there is also a word only form available below. If you’d like to chat through the form, please contact our Project Manager, James Greenhalgh.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a follow-up email with more information and a link to payment details.
Get an insight into the Creative Tank experience
A short video of the intensive that took place in 2017. There are 36 disabled and non-disabled dancers from all over the world being instructed by Artistic Director Lucy Bennett and senior artist Chris Pavia. The video shows dancers working on duets, improvisation and solo works.