SME Partner

Corey Baker, Corey Baker Dance

PhD Student/Early Career Researcher

Daniel Strutt, Goldsmiths University of London

Supervisor

Angela McRobbie, Goldsmiths University of London

Project Name

The Value in Dance.

Project Description

Daniel Strutt residency with Corey Baker Dance set out to demonstrate the value of placing researchers and academics within dance studios in order to make these kinds of collaborations normal and encouraged. Leading by example it sought to deliver positive change to both the dance studio and to Strutt’s academic practice.

As an Associate Lecturer in Goldsmith’s Department of Media and Communication Strutt brought a new range of expertise to Corey Baker Dance, his research into digital visual arts helped inform and influence new strategies, and he was able to bring multiple ideas and concepts to the table. Out of the residency Baker and Strutt conceived of a further digital dance collaboration which they decided to approach to Arts Council with. They also applied for continuation funds from Creativeworks’ BOOST programme but were unsuccessful.

During the project’s timespan Baker noted that Strutt become “a key player” assisting in the the development of what may become “an integral part of Corey Baker Dance’s future strategy. His insights into digital technology have had a strong influence on the dance studio and subsequently Baker has consulted with him regularly.

For Strutt the residency has proved a practical application of his research, encouraged him to seek future collaborations with artists and practitioners and shatter the “ivory tower” of academia.