About

Delving into Dance is a platform that profiles the views of dance makers and lovers, sharing interviews and written content that is both intimate and thought provoking.

Through a diversity of views, experiences and practices, we can better understand the role dance plays in individuals’ lives, while demystifying and opening dance up to new audiences. What can those who don’t regularly engage with dance learn from the artform?

Started in 2016, as a podcast Delving into Dance has grown to reach over 15, 000 people globally. Publicists from around the world are seeking to put forward individuals for interviews, with 3-4 requests coming through a week. Delving into Dance is recognised as one of the worlds top 15 dance podcasts by Feedspot. A ranking based on Google reputation and Google search ranking; Influence and popularity on Facebook, twitter and other social media sites; Quality and consistency of posts and Feedspot’s editorial team and expert review.

Podcast interviews help engage preexisting dance audiences as well as find new access points for future audiences. You can find out more about how the interviews are being used by companies and industry players, by visiting the engagement section of the website. With arts journalism suffering around the globe, now more than ever platforms like Delving into Dance are critical for archiving the experiences of dance makers. Participants have responded incredibly positive to being interviewed. The acclaimed dance journalist Deborah Jowitt said: "I'm struck by how intelligently you formed your questions". To read more from participants visit.

Delving into Dance has become an important place for critical thinking and engagement and currently hosts the most extensive report ever published about Gender Equality in Australian dance. Increasingly, industry is seeking to partner with Delving into Dance on projects that seek to connect to audiences. To find out more about partnering, visit the partnering section of the website.

Delving into Dance is a passion project of researcher and dance-lover Andrew Westle. Andrew is not a dancer, instead he brings his unique perspective and passion for the art-form. Andrew has created a platform that invites a range of contributors. You can read the bios of contributors here.

Delving into Dance has been supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. If you enjoy Delving into Dance please consider leaving a contribution. Contribute here.

About your host

ANDREW WESTLE

Andrew is passionate about gender equality, social justice and making art accessible to everyone. His work defies boundaries and includes research, performance, evaluation, writing, theatre-making, public health and stage management. Andrew completed his PhD at La Trobe University, where he explored the experience of professional male dancers in Australian dance companies. His research in to gender in dance has been presented at a number of international conferences and published in numerous publications including Dance International (Toronto) and ArtsHub. As a writer, he was awarded a fellowship at Writers Victoria in 2016 and was a writer in resident for the 2016 Next Wave Festival.

In his work across disciplines, including sexuality and health research with a specific focus on LGBTIQ health, he always questions the status quo and aims to create spaces for challenging conversations where ideas inspire dialogue, action and engagement. He especially believes in the potential for dialogues and collaborations outside of the traditional cultural spheres, including within health, business and government. Andrew has worked with All The Queens Men, on a number of projects including The Coming Back Out Ball and the LGBTI Elders Dance Club. He now works as the National Programme Manager for The Agency, for Battersea Arts Centre. Before this he worked as Engagement Manager (co-creation) for Manchester International Festival. He also works as freelancer and creative agitator, specialising in community and audience engagement, in Australian and the UK.

Acknowledgement of Country:

Delving into Dance is often recorded on the lands of First Nations people across Australia. These are lands in which dance, art, performance and ceremonies have a long history. We recognise this immense history and the ongoing contribution First Nation people make to the vibrancy of dance in Australia and abroad.

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