Professional Space (Pro Space)

Free studio space for professional artists to research, develop and grow their practice. 

Pro Space offers Dance City’s Pro Artists access to free studio space to support research and development, creative exploration, rehearsal and independent artistic practice. Whether you’re testing ideas, developing movement, exploring new collaborations or spending dedicated time in the studio, Pro Space is here to support your artistic development.  

What you can access:

As a Pro Artist, you can book: 

  • Up to 2 hours of free studio space per day 
  • Up to 6 hours of free studio space per week 
  • Access to available studios throughout the year, subject to availability  

Who is Pro Space for? 

Pro Space is intended for artists engaged in an ongoing professional practice. 

We recognise that there are many routes into a professional career in dance and movement. Formal qualifications can be one part of that journey, but they are not the only measure of professional experience. 

We’re interested in hearing about your professional practice, experience and artistic development. This might include performance, choreography, teaching, producing, touring, commissioned work, self-produced projects or other evidence of an active professional career. 

We welcome applications from established, emerging and recently graduated artists who are actively developing a professional practice.  

What can Pro Space be used for? 

Pro Space is suitable for: 

  • Research and development (R&D) 
  • Creative exploration and experimentation 
  • Independent practice 
  • Rehearsal and project development 
  • Working with professional collaborators 
  • Testing and developing new ideas  

What can’t Pro Space be used for? 

To help us keep Pro Space free and accessible for artists, it cannot be used for: 

  • Private lessons or one-to-one teaching 
  • Paid classes, workshops or training sessions 
  • Activities that generate income 
  • Commercial activity 
  • Ticketed performances or events 
  • Community classes or public participation activity  

If your activity falls into one of these categories, we’d be happy to discuss our studio hire options instead. 

Booking information

Pro Space bookings are made on a short-term basis and cannot be booked far in advance. 

Bookings can be made: 

  • During the week you wish to use the space 
  • From Friday onwards for the following Monday 

This helps us balance Pro Space access with our wider studio programme and paid hires.  

Health, Safety & Insurance 

To help keep Pro Space safe for everyone, some activities may require additional information before your booking can take place. 

You will be asked to complete a Participation Waiver if: 

  • You are bringing collaborators/Public participants into a Pro Space session. 
  • Working with aerial or at height and your practice or activity carries an increased risk of injury. 
  • Dance City deems it necessary based on the nature of the proposed activity. 

If you are bringing collaborators or public into the studio for Pro Space you will need to provide a Risk Assessment (and, where appropriate, a Method Statement) if your activity includes: 

  • Lifts, partner work or physical contact work. 
  • Use of props, equipment or set pieces. 
  • Activities that involve working at height. 
  • Activities involving technical equipment brought into the studio. 
  • Any activity that presents a significant risk to yourself or others. 
  • Any activity outside of typical dance, movement or rehearsal practice.  

A risk assessment should outline any potential hazards and explain the steps you will take to manage them safely. 

Public Liability Insurance 

If other people will be participating in or attending your Pro Space session, you may be required to provide evidence of Public Liability Insurance before your booking can be confirmed. 

Need support? 

If you’re unsure whether your activity requires a waiver, risk assessment or insurance, please get in touch before booking. We’re happy to discuss your plans and help ensure you have everything in place. 

Need more studio time? 

If you’d like to book beyond your free Pro Space allocation, discounted Pro Artist studio hire rates are available: 

  • Studios 1-4: £6 per hour 
  • Studios 5-6: £4 per hour 

Not sure if you’re eligible? 

We know that every artist’s journey is different. If you’re unsure whether Pro Space is right for you, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with team via info@dancecity.co.uk and we’ll be happy to discuss your practice and how we can support your development.