We'd like to thank everyone who helped make 2013 such an incredible year for CDF - from the amazing choreographers and dancers who participated, our tireless team, our audiences and everyone who supported our work and helped make Lacuna and Showtime happen.

So, of course, a lot of people are asking us what happens next for CDF and most importantly, when the next festivals are!

A lot changed for CDF in 2013, so that affects how we'll be operating in future. As you probably know, CDF was on hold for two years, during which time I went freelance and interviewed a lot of people in the dance world from students and new graduates to established choreographers and artistic directors. Based on those interviews, and my own observations of the industry, there is a clear need for more concrete support for new and emerging dance artists, so that will be CDF's focus from now on. Therefore, Showtime, our November festival, was intended to trial and identify specific support needs, and to generate industry interest in building partnerships to help deliver that support.

As we don't want to do "just another platform again", before we can announce the next dates, we need to start building those partnerships and secure funding - as Showtime really taught us that we can't do this properly without funding.

It's early days, but what we want to be able to offer includes:
- free and/or subsidised rehearsal space for the duration of the creation period
- advice, support and where relevant, mentoring, through partners
- financial support
- travel bursary for artists based outside London
- comprehensive marketing support
- industry interest, eg commissions, residencies and bookings
- arranging post-festival packages of support, including mentoring
- arranging follow-up performances of new works

We're also committed to developing our package of professional development workshops, not only for dancers and choreographers, but also emerging dance photographers, writers and film-makers. This will also include panel discussions on a range of industry topics, and explore how they affect other artforms beyond dance.

So this means that we've got quite a bit of work to do before we can announce the next festival dates. If you'd like to participate in our upcoming festivals, please subscribe to our Future Festivals newsletter, and you'll be informed as soon as we're ready to announce the next dates. If you'd like to be updated about general CDF news, then please do subscribe to our regular newsletter, and if you'd like to discuss our work with us, then please do get in touch.

Chantal Guevara
Director & Producer