News / Arts
‘This is wanton destruction’
Dance teacher Omega La Mariposa has publicly denounced Bristol City Council’s decision to shut down the Bristol Community Dance Centre on Jacob’s Wells Road in Hotwells.
After hearing of the council decision to close the studio housed in a historic Victorian building, La Mariposa penned a strongly worded open letter to the council.
In the letter, she calls the decision “wanton destruction of a dance dedicated space and charity without any regard for the consequences”.
is needed now More than ever
“The decision procedure has not been fair or transparent and despite repeated requests from the Dance Centre for the decision process to be revealed for public enquiry and digestion the procedure still remains veiled in a shroud of deception,” says La Mariposa.
“The facilities at the Dance Centre are exceptional, with specific reference to the floor and acoustic in the main studio. The support given to professionals is outstanding and the artform is made accessible and affordable to all levels within the wider community.”
“Please understand that dance is an ancient artform, integral to community life of all cultures. It also has a vital part to play in both the physical and mental well being of a populace. I urge you to reflect deeply on the impact of this dreadful decision and to seek to rectify and limit the damage already caused by an opaque decision making process.”
In response to the letter, Simon Cook, assistant mayor for place, which includes oversight of the arts, said: “I have had comprehensive discussions about the Bristol Community Dance Centre with its director and members of the board and was recently given a tour of the building.
“In light of the poor condition of the building, we have made the difficult decision that we are unable to grant another lease extension as the centre is unlikely to be able to run the business on a sustainable basis.
“I regret the council has to take this course of action and we will have discussions with the Arts Council about how we take forward dance as an art form in Bristol.”
Photo shows artist impression of how the dance centre could look
Read more: Last ditch bid to save dance centre
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