the findings
1. audiences
This strand of the research explored how audiences in Liverpool currently engage with dance, what motivates them to attend or participate, and how aware they are of what is on offer.
Audiences are a critical part of the dance ecology. Understanding what people want to see, how and when they engage, and what prevents participation is essential to shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for dance.
Responses point to clear unmet demand. Many people want more opportunities to watch and take part in dance across a wider range of styles and experiences. Respondents highlighted a lack of regular programming and participatory opportunities, alongside limited and inconsistent ways to find out what is on.
Overall, the findings indicate that limited and irregular provision, rather than lack of interest, is the primary challenge.
RESPONDENTS
AGE
18-24yrs: 21%
25 - 34yrs: 13%
35 -44yrs: 26%
45-54yrs: 15%
55+yrs: 25%
GENDER
Male: 23%
Female: 31%
Non-Binary: 4%
Prefer Not to Say: 14%
HIGH-LEVEL KEY FINDINGS
1. Lack of Dance Performances
Most respondents believe there are not enough dance performances in Liverpool. If more performances were available, a majority indicated they would be highly likely to attend, demonstrating a strong interest in expanded programming.
Respondents indicated that dance programming and activity often feels sporadic or one-off, making it difficult to build regular habits of attendance or participation.
2. Insufficient Participatory Opportunities
Many respondents highlighted a lack of accessible opportunities to take part in dance across Liverpool. People spoke about limited choice in terms of both quantity and variety of classes, workshops and participatory activity, with gaps across a wide range of styles including tap, commercial, latin, voguing, heels and jazz, alongside more popular forms such as contemporary and ballet.
There was a strong desire for participatory opportunities that are affordable, welcoming and suitable for different levels of experience, from amateurs who simply enjoy dancing, to those returning to dance or looking to develop their skills. Respondents also emphasised the value of dance as a way to support health and wellbeing, build confidence and create community connection, pointing to a clear opportunity to expand inclusive, participatory provision across the city.
3. Limited Visibility & Discoverability
Many respondents highlighted difficulty in finding out what dance activity is happening in Liverpool. A lack of clear, consistent and trusted information about performances, classes and participatory opportunities means that people often feel unsure about what is on offer, where to look, or how to get involved.
This lack of visibility contributes to perceptions of limited provision, even where activity exists, and makes it harder for audiences to build regular habits of attendance or participation. The findings point to a clear opportunity to improve how dance is promoted, signposted and communicated across the city.
4. Interest in Experimental Work
While some respondents are highly interested in experimental dance, interest varies, with many remaining neutral. This indicates potential but cautious interest in innovative programming.
5. Volunteering & Community Support
Many respondents are open to volunteering, with an emphasis on administrative roles, followed by fundraising and production support. This interest represents an opportunity for community-driven support within Liverpool’s dance scene.
RECOMMENDATIONS
These following recommendations reflect the opportunities identified by audiences and suggest where targeted action could help strengthen dance in Liverpool.
1. Expand & Regularise Performance Programming
Increase the frequency and variety of dance performances, particularly at weekends, to meet clear audience demand. Developing more regular programming rhythms would help audiences build confidence and habit, reinforcing dance as a visible and reliable part of Liverpool’s cultural offer.
2. Diversify & Broaden Participatory Opportunities
Develop a wider range of classes and workshops across under-represented genres, including tap, Latin, commercial and jazz, alongside contemporary and ballet. Opportunities should be affordable, welcoming and suitable for different experience levels, from amateurs who enjoy dancing to those returning to practice. Partnerships with schools, community groups and cultural organisations could help widen participation.
3. Introduce Experimental Work in Accessible Ways
Where interest in experimental dance is mixed, introduce innovative work gradually and within familiar contexts, such as festivals, mixed bills or larger events. This approach allows audiences to encounter new work without risk, helping build curiosity and confidence over time.
4. Improve Visibility, Promotion & Signposting
Develop clearer, more consistent ways to promote dance activity across the city. Coordinated use of social media, venue platforms and shared listings would make it easier for audiences to find out what is on, where to go and how to get involved.
5. Address Affordability & Access Barriers
Ensure that ticket prices, class fees and participation costs do not present barriers to engagement. Subsidised offers, free tasters or tiered pricing could help broaden access and support dance as a contributor to health, wellbeing and community connection.
6. Harness Volunteer Interest to Support the Sector
Develop structured volunteer opportunities focused on administrative, fundraising and production support. Creating meaningful ways for audiences to contribute can strengthen community ownership and support for dance in Liverpool.
OTHER FINDINGS