2015-16 was a brilliant year for The Collective. We had the pleasure of working with a number of amazing collaborators across two very different projects- IN-SITE and I’m Laughing At Clouds. 2016 see’s Daisy Farris Dance Collective tackling a project from scratch!

The new project, which is currently in the research stages, is based on The Princess Alice disaster. The Princess Alice was a Victorian paddles steamer running day cruises from London to Sheerness. One September evening, in 1878, The Princess Alice was returning to London when she collided with another much larger vessel. The Princess Alice broke in two and sunk within minutes. Tragically most of the approximately 700 people on board drowned. Many of the women drowned due to the restrictive clothing that was fashionable at the time. Bodies were recovered and taken to nearby Woolwich where relatives came to identify them. Survivors accounts and eye witness statements provide detailed insight into what happened to the passengers on the boat.

I am currently researching the disaster and surrounding information. Myself and the dancers are meeting twice a month to explore elements of the research in the studio. So far it is really interesting to see how historic research can be interpreted in an abstract way in the studio. As I embark upon this new project, I am looking at applying for funding and seeking support that will allow this idea to reach its full potential. Myself and the dancers have a lot of bold ideas about where this project could go, so keep your eyes peeled for developments…

DFDC is also making steps to become a more structured organisation. We will soon be hosting our first Annual General Meeting with a dynamic group of board members. We hope that this will be the start of significant progression for DFDC.