Dance Out is an exhibition of paintings, drawings and film that celebrates dance as an everyday human activity, both solitary and social. The RWA itself will shape-shift during the exhibition, with the main daylit galleries hosting a series of dance and dance-related events.
Curated by David Remfry RA and art historian James Russell, ‘Dance Out’ brings together paintings, drawings and film across decades of dance culture – from 20th century London and New York to Bristol’s contemporary nightlife.
‘Dance Out’ features large-scale works by David Remfry RA, who has exhibited his dancefloor watercolours in galleries around the world, and the rarely seen ‘Blue Tent’ by Denzil Forrester, which captures the energy of 1980s Black British nightlife, alongside Carnival-inspired works by Paul Dash and John Lyons, and a premiere from contemporary artist Zoe Spowage. Short films from Tracey Emin RA and Gillian Wearing reflect on the personal and social importance of dance and nightclub culture, and other exhibiting artists include rising star Amy Dury, Paula Rego and Melanie Manchot who's RWA-commissioned film Night Moves will premiere at the exhibition.
RWA Academician Dorcas Casey is also creating a new, large-scale sculptural work to hang in the dome over the RWA landing, which references Morris dance culture and folklore.
A fully accessible, haptic Beat Blocks dancefloor, which transforms sound frequencies into powerfully felt vibrations, will be installed in the RWA’s main gallery and features a curated soundtrack to the exhibition has been mixed by DJ d4rling, featuring mixes by Josephine Gyasi and DJ Devolicious. For a series of late-night events, the gallery will host some of Bristol’s most exciting dance talent including Bristol Swing Riot and more.
May 9, 2026