Patricia MacKinnon-Day

The Last Dance was a community performance and heritage event held in Selby Park on Saturday, 16 July, inspired by the historic BOCM (Olympia Mills) works dances of the 1940s and 1950s. The event recreated the atmosphere of past social gatherings when the local swimming baths were converted into a dance hall. It was part of a research residency along Barlby Road, commissioned by Selby District Council, contributing to upcoming design proposals for area redevelopment.

In collaboration with the artist Claire Barber, I have worked in the Barlby Road area, adjacent to Selby town centre as part of a two-stage commission. Initially, we have carried out a research residency, with support from Selby District Council, to spend time in the area (and the archives), meeting people and investigating the place. There is a fascinating social and industrial story to tell from the past, and we are interested in its influence on the quite distinctive residential area and remaining industry today. For this research period, we have explored and investigated the areas, with a series of dance events and happenings forming part of this process. The landowners (Forfarmers) have been an active part of this process, facilitating the work and providing information and resources themselves.

The period has led to a series of proposals, thoughts, and provocations that could form the basis for longer-term interventions, installations, and designs as part of the redevelopment of the sites and general improvements to the Barlby Road corridor. We envisage the second stage of this appointment will enable us to work with the development team on our proposals, bringing forward designs for new site-specific arts-led interventions, installations and collaborations. Outcomes encompass a range of projects – from collaborative designs for landscaping to specific installations and interpretation.

Overview

• Location: Selby Park, around the bandstand and the surrounding grass
• Concept: Tribute and partial re-enactment of 1940s–1950s BOCM works dances
• Lead Artists: Patricia Mackinnon-Day and Claire Barbar
• Commissioned by: Selby District CouncilCommunity Engagement:
  • • Outdoor bar run by Jolly Sailor Brewery
    • Music by That Old Swing Thing band
    • Performances by Selby’s Theatre and Dance Academy
    • Dance lessons from Swing Time Vintage Dance Group
    • Oral histories recorded by volunteers from Selby Abbey
    • Custom-designed materials: posters, bunting, branded beer tap labels