READ ME: The Last Dance
Title
The last dance
Creator (s)
Patricia Mackinnon-Day 
P.Mackinnon-Day@ljmu.ac.uk
Liverpool John Moores University
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8096-1981 
Abstract
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.
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 Council
* Community Engagement:
o Outdoor bar run by Jolly Sailor Brewery
o Music by That Old Swing Thing band
o Performances by Selby’s Theatre and Dance Academy
o Dance lessons from Swing Time Vintage Dance Group
o Oral histories recorded by volunteers from Selby Abbey
o Custom-designed materials: posters, bunting, branded beer tap labels
Project Notes
This cultural event was developed through direct community engagement, storytelling, and artistic collaboration. It is intended to inform future urban development while preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the area.
Keywords
Dance, music, oral history, factory workers, industry, archival materials, health, 
Documents and links:
Rythm: Dance experiment Olympia Mills, 2nd June 2022
Pattern: Dance Experiment, Olympia Mills, 2nd June 2022
Dust: Dance Experiment, Olympia Mills, 2nd June 2022

Please cite:
MacKinnon-Day, Patricia and Claire, Barbar (2025) The Last Dance. [Data Collection]
Contact
For further information, contact:
patricia@mackinnon-day.com

Patricia.Mackinnon-Day@ljmu.ac.uk