Angela Rippon CBE joins Dancers’ Career Development as Patron
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Dancers’ Career Development is honoured to announce the appointment of Angela Rippon CBE as a Patron of its award-winning, unique charity. An icon of British media and a true pioneer, Angela was the first female journalist to regularly present the BBC’s national news. She has remained a beloved figure in British broadcasting ever since, from delivering hard-hitting journalism to captivating a new generation on Strictly Come Dancing and recently spearheading the nationwide Let's Dance! health campaign.
17th September 2026
“Throughout my life I have witnessed how incredibly talented, dedicated and diligent dancers can be, how adaptable they are and the great benefits they bring to society. I’ve also experienced the many health, social and emotional benefits that dance brings to one’s life. I am delighted to be joining Dancers’ Career Development, and to have the opportunity to support their ambitions, and strengthen the personal and professional futures of so many talented individuals.”
Angela Rippon CBE
Dancers’ Career Development (DCD) is ambitious for dancers’ futures. For over 50 years the charity has enabled and empowered dancers to build sustainable, rewarding careers within and beyond the creative sector, after they retire from the stage. With DCD’s assistance, former dancers are now excelling in leadership roles within the arts, as well as in fields as diverse as law, medicine, academia, media, hospitality, technology, finance and horticulture.
“We are delighted to welcome Angela as DCD’s newest Patron. Angela’s charitable and advocacy work will help strengthen our voice amongst policymakers and influencers, to shine a light on dancers’ value to society, both within the arts and beyond. Angela joins talented artist Christopher Wheeldon OBE at a pivotal moment in our charity’s history, as we build on 50 impactful years supporting dancers from all dance genres, and look ahead with vigour and renewed ambition for dancers’ futures.”
Charles Glanville, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dancers’ Career Development
“We are so excited to welcome Angela as DCD’s new Patron. Angela’s passion, understanding and admiration of dance and dancers, alongside her dynamic spirit, will bring fresh energy and a wealth of experience to DCD. Angela’s commitment to our fundraising ambitions, partnership building and profile-raising is testament to her generosity and vision. We look forward to working closely together in support of dancers nationally.”
Vanessa Lefrancois, Executive Director, Dancers’ Career Development
DCD engages with 1500+ dancers per year, through career coaching, mentoring, workshops, one-to-one consultations and networking, awarding 94 retraining grants last year to dancers taking their next career step.
Dancers add exceptional value to employers and society, due to their varied and transferable skillsets and qualities. Dancers are effective communicators and collaborators, creative, resilient and industrious high-achievers. DCD’s expert advice and interventions retain talent in the performing arts sector, nurturing the next generation of dance teachers and artistic directors, whilst preparing others to enter new professions and industries.
Angela joins award winning Director and Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE as a DCD Patron, to advocate for the charity and the nation’s dancers.
DCD depends on fundraising to deliver its services. If you would like to find out more about our fundraising efforts, please get in touch with Jen Warner: jen.warner@thedcd.org.uk who will be delighted to hear from you.