Category: Latest News

“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.

DCD is ambitious for dancers’ futures.

The Inspiration Event Leeds will include a morning workshop with Nicolette Wilson-Clarke, plus an awesome afternoon line-up of artists performing, speaking and sharing films and stories, including Company Chameleon and Northern Ballet.

When:                 Friday 7 June, 10am-5pm

For those unable to join us for the full day it is possible to attend the morning only (workshop) 10am-1.30pm or afternoon only (panel, film, performance, networking) 2.30-5pm. This choice can be indicated when booking.

Where:               Yorkshire Dance

Booking:             Click here

Cost:                    FREE

The morning workshop will use a combination of self exploration, partner work, gentle movement and coaching exercises, to offer insight into tools that can support creating a sustainable practice, with self compassion.

In the afternoon, a panel of speakers will discuss their careers in dance and beyond, and how they’ve forged their own unique pathways. Panel line-up: Dickson Mbi, Anthony Missen, Sandrine Monin, Pippa Moore MBE and Kevin Edward Turner.

The event will be an opportunity for dancers to learn more about the career development programmes and retraining grants DCD offers for dancers, and to talk informally with members of staff. It will also be an opportunity for dancers to connect with peers and reflect on their individual career trajectories; as well as to consider and explore new opportunities, in order to realise their full potential.

The Career Inspiration Event is FREE and bursaries are available for travel, childcare and accessibility needs or adjustments. Bursaries can be applied for when booking. The venue is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions please contact: dancers@thedcd.org.uk 

Keep an eye on our socials for further updates.

The Inspiration Event forms part of DCD’s 50^th Anniversary programme and follows similar events held recently in Swindon and Birmingham, in partnership with Swindon Dance, The Jam Festival and Sampad. This Event is delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Dance and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and by the Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund.

We are hugely grateful to our wonderful professional Dancers for this nomination and are humbled to be shortlisted alongside the incredible competition.

Here’s what Moving Ahead had to say about our nomination:

‘We are delighted to announce that DCD has made the shortlist for the Most Dynamic Mentoring Organisation of the Year award as part of our Inspired by Mentoring Awards for the Mission Include programme. We have received a phenomenal response for our awards this year, and the nomination truly stood out. The nomination highlighted DCD’s ongoing commitment to mentoring through our programme and within your organisation.

Inspired by Mentoring Awards annually and the nominees have been voted for by the participants. This is a great opportunity to champion those who have given their all to the programme and their mentoring partners who are already seeing transformative changes in their careers.’

DCD’s Beyond Dance Mentoring for Dancers matches dancers with business leaders from under-represented groups, in a relationship to broaden horizons and explore career next steps. DCD invite applications from current or former dancers from all genres, looking for a supportive and confidential space to discuss and explore your careers.

Explore your next steps

If you are interested in our Beyond Dance Mentoring for Dancers programme and would like to find out more and apply, visit our Beyond Dance Mentoring for Dancers page by clicking here.

Support a future leader

We also invite organisations who would like to be involved in mentoring and supporting this programme to please contact dancers@thedcd.org.uk to register your interest.

Vanessa succeeds current Executive Director Jennifer Curry who is standing down on Friday 7th July 2023 following 13 years of service. DCD is the UK charity that supports professional dancers in their career development and transition to post-performance careers in an unlimited range of professions and sectors. DCD is the charity that’s here for every dancer – across every genre, across the UK, and at every career stage.

Vanessa is a freelance consultant working in the arts and cultural sector, with experience in senior roles including Joint Director and CEO of Oxford Playhouse; Artistic Director and CEO of the Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Somerset; and Director of Recreational & Prevocational Dance at The Place, London.

Vanessa spent the first 15 years of her career working internationally as a freelance choreographer and director for opera, theatre and dance companies. A Trustee of South East Dance, Vanessa also sits on the OxLEP Culture and Visitor Economy Sub-Group and Tourism Task Force.

Vanessa has an Executive MBA (with Distinction), Bayes Business School (formerly Cass); BA (Hons) in Arts Practice and Cultural Studies (First), Coventry University; and trained at London Contemporary Dance School and Alvin Ailey, New York.

Vanessa Lefrançois, incoming Executive Director of Dancers’ Career Development said:

“I am honoured to be entrusted to lead DCD, as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary and endorse its commitment to nurture an increasingly diverse spectrum of dance artists, across the UK.

The trials and tribulations of the past few years has highlighted the importance of this pioneering charity, dedicated to guiding dancers through periods of uncertainty, challenge and transition. As the dance sector continues to reinvent and transform itself, I recognise DCD’s resolve to be agile, remain relevant and responsive to dancers’ evolving needs and ambitions.

In collaboration with DCD personnel, partner companies and industry colleagues, I look forward to building on the success of DCD’s work under Jennifer Curry’s leadership, to support dancers from all genres and backgrounds: lead healthy, fulfilling and rewarding careers, in and beyond dance.”

Jennifer Curry, current Executive Director of Dancers’ Career Development said:

“It has been such a privilege to work alongside the exceptional staff team and freelancers, DCD Trustees, Committee members, as well as funders and partners across the UK to steward DCD over the past 13 years.

DCD is uniquely placed to model an important way of working for dancers and the dance sector – with kindness, responsiveness, humility and humanity at its heart. I have strived to lead the charity through calm and caring words and actions, and with a curiosity and bravery that befits a charity that is such a pioneer in its field.

Dancers are the heart of DCD and I will forever be inspired by the individuals I have worked with. I will continue to support the work of DCD and look forward to observing its next chapter with Vanessa’s leadership.”

Nancy Glynn, Chair, Dancers’ Career Development said:

“Jennifer has led DCD with great foresight and dedication over the past 13 years, making a lasting contribution to our organisation’s growth and impact in delivering high-quality support for professional dancers across the UK. She has built deep connections with beneficiaries, funders, and partners that will be cherished and nurtured for many years to come. We are grateful for all she has achieved and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

We are delighted to welcome Vanessa as our next Executive Director. With her background as a contemporary dancer and choreographer, combined with her leadership experience in both the dance and theatre sector, Vanessa brings a unique perspective to DCD. Her understanding of the dance world and ability to navigate change will build upon our 50-year legacy. She also embodies the heart and spirit that is at the core of the charity. We look forward to working closely with Vanessa, our team, and partners to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of dancers.”

The Nominations Committee was led by DCD Trustee Ida Levine and comprised of the following Board members:

Charles Glanville, Joce Giles, Sue Sloan and Jean-Marc Puissant.