Mentoring
DCD’s Beyond Dance Mentoring for Dancers is the first programme of its kind in the dance sector.
'This has changed my life, it’s a once in a life time opportunity and one I am so grateful for.'
Beyond Dance mentee
about beyond dance mentoring
Beyond Dance Mentoring matches dancers with extraordinary people, from outside the dance sector, with unique skills and experience; to help challenge you and support your personal and professional growth.
WHO IS MENTORING SUITABLE FOR?
DCD invite applications from current or recently retired dancers from all dance genres, who are ready and motivated to take the next step, and to gain a fresh perspective on topics such as:
- Attaining your career goals
- Career transitions and evolution
- Developing your leadership potential
- Starting your own business
- Attaining a healthy work-life balance
- Building your self-belief and confidence
This programme focusses on your individual professional and personal development. You will have time to explore your future career steps, discover your unique strengths, values and skills, and how these can help you take charge of your career.
Beyond Dance is delivered in partnership with Moving Ahead, world-leading experts in the design, development and delivery of structured mentoring programmes. Successful candidates will be enrolled on their 30% Mission Include Programme which has a strong focus on developing leaders from under-represented groups.
Through Moving Ahead, mentees receive digital mentoring toolkits including access to engaging filmed sessions, masterclasses and tutorials, as well as written guides that are carefully curated for each programme and cohort.
A successful mentoring relationship requires your own initiative to drive the conversations with curiosity and an open mind, it invites you to reflect and develop your emotional intelligence, be brave and develop your professional network.
The programme is relevant to those who are eager to learn, expand horizons and are ready to invest in themselves and their career progression.
This opportunity is FREE via DCD’s Beyond Dance Mentoring Programme (actual value in excess of £1,000). Successful applicants will be expected to participate fully in the programme and are required to report to both Moving Ahead and Dancers’ Career Development throughout and at the end of the programme.
Applications to take part in the 2024/25 Beyond Dance programme closed in August 2024.
The programme runs annually. The 2025/26 application schedule will be announced in Spring 2025. Join our mailing list, or follow our socials, to keep-up-to-date with our news.
A programme for all dancers
As an organisation committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, DCD actively encourages applications from dancers at all stages of their career, of all backgrounds, cultures and lived experiences, from any geographical location.
AM I ELIGIBLE?
The programme is open to dancers from all genres with at least five years’ professional performing experience in the UK.
The programme is open to dancers who are currently performing and those who have recently retired from their performance career. You do not have to be currently based in the UK to apply.
ARE YOU A HIP HOP DANCER?
Three mentoring places are available through our programme SHIFT, funded in partnership with DCD and ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company. If you are a Hip Hop artist, you can apply directly for the Beyond Dance Mentoring scheme. However, you may also like to apply for the SHIFT programme. In addition to mentoring, SHIFT also provides some funding to support retraining costs and career exploration.
Click here for more information.
Illness or injury
Should you be unable to meet the application criteria set out above because you were forced to retire due to physical or mental illness or injury, you may still be eligible. Please contact us on dancers@thedcd.org.uk.
Time Commitment
It is expected that mentees:
- attend opening and closing events
- have regular contact with their mentors (e.g. once a month)
- meet with DCD staff approximately four times during the year
- make good use of the online tools
- attend webinars and other online live events e.g. inspirational talks
Delivered in partnership with Moving Ahead
Moving Ahead’s mission is for the world’s workplaces to be more diverse, equitable and inclusive. They deliver structured development programmes and have supported tens of thousands of individuals, across multiple sectors. From the world’s largest banks to tech firms, the armed forces, global campaigns and Government.
The structured, cross-company mentoring programme Moving Ahead run in partnership with DCD allows dancers to develop, grow and be mentored by others from outside the industry.
Find out more about Moving Ahead: www.moving-ahead.org
Find out more about Moving Ahead’s mentoring programme: www.moving-ahead.org/mission-include-2024
“This programme is brilliant! It is such a privilege to have regular mentoring sessions. It is also really important that the mentors of the programme are selected by DCD. My mentor is highly experienced and has supported me to find a focus in a period of chaos. Through insightful discussions, she helped me recognise the extensive experience I have accumulated over the years, reframing it as a valuable “portfolio career.” This shift empowered me to embrace all my skills and experiences.
Furthermore, my mentor coached me on how to confidently communicate my value proposition. With her guidance, I began attending networking events and professional meetings, feeling self-assured and respected. I am incredibly grateful for her guidance and support.”
Evangelia Kolyra
Beyond Dance mentee 2023-24
Photography: Eulanda Shead
Justyna Janiszewska
Beyond Dance mentee 2023-24
“The DCD Mentoring Beyond Dance programme was an invaluable lifeline during a challenging time. Feeling lost and uncertain after my injury, I found unwavering support and guidance. My mentor’s belief in my potential was instrumental in helping me rediscover my passions and see things from a new perspective.
Thanks to this support, I developed a personal toolkit of skills and experiences, transforming perceived weaknesses into strengths. It was a journey of self-discovery and resilience, reigniting my belief in my potential. I wholeheartedly recommend this programme to anyone seeking personal and professional growth.”
FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS Beyond Dance MENTEES
‘I have learnt so much about myself and my potential. It was a transformative experience.’
‘It has been challenging and has encouraged a leap out of my comfort zones. Meetings with my mentor were always inspiring and energising.’
‘[My mentor] made me realise my transferable skills and how they’re relevant.‘
‘…when two people connect and are open to learn from one another. I want to cultivate this feeling for future collaborations. Conversation, exchange and honesty are crucial in any relationship. This has made me feel accompanied on many levels.’
‘Mentoring has given me the confidence to talk about areas of my life both personal and professional which I was ignoring. Which was getting in the way of my enjoyment and progress.’
The mentoring process
The matching process is hosted by Moving Ahead and runs for nine months, from October to July. You can meet as regularly as you choose with your mentor, either online or in-person. Please note your mentor may not be based locally to you.
Dancers are paired with senior executives working in diverse organisations across multiple industries.
Former and current Mentors have worked in sectors including law, finance, education, commerce and aviation for organisations such as Deloitte, John Lewis Partnership, EasyJet and Hellman & Friedman.
A series of additional, online masterclass and networking events are available from Moving Ahead, with exceptional speakers. They cover topics such as leadership, inclusion, mental health and dealing with change. Previous guest speakers have included:
- Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500 & inclusion activist
- June Sarpong, TV Presenter and author of Diversify
- Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis, award-winning authors of The Squiggly Career
- Dr Kate Goodger, Olympic Performance Psychologist
Previous mentors include:
- Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at The Financial Times
- Diversity Project Leader at IBM
- EU Brand Manager at Mars Petcare
- Head of Communications at Ocado
- Head of Strategic Partnerships at Neyber
- Head of People, Nationwide Building Society
- CEO, Cromwell Hospital
Meet some of the 2024-25 Beyond Dance Mentees, read about their experience to date and their reasons for joining the programme...
Click here to read bio.
Precious Adams
Dancer with English National Ballet
Precious Adams is a world-class black ballerina from Canton, Michigan, and a First Soloist with the English National Ballet. She trained at the Bolshoi Academy, Princess Grace Academy and The National Ballet School in Toronto. An award-winning artist, her accolades include: double prize winner at the 2014 Prix de Lausanne and the 2018 National Dance Awards’ Best Emerging Artist. She has performed lead roles in The Rite of Spring, Cinderella, The Nutcracker and Giselle, as well as leading roles in the works of William Forsyth and David Dawson. Passionate about diversity in ballet, she is also studying Computer Science at Goldsmiths, University of London.
“I applied for Beyond Dance because the path to such a highly specialised job like becoming a ballerina can be a real bubble, so gaining more insight into the real world was what I was seeking at this juncture in my development. I also found remote learning to be somewhat isolating, so I think that also sparked my interest in getting some input from a mentor.
Getting support from someone from outside my normal stratosphere has already helped me to gain confidence and begin to reimagine how all my years of experience can be reapplied in other fields. Getting the perspective and input of a mentor has helped me immensely in gaining a more realistic look at how the path towards my life after dance might look.”
Click here to read bio.
Choreographer, Dance Artist & Lecturer
Click here to read bio.
Lucia Chocarro
Dance & Physical Theatre Artist
Lucia is a contemporary dance & physical theatre artist with vast experience as a performer, facilitator and devising collaborator. Moving to London from the north of Spain to pursue her career, she trained at London Contemporary Dance School. She has worked in both film and live theatre with choreographers and productions including Akram Khan Company, Punchdrunk, Gecko Theatre, Chemical Brothers, Ólafur Arnalds, Wonder Woman, Justice League and Paddington in Peru. In 2013, alongside three other women, Lucia co-founded Feet off the Ground, an all-female self-producing collective which creates outdoor work and delivers educational and participation projects. Most recently, Lucia has been supporting directors and choreographers in their creative processes with assisting, rehearsal directing and dramaturgy.
“After years in the professional dance industry, I felt a clear need to find support and accountability in updating my skillset and making decisions for redirecting my career path. So far, I have stepped into action and have started a journey towards clarity, giving myself the best chance to keep thriving. It’s a unique and powerful opportunity to meet someone that will support from a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and I’m very grateful to have this opportunity at this crucial point in my life.”
Click here to read bio.
Pranita Choudhry
Bharatanatyam Dance Artist & Choreographer
Pranita Choudhry is a London-based Bharatanatyam dance artist and choreographer. She is a performer and dance advocate, especially for South Asian dance and art forms in the UK, and has widely performed both solo and as part of ensembles. She has also actively explored dance through other mediums, including as a dance critic for leading publications and through her dance photography work. Her practice and work is at the cusp of movement and activism and uses the vocabulary of Indian classical dance to raise, delve deeper into, explore and communicate complex societal issues.
“Through taking part in the mentorship programme I hope to have the opportunity to share my ideas, to be pushed and challenged, to imagine new pathways and gain new perspectives, and to also help me get past some of my mental blocks and barriers. I also hope to get guidance around the skills and practical experience I need to gain to be able to get there, and to achieve my goals.”
Precious Adams is a world-class black ballerina from Canton, Michigan, and a First Soloist with the English National Ballet. She trained at the Bolshoi Academy, Princess Grace Academy and The National Ballet School in Toronto. An award-winning artist, her accolades include: double prize winner at the 2014 Prix de Lausanne and the 2018 National Dance Awards’ Best Emerging Artist. She has performed lead roles in The Rite of Spring, Cinderella, The Nutcracker and Giselle, as well as leading roles in the works of William Forsyth and David Dawson. Passionate about diversity in ballet, she is also studying Computer Science at Goldsmiths, University of London.
“I applied for Beyond Dance because the path to such a highly specialised job like becoming a ballerina can be a real bubble, so gaining more insight into the real world was what I was seeking at this juncture in my development. I also found remote learning to be somewhat isolating, so I think that also sparked my interest in getting some input from a mentor.
Getting support from someone from outside my normal stratosphere has already helped me to gain confidence and begin to reimagine how all my years of experience can be reapplied in other fields. Getting the perspective and input of a mentor has helped me immensely in gaining a more realistic look at how the path towards my life after dance might look.”
Lucia is a contemporary dance & physical theatre artist with vast experience as a performer, facilitator and devising collaborator. Moving to London from the north of Spain to pursue her career, she trained at London Contemporary Dance School. She has worked in both film and live theatre with choreographers and productions including Akram Khan Company, Punchdrunk, Gecko Theatre, Chemical Brothers, Ólafur Arnalds, Wonder Woman, Justice League and Paddington in Peru. In 2013, alongside three other women, Lucia co-founded Feet off the Ground, an all-female self-producing collective which creates outdoor work and delivers educational and participation projects. Most recently, Lucia has been supporting directors and choreographers in their creative processes with assisting, rehearsal directing and dramaturgy.
“After years in the professional dance industry, I felt a clear need to find support and accountability in updating my skillset and making decisions for redirecting my career path. So far, I have stepped into action and have started a journey towards clarity, giving myself the best chance to keep thriving. It’s a unique and powerful opportunity to meet someone that will support from a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and I’m very grateful to have this opportunity at this crucial point in my life.”
Pranita Choudhry is a London-based Bharatanatyam dance artist and choreographer. She is a performer and dance advocate, especially for South Asian dance and art forms in the UK, and has widely performed both solo and as part of ensembles. She has also actively explored dance through other mediums, including as a dance critic for leading publications and through her dance photography work. Her practice and work is at the cusp of movement and activism and uses the vocabulary of Indian classical dance to raise, delve deeper into, explore and communicate complex societal issues.
“Through taking part in the mentorship programme I hope to have the opportunity to share my ideas, to be pushed and challenged, to imagine new pathways and gain new perspectives, and to also help me get past some of my mental blocks and barriers. I also hope to get guidance around the skills and practical experience I need to gain to be able to get there, and to achieve my goals.”
Click here to read bio.
Charlotte Darbyshire
Independent Dance Artist, Educator, Facilitator & Movement Therapist
Charlotte Darbyshire is an independent dance artist, educator, facilitator and movement therapist. She is the former artistic co-director of Candoco Dance Company (2016-2023), having been a founder member in 1991 and contributed to the company’s ethos, development and success.
She has 35 years’ experience of working with disabled and non-disabled dancers in a range of professional, community and healthcare settings all over the world. She considers herself a non-disabled ally and is committed to supporting the development of disabled artists and leaders. Charlotte has a daily movement practice and continues to make collaborative dance work for live spaces and screen. She has made several award-winning dance films.
“Last year was a time of transition for me. I stepped down from my role at Candoco to make space for disabled artistic leadership, and shortly afterwards relocated from London to Norwich. These significant changes provided me with a chance to re-imagine my creative and professional path; but prompted questions for me about what I wanted, and felt I could contribute. I have always mentored others but now longed for the support and fresh perspectives of someone with completely different lived and professional experience from me. Beyond Dance thankfully provided me with that opportunity.”
Click here to read bio.
Jackson Dwyer
Dancer with Northern Ballet
Jackson Dwyer is a Canadian professional ballet dancer currently engaged as a First Soloist with Northern Ballet. He trained at Canada’s National Ballet School and The John Cranko School and previously danced with The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet Arizona and Hong Kong Ballet. His repertoire includes many leading and soloist roles in the classical canon, and he has worked with some of today’s most in-demand choreographers.
“Now that I’m firmly in the latter half of my ballet career, I applied to Beyond Dance as I begin working on my career transition. Over the course of the mentorship I hope, through discussion and reflection, to explore my thinking and create a defined action plan before I step off the stage.”
Click here to read bio.
Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus
Dance Artist, Choreographer & Teacher
Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus is a London-based creative working within the dance community and in the dance industry – with 20+ years’ experience and a unique 360 perspective, working across performance, choreography, teaching and talent management. Her movement style is a blend of her training in street styles and contemporary, with leanings towards gesture and pedestrian movement.
“I applied for Beyond Dance as part of calling in some infrastructure to support me as I navigate the different roles I hold in my creative career. I am often in a place of being mentor, teacher, facilitator and feel it timely to be held in the ways I hold so many.”
Click here to read bio.
Katie Lusby
Dance Artist, Teacher & Facilitator
After training at London Studio Centre and London Contemporary Dance School, Katie Lusby began her career as a freelance contemporary dancer in 2008. She worked with companies including Richard Alston Dance Company and New Adventures, and choreographers including Fin Walker, James Cousins and Akram Khan (London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony). This performance work eventually led Katie towards physical theatre companies such as Punchdrunk International and Gecko Theatre, whom she has collaborated with for the last ten years. Alongside performing Katie has also worked extensively as a teacher and facilitator in various educational, professional and community settings.
“As I transition away from a performance-centred career, I am eager to expand my impact as both an artist and a leader in my local community in Cornwall. I firmly believe in the transformative power of dance and theatre to engage, inspire, and create meaningful change; as well as the enormous contribution they have to health and wellbeing. Through this mentorship programme I hope to gain valuable insights into leadership, entrepreneurship and funding strategies that will help me build a long-lasting, self-sustaining career in the arts, education and wellbeing sectors.”
Charlotte Darbyshire is an independent dance artist, educator, facilitator and movement therapist. She is the former artistic co-director of Candoco Dance Company (2016-2023), having been a founder member in 1991 and contributed to the company’s ethos, development and success.
She has 35 years’ experience of working with disabled and non-disabled dancers in a range of professional, community and healthcare settings all over the world. She considers herself a non-disabled ally and is committed to supporting the development of disabled artists and leaders. Charlotte has a daily movement practice and continues to make collaborative dance work for live spaces and screen. She has made several award-winning dance films.
“Last year was a time of transition for me. I stepped down from my role at Candoco to make space for disabled artistic leadership, and shortly afterwards relocated from London to Norwich. These significant changes provided me with a chance to re-imagine my creative and professional path; but prompted questions for me about what I wanted, and felt I could contribute. I have always mentored others but now longed for the support and fresh perspectives of someone with completely different lived and professional experience from me. Beyond Dance thankfully provided me with that opportunity.”
Jackson Dwyer is a Canadian professional ballet dancer currently engaged as a First Soloist with Northern Ballet. He trained at Canada’s National Ballet School and The John Cranko School and previously danced with The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet Arizona and Hong Kong Ballet. His repertoire includes many leading and soloist roles in the classical canon, and he has worked with some of today’s most in-demand choreographers.
“Now that I’m firmly in the latter half of my ballet career, I applied to Beyond Dance as I begin working on my career transition. Over the course of the mentorship I hope, through discussion and reflection, to explore my thinking and create a defined action plan before I step off the stage.”
Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus is a London-based creative working within the dance community and in the dance industry – with 20+ years’ experience and a unique 360 perspective, working across performance, choreography, teaching and talent management. Her movement style is a blend of her training in street styles and contemporary, with leanings towards gesture and pedestrian movement.
“I applied for Beyond Dance as part of calling in some infrastructure to support me as I navigate the different roles I hold in my creative career. I am often in a place of being mentor, teacher, facilitator and feel it timely to be held in the ways I hold so many.”
After training at London Studio Centre and London Contemporary Dance School, Katie Lusby began her career as a freelance contemporary dancer in 2008. She worked with companies including Richard Alston Dance Company and New Adventures, and choreographers including Fin Walker, James Cousins and Akram Khan (London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony). This performance work eventually led Katie towards physical theatre companies such as Punchdrunk International and Gecko Theatre, whom she has collaborated with for the last ten years. Alongside performing Katie has also worked extensively as a teacher and facilitator in various educational, professional and community settings.
“As I transition away from a performance-centred career, I am eager to expand my impact as both an artist and a leader in my local community in Cornwall. I firmly believe in the transformative power of dance and theatre to engage, inspire, and create meaningful change; as well as the enormous contribution they have to health and wellbeing. Through this mentorship programme I hope to gain valuable insights into leadership, entrepreneurship and funding strategies that will help me build a long-lasting, self-sustaining career in the arts, education and wellbeing sectors.”
Click here to read bio.
Daniella May
Dancer, Photographer, Videographer & Movement Director
Daniella May is a professional dancer who trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Her work has taken her across the world, performing in a variety of dance styles, developing a versatile approach to movement. Through these experiences, Daniella has been inspired by different cultures, people, landscapes and moments, leading her to start documenting movement and people in new ways and formats. After years of dancing on stage and connecting with audiences in a physical way, Daniella has chosen to focus on a new medium—photography, videography, and movement direction within the visual arts sector.
“I wanted to join the programme to connect me with a mentor and build a partnership where we could share stories and discuss how they navigated their own journey. I also want to work with someone who can help me grow, step out of my comfort zone, and open my mind to new possibilities. I aim to use the skills I’ve developed in both dance, visual arts and from this scheme to explore other areas that push my creativity and connect with audiences on another level; and to start my own business.”
Click here to read bio.
Wayne Parsons
Arts Producer
Wayne Parsons is currently Senior Producer at Ideas Test. He has over 20 years’ experience in the arts, and is driven by a passion for socially engaged practice and the transformative power of the arts. Wayne’s career began in contemporary dance, where he worked full-time for 13 years, performing internationally with leading companies including Richard Alston Dance Company and Sydney Dance Company. As the Founder of VOXED, he led six UK tours and developed projects like #GOOGLEDANCE, a digital series celebrating local creativity. Wayne is now transitioning, to broaden his impact across the cultural and creative sectors, championing inclusive and meaningful experiences.
“I applied to Beyond Dance because it offers a fantastic opportunity to step outside the dance industry at a pivotal moment in my career. I’m in the process of transitioning away from working solely in dance, and exploring how my skills and experiences can have broader applications across the cultural and creative sectors. This programme provides the space to reflect on my practice, hear myself in a new context, and gain fresh insights that can guide this transition. It’s also a chance to develop meaningful contacts across different industries, enriching my understanding of how diverse approaches and perspectives can inform and enhance my work.”
Click here to read bio.
Juan Sanchez-Plaza
Dancer, Choreographer & Yoga Teacher
Juan Sanchez Plaza is a Spanish-born, London-based dancer and choreographer with over a decade of professional experience. He has collaborated with renowned dance and theatre companies in the UK and internationally, including Agudo Dance Company, Richard Chappell Dance, Tom Dale, Flute Theatre, Persona Collective and Salzburg Festspiele Haus.
In 2020, Juan co-founded Nomad Dance Collective, where he choreographs and performs internationally, creating innovative dance works. He is also the founder of: The 5 Elements Movement Practice, a somatic-based movement methodology designed to enhance well-being and self-expression. Additionally, Juan is a certified yoga teacher accredited by the International Yoga Alliance, integrating his passion for yoga with his movement practice.
“I applied to Beyond Dance at a pivotal moment of reflection in my career. I found myself questioning my role as a dancer and exploring how I could achieve new professional goals within the arts and dance, but through a path that extends beyond just performing. I hope this programme will provide me with fresh perspectives and clarity, helping me uncover a new direction that may already be right in front of me, waiting to be discovered.”
Click here to read bio.
Lizzie Treece
Dancer, Teacher & Fitness Instructor
Lizzie Treece trained at London Studio Centre, with a Leverhulme Scholarship, and since graduating has gone on to have a portfolio career dancing for TV, Theatre, and Live events. Credits include: Bridgerton (Netflix), Tom’s Midnight Garden (UK Tour), resident dancer for The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK and Five Children and It (Tabard Theatre). Alongside performing, Lizzie is also a dance fitness instructor and adult dance teacher, and loves sharing her passion for dance through her classes.
“I applied for Beyond Dance to make time to reflect on my career, think about what direction I want to go in next and gain a different perspective on what might be possible. As a freelancer, work/life balance can be tough and having a mentor to share and discuss these challenges with is invaluable! I hope by the end of the programme to have identified what might be holding me back and have a clearer vision of where I want to take my career next.”
Daniella May is a professional dancer who trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Her work has taken her across the world, performing in a variety of dance styles, developing a versatile approach to movement. Through these experiences, Daniella has been inspired by different cultures, people, landscapes and moments, leading her to start documenting movement and people in new ways and formats. After years of dancing on stage and connecting with audiences in a physical way, Daniella has chosen to focus on a new medium—photography, videography, and movement direction within the visual arts sector.
“I wanted to join the programme to connect me with a mentor and build a partnership where we could share stories and discuss how they navigated their own journey. I also want to work with someone who can help me grow, step out of my comfort zone, and open my mind to new possibilities. I aim to use the skills I’ve developed in both dance, visual arts and from this scheme to explore other areas that push my creativity and connect with audiences on another level; and to start my own business.”
Wayne Parsons is currently Senior Producer at Ideas Test. He has over 20 years’ experience in the arts, and is driven by a passion for socially engaged practice and the transformative power of the arts. Wayne’s career began in contemporary dance, where he worked full-time for 13 years, performing internationally with leading companies including Richard Alston Dance Company and Sydney Dance Company. As the Founder of VOXED, he led six UK tours and developed projects like #GOOGLEDANCE, a digital series celebrating local creativity. Wayne is now transitioning, to broaden his impact across the cultural and creative sectors, championing inclusive and meaningful experiences.
“I applied to Beyond Dance because it offers a fantastic opportunity to step outside the dance industry at a pivotal moment in my career. I’m in the process of transitioning away from working solely in dance, and exploring how my skills and experiences can have broader applications across the cultural and creative sectors. This programme provides the space to reflect on my practice, hear myself in a new context, and gain fresh insights that can guide this transition. It’s also a chance to develop meaningful contacts across different industries, enriching my understanding of how diverse approaches and perspectives can inform and enhance my work.”
Juan Sanchez Plaza is a Spanish-born, London-based dancer and choreographer with over a decade of professional experience. He has collaborated with renowned dance and theatre companies in the UK and internationally, including Agudo Dance Company, Richard Chappell Dance, Tom Dale, Flute Theatre, Persona Collective and Salzburg Festspiele Haus.
In 2020, Juan co-founded Nomad Dance Collective, where he choreographs and performs internationally, creating innovative dance works. He is also the founder of: The 5 Elements Movement Practice, a somatic-based movement methodology designed to enhance well-being and self-expression. Additionally, Juan is a certified yoga teacher accredited by the International Yoga Alliance, integrating his passion for yoga with his movement practice.
“I applied to Beyond Dance at a pivotal moment of reflection in my career. I found myself questioning my role as a dancer and exploring how I could achieve new professional goals within the arts and dance, but through a path that extends beyond just performing. I hope this programme will provide me with fresh perspectives and clarity, helping me uncover a new direction that may already be right in front of me, waiting to be discovered.”
Lizzie Treece trained at London Studio Centre, with a Leverhulme Scholarship, and since graduating has gone on to have a portfolio career dancing for TV, Theatre, and Live events. Credits include: Bridgerton (Netflix), Tom’s Midnight Garden (UK Tour), resident dancer for The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK and Five Children and It (Tabard Theatre). Alongside performing, Lizzie is also a dance fitness instructor and adult dance teacher, and loves sharing her passion for dance through her classes.
“I applied for Beyond Dance to make time to reflect on my career, think about what direction I want to go in next and gain a different perspective on what might be possible. As a freelancer, work/life balance can be tough and having a mentor to share and discuss these challenges with is invaluable! I hope by the end of the programme to have identified what might be holding me back and have a clearer vision of where I want to take my career next.”
Get in touch
For any questions, support needs or to request an informal conversation with a member of the DCD Support & Programmes team about the Beyond Dance Mentoring for Dancers programme, please contact dancers@thedcd.org.uk.
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.
Watch this video to learn more about the Beyond Dance Mentoring programme . . .
Click here to check out our other programmes and events coming up.
Banner image: Nandita Shankardass Dancer, Choreographer,
Teacher, Facilitator,
Royal Ballet School Alumni, DCD EDI Working Group member. Photography: Simon Richardson.
Get in touch image: Sherisse Bisram, Dancer, Choreographer. Photography: Laura Belcher.
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