SHIFT

‘I have experienced a reorientation of priorities regarding my health. I was once able to output a large amount of emotional, psychological and physical resource and labour consistently into the dance industry and it was once a sustainable option for me. Due to the precariousness of managing PTSD and recognising that I need more systems and supportive infrastructure in place as a neurodivergent person, it has become relatively inaccessible for me to sustain my career as a dancer, so retraining in something else is necessary. This is not to say I will no longer dance, but it’s not my dependence for economic stability.

Qigong has had a huge impact on me, supporting me in some of the most stress induced and difficult adjustments in my life. Not only has it shown me that this is an old century evolutionary & timeless science bridging mind, body and spirit, but it’s something that connects people of all walks of life, from all different abilities. It is sustainable, preventative and filled with wisdom and diverse solutions. It’s something that I need for my health and is also something I’m passionate about sharing with others. So training as a qigong practitioner was something I was adamant about doing.’

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‘As an artist who became disabled at 22 with ME/CFS my life changed due to lack of access to spaces, which were not only my social & creative networks but also my career. I want to transition into event management and curation of accessible events in order to host & make space for disabled, chronically ill & neurodivergent artists.’

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‘I applied to the SHIFT programme to help me dedicate more time to improving my DJ skills and expanding my music industry network. I began DJing in 2020 and learned the basics quickly during lockdown; what began as a passion project then quickly evolved into a new career opportunity to supplement my dancing. Through SHIFT I will further develop skills including scratching, equalizing, transitions and effects, and will learn how to mix multiple music genres, so that I can be a more rounded DJ for parties and dance battles. I will also travel to Paris to learn from some reputed international DJs and deepen my industry knowledge. I am excited to see how my craft and career path develops this year. There are not so many well-known female DJs in the street dance scene, so I aim to become one.’

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The SHIFT programme was a great support at a key time in my career. I was able to upskill in my marketing through the Digital Marketing at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School thanks to the grant made available. I’m now able to apply these skills in a new job I managed to pick up as a result. The mentoring programme offered through Moving Ahead was also key in building up confidence in building plans for the immediate and long-term future. Clare Smart, my mentor, was friendly and supportive in her approach, helping me solidify personal and professional goals and targets. Her sensitive, careful, and considered approach was at the core of my positive experience. I can’t recommend SHIFT enough!

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‘I applied to SHIFT as I wish to explore a career transition into performance psychology consultancy. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in Sport and Exercise Psychology, I have had the chance to gain extensive knowledge in the field. Having always been passionate about dance and performance, I attempted to apply my psychological knowledge to enhance my own professional artistic work.’

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‘I’ve applied for SHIFT to explore new skills to expand my performance in different industries. The solid dependence on financial stability within the dance industry, within current inflation, was becoming impossible and pushed me towards expanding my horizons. I’m also very interested in learning and acquiring new skills that I will be able to merge with what I do already.’

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‘I applied to the SHIFT Programme to gain support whilst being encouraged to explore another career option. As a bodyworker my aims will be maintaining and restoring health to find harmony. Currently I’m a dance artist and lecturer where I work with my body and other bodies; transitioning into this field of work will be a natural progression. My interest in Traditional Thai Yoga Massage blossomed in 2016, I’m attracted to this style of massage because it feels like a sacred dance between two people, since then my curiosity has led to a steady progression of attaining my skills and vision.

The partnership between Dancers’ Career Development and Moving Ahead will provide a fantastic advantage to be matched with a mentor, engaging on a one-to-one basis with reciprocity, via ‘Beyond Dance’. This scheme allows me to invest in my interest enabling growth, it will be very beneficial to have fresh ideas because of this growth mindset; but instead of managing it all by myself I will be able to communicate and exchange experiences, stories, ideas and insights with my cohort peers and mentor.

Ultimately next year I hope to have completed my anatomy and physiology studies with a client base rising. Dance has been a massive part of my lifestyle and will continue to be, the generous grant will allow me to explore the body at a theoretical level, I can contribute the physical knowledge that I already deeply possess. When both are combined, I’ll flourish!’

Pronouns: she/her
Instagram: @rosie_wilsid
Portrait Photographer: Patrick Ford

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