Reach
DCD'S REACH Ambassador programme is the first of its kind in the world.
REACH is an entirely unique opportunity for dancers to influence and shape DCD’s current and future offerings for DCD Partner Companies, making a direct impact on dancers’ lives both now and in the long-term.
Represent
Encourage
Advocate
Contribute
Heighten
ABOUT THE REACH PROGRAMME
Every 2-3 years, DCD recruits a team of highly motivated, well-connected and supportive REACH Ambassadors to help increase overall engagement with professional dancers across the UK. This diverse working group provides insight into the specific needs of DCD Partner Company dancers and helps to shape dancer-driven programmes, ensuring that the organisation continues to provide the most relevant and useful support possible. We also aim to promote and develop a positive culture around career development and transition in the UK dance sector.
DCD Company Ambassadors will gain the opportunity to stretch and strengthen their leadership, communication and organisational skills, as well as a chance to widen their network. They’ll gain valuable experience for their CV and build visibility and reputation within company.
As an organisation committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, DCD actively encourages applications from dancers at all stages of their career, of all backgrounds, cultures and lived experiences.
MEET OUR 2023-24 DCD REACH AMBASSADORS
Click here to read more.
Sophie Allnat
The Royal Ballet
I’m looking forward to helping spread the word of the wonderful work DCD do, improve and build on my own skills and meet new people outside of my normal circles.
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Matthew Astley
English National Ballet
I would describe DCD as a charity that is here to support dancers no matter what stage of their career they might be in. The support comes in an array of wonderful ways which can help each and every individual in a way that suits them. It has a team that can really empower and inspire you to discover the strengths and skills we don’t even fully recognise we have and be a positive guide to finding new career paths.
Click here to read more.
Harris Bell
The Royal Ballet
Since joining the Royal Ballet, DCD has been a catalyst for all my wildest dreams, knowing that there is such a service to support the continuation of curiosity that drew me to dance in the first place is something that I couldn’t help but want to be a part of.
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Aisling Brangan
Scottish Ballet
Another inspiring year and I genuinely am seeing such a positive attitude to career exploration and transition throughout the company which is also inspiring. People are increasingly open about seeking DCD which is so different to when I first joined Scottish Ballet.
I’m looking forward to helping spread the word of the wonderful work DCD do, improve and build on my own skills and meet new people outside of my normal circles.
I would describe DCD as a charity that is here to support dancers no matter what stage of their career they might be in. The support comes in an array of wonderful ways which can help each and every individual in a way that suits them. It has a team that can really empower and inspire you to discover the strengths and skills we don’t even fully recognise we have and be a positive guide to finding new career paths.
Since joining the Royal Ballet, DCD has been a catalyst for all my wildest dreams, knowing that there is such a service to support the continuation of curiosity that drew me to dance in the first place is something that I couldn’t help but want to be a part of.
Another inspiring year and I genuinely am seeing such a positive attitude to career exploration and transition throughout the company which is also inspiring. People are increasingly open about seeking DCD which is so different to when I first joined Scottish Ballet.
Click here to read more.
Isabelle Brouwers
English National Ballet
Isabelle is a REACH Ambassador for English National Ballet.
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Sarah Chun
Northern Ballet
It has opened up my perspective for what I want to develop within my goals and helped me learn about what other people need. I could see the change of perspective within the company. Seeing my colleagues feeling more reassured thinking of careers after dance as something positive and possible instead of negative and daunting. Especially with the resources that DCD has to offer. So to be a small of that change made me feel lucky to be able to be a REACH Ambassador.
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Simone Damberg-Wurtz
Rambert
Being a REACH Ambassador has met and exceeded my expectations. I have felt a great support from DCD, meeting and connecting with the ambassadors from other companies has been great, made me feel a part of a larger community in the dance industry. For me the impact has been the being so inspired by DCD and the other ambassadors to make a difference, being inspired and feeling equipped to being able to help, support and guided the dancers in my company.
Click here to read more.
Jennie Harrington
English National Ballet
I have felt supported by DCD and the REACH Ambassador group throughout my involvement, and it has been very beneficial to hear how other companies link with DCD, as well as having a connection to other companies within the UK.
Isabelle is a REACH Ambassador for English National Ballet.
It has opened up my perspective for what I want to develop within my goals and helped me learn about what other people need. I could see the change of perspective within the company. Seeing my colleagues feeling more reassured thinking of careers after dance as something positive and possible instead of negative and daunting. Especially with the resources that DCD has to offer. So to be a small of that change made me feel lucky to be able to be a REACH Ambassador.
Being a REACH Ambassador has met and exceeded my expectations. I have felt a great support from DCD, meeting and connecting with the ambassadors from other companies has been great, made me feel a part of a larger community in the dance industry. For me the impact has been the being so inspired by DCD and the other ambassadors to make a difference, being inspired and feeling equipped to being able to help, support and guided the dancers in my company.
I have felt supported by DCD and the REACH Ambassador group throughout my involvement, and it has been very beneficial to hear how other companies link with DCD, as well as having a connection to other companies within the UK.
Click here to read more.
Grace Horler
Scottish Ballet
DCD is a safe space to talk and work through any thoughts or plans you might have for your future without any pressure or stigma.
Click here to read more.
Regan Hutsell
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Dancers Career Development help you explore, develop, and discover. Through the process of discovering what unique abilities you bring to the world around you, they can help you to channel that into life post-dance.
They are in place to help you be able to explore exciting new opportunities with guidance and decreased pressure and stress. They can help provide support mentally through coaching, and financially when it comes to partnering with you in taking steps off the stage.
Click here to read more.
Heather Lehan
Northern Ballet
It has encouraged me to think outside the bubble of Northern Ballet and begin to think of the dance community as a whole. I love the connections we make with other companies and it was especially interesting through the pandemic period as we were all looking around to see what our neighbour companies were doing in such unprecedented times.
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Naya Lovell
Rambert
This past year I have noticed my growth and progression in my leadership skills pertaining to both my work and personal life. The best thing about REACH is the community of dancers that I have gotten the privilege to meet in-person as well as through Zoom. I have gained understanding that we as company members can use each other and support one another in our growth.
DCD is a safe space to talk and work through any thoughts or plans you might have for your future without any pressure or stigma.
Dancers Career Development help you explore, develop, and discover. Through the process of discovering what unique abilities you bring to the world around you, they can help you to channel that into life post-dance.
They are in place to help you be able to explore exciting new opportunities with guidance and decreased pressure and stress. They can help provide support mentally through coaching, and financially when it comes to partnering with you in taking steps off the stage.
It has encouraged me to think outside the bubble of Northern Ballet and begin to think of the dance community as a whole. I love the connections we make with other companies and it was especially interesting through the pandemic period as we were all looking around to see what our neighbour companies were doing in such unprecedented times.
This past year I have noticed my growth and progression in my leadership skills pertaining to both my work and personal life. The best thing about REACH is the community of dancers that I have gotten the privilege to meet in-person as well as through Zoom. I have gained understanding that we as company members can use each other and support one another in our growth.
Click here to read more.
Grace Paulley
Scottish Ballet
Being a DCD REACH Ambassador is an encouraging, empowering & rewarding experience. It is fantastic to be able to connect with dancers from other companies and from the freelance dance industry. I’m very excited to continue developing these connections, to gain & share more knowledge & skills from all of DCD’s available programmes, and to keep driving Scottish Ballet’s positive & proactive approach to career transition through our engagement with DCD.
Click here to read more.
Eilis Small
Birmingham Royal Ballet
I am very excited to be a REACH ambassador alongside such wonderful people. DCD has helped me so much with pursuing a course that I’ve been able to complete whilst working in my ballet company full time and I am looking forward to assisting others and showing them how DCD can help them to do the same.
Photographer: Johan Persson
Being a DCD REACH Ambassador is an encouraging, empowering & rewarding experience. It is fantastic to be able to connect with dancers from other companies and from the freelance dance industry. I’m very excited to continue developing these connections, to gain & share more knowledge & skills from all of DCD’s available programmes, and to keep driving Scottish Ballet’s positive & proactive approach to career transition through our engagement with DCD.
I am very excited to be a REACH ambassador alongside such wonderful people. DCD has helped me so much with pursuing a course that I’ve been able to complete whilst working in my ballet company full time and I am looking forward to assisting others and showing them how DCD can help them to do the same.
Photographer: Johan Persson
‘I learnt the importance of listening, communicating and letting go. It was great to connect with other members, I didn’t know how much I needed the session.’
REACH Ambassador
L:R Clore Leadership Fellow, Coach and Facilitator Amanda Smethurst along with DCD REACH Ambassadors William Bracewell, Laura Day, Naya Lovell, Sean Bates and Simone Damberg Würtz at our recent meet up where we looked at various theories and tools for change, motivation and influence.
Every year, our REACH Ambassadors will . . .
Represent their fellow dancers’ needs
Encourage other dancers to engage with DCD’s programmes
Advocate for DCD’s work and how it meets dancer’s needs
Contribute to the discussion and development of DCD’s programmes to dancers
Heighten awareness, aspirations, support and interest in DCD’s work
Since REACH launched in 2018, we have seen . . .
100% of REACH Ambassadors noticing a shift in culture/attitudes around career development in their company and the sector
92% increase in company dancers applying for Career Exploration Grants
48% increase in company dancers taking part in the DCD Coaching Programme
'As Ambassadors we can contribute to spreading the seeds for more open communication about dancers’ careers beyond dance, and so establish a more open culture for the future in the entire industry.'
Edit Domoszlai, Rambert
Not only can you get information from your REACH Ambassador about DCD’s support, you can also let them know your feedback and suggestions for how DCD can help you.
Thank you so much to our REACH Ambassadors for your invaluable contributions and support!
Banner image: DCD Supported Dancer Ruth Brill
Photography: DCD Supported Dancer Laurent Liotardo
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