Month: November 2023

After studying Contemporary Dance at University Helen’s career began working as a freelance dance administrator for FRONTLINEdance in 2001.  Providing an introduction to the dance industry and an opportunity to gain knowledge of administratively supporting an integrated dance project, she continued to follow the success of FRONTLINEdance through the years.

Helen’s career developed through a variety of administration and management roles, culminating in her current position as National Account Manager within the wholesale foodservice sector. With strong communication skills and customer service experience, a sound understanding of business development and general management, and proficiencies in sales and financial reporting, Helen is able to bring a unique balance and perspective to the Board.  Always actively involved with local communities Helen has held voluntary positions of committee chair for Brereton Preschool and Playgroup, and committee member for Goostrey Rose Festival, where liaising with volunteers, event co-ordination, and managing projects have been key skills.

Dance has always been an integral part of Helen’s life from being a class member of community groups such as Breakthrou’ and private dance schools, being a member of the Staffordshire Dance Collective, to volunteering as a dancer in community projects such as RECLAIM and PALACE by RESTOKE, and FRONTLINEdance’s IGNITE project and a Game of 2 ‘Arfs.

Helen is delighted to be once again involved and supporting the continued development of FRONTLINEdance as a member of the Board and working with a company that makes a difference.

I am an experienced Third Sector senior leadership and management professional with a career spanning over twenty-four years. My specific area of interest is in disability and health.

During my career I have served as CEO for five different charities in the fields of disability and education.

I have also served on several board and advisory panels, providing strategic and governance support to charities.

 As a longstanding supporter of FRONTLINEdance and with a keen interest in dance and performing arts in general, volunteering on the board of FRONTLINEdance allows me to combine my professional skills and experience with my personal interests.

Sophie has been working in participatory arts for 7 years, working with a wide range of ages and backgrounds on several different community projects. She has previously worked for Birmingham Royal Ballet coordinating a large-scale performance project in three UK cities with participants aged 9-99yrs, then with Coventry City of Culture on their major city-wide opening event ‘Coventry Moves’.

Currently, Sophie is the Participation Producer for an ambitious mass-participatory dance and movement project called ‘Critical Mass’ that brings together young disabled and non-disabled people aged 16-30 to perform at major cultural events. This project has ignited a passion for access and inclusion in Sophie that she hopes to develop within her role as a Board Member for FRONTLINEdance.

Amy started dancing at the age of two at Jenny Brennan School of Dance, before being awarded a full scholarship to train at Elmhurst Ballet School, in Birmingham, from the age of 12 onwards. Whilst training there she had the opportunity to work alongside guest choreographers including Ruth Brill, Paul James Rooney and Adam Rutherford.  She also had the opportunity to create dance pieces for the yearly choreographic competitions. 

Amy went on to train at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance achieving a BA Hons in 2020. During her time at Rambert, she had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Darren Ellis and Thick and Tight and performed Christopher Bruce’s piece called ‘Stream’. Throughout all of her training, she was involved in a number of different choreographic platforms and also worked with local year 10 GCSE students choreographing a piece for the ‘Aspire’ project. 

Amy has also been a member of Transitions Dance Company touring around the UK, performing works choreographed by Didy Veldman, Rahel Vonmoos and Dog Kennel Hill Project. She also gained a MA in Dance Performance. 

Amy is currently a freelance dance artist within Stoke-On-Trent. She has recently worked with Restoke, performing in the Lotus Eaters, and is continuing to help others with episode 5 of the Odyssey. She is also really looking forward to working with New Vic Theatre performing in their Christmas show- The Nutcracker in 2023-2024. In the future, she also endeavours to create her own work to express her own artistic voice.

Amy has taught and explored movement with a range of ages and backgrounds. She teaches in private dance schools from the ages of 3 upwards. As well as leading dance sessions for over 60s within the community setting. Additionally, Amy is a regular teacher for Staffordshire Youth Ballet- an associate programme for young aspiring dancers. She also works at the YMCA in Hanley leading movement based sessions for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people. Amy is really interested in how dance can be utilised to support well-being, specifically, in how we can tell stories and express ourselves through movement.  She is really grateful and excited to be working with FRONTLINEdance as a youth ambassador and associate dance Artis, to share her lived experience, and her love for movement with others.

From a young age, Craig has had a passion for dance and theatre, training both locally at Steelworks and completing vocational dance training in Liverpool. Craig previously worked in Education working with Autistic students and has lived experience of disability. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Craig understands how it feels to sometimes be excluded from society and is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting inclusion within the Arts. Craig is proud to serve the community and wants to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Having connected with Rachael through his work with Appetite, Craig has been inspired by FRONTLINEdance’s commitment to access and inclusivity and is delighted to join FRONTLINEdance as a voluntary board member. He looks forward to supporting Rachael and the company on this exciting next step of their journey.