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.

Sophie has been working across Arts, Culture and Sport for nearly 10 years, specialising in access and inclusion, across communities, festivals and mass-participation projects with people of all ages and backgrounds. A highlight of her career was as the Participation Producer for a mass-scale inclusive dance project (‘Critical Mass’) as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, challenging perceptions of disability and genuine inclusion in mega sport and cultural events. 

She is currently the Senior Development Manager at Access Sport, ensuring community clubs across the West Midlands have confidence, resource and knowledge to work with disadvantaged and disabled young people. Past companies have included FABRIC, Birmingham Royal Ballet & Coventry City of Culture. Sophie has a strong passion both for Dance and Disability and is thrilled to support FRONTLINEdance in combining the two.

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 artist, to share her lived experience, and her love for movement with others.