Each group have worked with their lead artists to explore the theme of ‘journeys’, creating a vibrant colourful mix of thought-provoking and fun dance performed live and on film.
We’d be grateful if you could share our event with anyone who you think might be interested. You can also share and tag us on social media using the handle @frontlinedance1
📍 Sculpture Court at The Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery. Bethesda St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Staffordshire. ST1 3DW. (The sculpture court is next to the café)
Cost: FREE – Donations Welcome
11am: ‘The Explorers in Training’, an interactive dance performance for children 11:45am: DJ set from Callaloo Carnival Arts 12:30pm: Sighted Guidance Tour of Work | Audio Described Film of What? Me? Worry? 2pm: ‘The Explorers in Training’, an interactive dance performance for children 2:45pm: DJ set from Callaloo Carnival Arts
The Explorers in Training!
⏰ Performances at: 11am & 2pm
📍 Sculpture Court (next to the cafe in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.)
We’re excited that our “The Explorers in Training” will be making their debut at FAF 2025! ‘The Explorers in Training Cast’ are selected dancers, from our Advanced Training Programme. They have learnt our inclusive children’s show The Explorers! with our new Explorer Connor.
You will be taken on a wondrous adventure to find two books which will be read and explored, using sensory props and dance to bring the stories to life! Within an inclusive, relaxed, and open space, this interactive show encourages the audience to move and explore in the performance space, use their imagination, interact with the performers, work as a team and be creative
The show was co-created with disabled children, hospice/hospital patients and their families. Makaton is signed throughout, AD and BSL is available for anyone who needs it – making it an accessible show to enjoy.
The show is suitable for children aged 3+ (though all ages have enjoyed the show from babies to adults!)
Sighted Guided Tour of the Sculpture Court FAF Exhibition
⏰ 12 Midday 📍 Sculpture Court (next to the cafe in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.)
The tour will last approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll be guided around each section of the Sculpture Court where you’ll hear from the artists themselves visually describe their work on audio recordings.
You’ll get to interact with Cat McGill’s sound installation and be hosted by audio describer Louise, and FRONTLINEdance’s Artistic director, Rachael Lines.
Music from Callaloo Carnival Arts will be played just before and just after the tour. Anyone with children or grandchildren, that would like to see our Explorers in training performances, these will be audio described at 11am and 2pm. Please book your tickets separately.
Details of the Venue Entry to the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery can be made via the main doors on Bethesda Street or via a buzzer system next to the spitfire gallery which has glass windows near to the blue badge spaces. FRONTLINE Arts Volunteers will be at the door, to support and guide anyone who needs it.
Parking: *There are FREE blue badge spaces at the PMAG. You need to access them from Warners Street. As you enter the one way system on Warner Street, drive past the PMAG on your left, and then take your first left into the car park…drive straight then turn left until you reach the marked bays. Blue Badge parking can also be located on Warner Street, and Broad Street.
There are a number of car parks, close by. The ones on broad street are the closest and are reasonably priced.
The museum is a short walk from Hanley Bus Station, or a 20-minute walk / 12 minute bus journey from Stoke Train Station. You can plan your train journey at Trainline.
Accessibility 👉 The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, on the ground floor, and has disabled parking close by* 👉 BSL interpretation 👉 Audio description (please select as a ticket add-on when booking so we can ensure we have enough headsets) 👉 Chill out room 👉 Bean bags to sit or lie down 👉 Sighted Guiders 👉 Touch tours & visual tours 👉 Easy Read Information and Visual Stories
*Parking ……. We’ll give you a number to call a little nearer to the time if you experience any issues parking on the day.
If you require any further access information or support, please email hello@frontlinedance.co.uk so we can put it in place for you ahead of the festival.
FRONTLINEdance is appreciative to be working in partnership with Appetite, Stoke Creates and Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery to make FRONTLINE Arts Festival – “What’s all the FAF about?” happen again this year. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work.
FRONTLINE Arts Festival – “What’s All the FAF About? Event! (#FAF2025)
FRIDAY EVENT: Join us at the wonderful Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery (PMAG) in Stoke-on-Trent for an exciting day of performances, panel discussions, and connecting with international, national and regional disabled and neurodivergent artists.
⏰ Time: Arrive for refreshments from 10am, with the event starting promptly at 10.30am. The event lasts until 4:30pm
📍 Location: The Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery. Bethesda St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Staffordshire. ST1 3DW.
Cost: The festival is ‘pay as you can’, meaning you can select your chosen donation amount when booking. Suggested £2.50 – £50. CARERS are FREE please email hello@frontlinedance.co.uk with the name and number of FREE careers tickets that you require.
Lunch: A FREE vegan lunch will be provided. Please select at checkout if you would like it. In an effort to reduce our environmental impact, we’d like to ask all attendees to bring their own hot and cold drinks cup/bottle. Thank You.
Showcasing the talent of UK d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent artists, #FAF2025 event will include a range of performances, arts and sound installations, including spoken word, dance, music, poetry, film, sculptures, photographs, drawings and paintings. It will premiere two FRONTLINEdance commissions and one commission by Appetite.
There will also be the chance to connect with local d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent charities, hear from our featured artists, connect with others in a speed networking session, and engage in a panel discussion.
The whole programme including Saturday and Sunday activities, can be found below. It includes performances for disabled children and their families, DJ Soca Haze, and meet the commissioned artists on Sunday. Throughout the weekend, FAF exhibition will be in the Sculpture Court. You only need to book for Friday and Saturday’s Explorers in Training show.
Accessibility 👉 The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, on the ground floor, and has disabled parking close by* 👉 BSL interpretation 👉 Audio description (please select as a ticket add-on when booking so we can ensure we have enough headsets) 👉 Chill out room 👉 Bean bags to sit or lie down 👉 Sighted Guiders 👉 Touch tours & visual tours (times and more information to follow) 👉 Easy Read Information and Visual Stories
*Parking ……. We’ll give you a number to call a little nearer to the time if you experience any issues parking on the day.
Entry to the PMAG can be made via the main doors on Bethesda Street or via a buzzer system next to the spitfire gallery which has glass windows near to the blue badge spaces. FRONTLINE Arts Volunteers will be on the door, to support and guide anyone who needs it.
Parking: *There are FREE blue badge spaces at the PMAG. You need to access them from Warners Street. As you enter the one way system on Warner Street, drive past the PMAG on your left, and then take your first left into the car park…drive straight then turn left until you reach the marked bays. Blue Badge parking can also be located on Warner Street, and Broad Street.
There are a number of car parks, close by. The ones on broad street are the closest and are reasonably priced. The museum is a short walk from Hanley Bus Station, or a 20-minute walk / 12 minute bus journey from Stoke Train Station. You can plan your train journey at Trainline.
If you require any further access information or support, please email hello@frontlinedance.co.uk so we can put it in place for you ahead of the festival.
#FAF2025 is open to all, and is set to be an exciting opportunity to experience new work and join in discussions about creativity and the arts. We look forward to seeing you there! We’d be grateful if you could share our event with anyone who you think might be interested. You can also share and tag us on social media using the handle @frontlinedance1
Volunteering at #FAF2025
We’re looking for volunteers to get involved! Roles will include stewarding and event support, to help make sure the day is enjoyable and engaging for everyone. We’re also interested in hearing from volunteers who’d like to help creatively document the day, whether snapping photos, penning poetry, or filming the action.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please drop us an email at hello@frontlinedance.co.uk to have a chat about how you can get involved.
FRONTLINEdance welcomes donations so we can continue commissioning d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent artists and putting on events like this. You can make a donation here: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/wall/frontlinedance or you can select your chosen donation amount when booking.
FRONTLINEdance is appreciative to be working in partnership with Appetite, StokeCreates and Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery to make FRONTLINE Arts Festival – “What’s all the FAF about?” happen again this year. FRONTLINEdance is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work.
FRONTLINEdance would like to invite you to experience ‘Holding On’; a contemporary dance performance co-created with those who have experienced grief, mainly by the loss of a loved one to pancreatic cancer.
When: Monday 3rd February 2025, 7:00pm with LIVE MUSIC by composer and multi-instrumentalist Greg Hall. Doors open at 6:30pm for drinks. Where: NSCG College. PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE. Knutton Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme. ST5 2GB Parking: FREE – please use Student Car Park which can be accessed from Ashfileds New Road. Cost: Pay What You Can
Please feel free to bring a special object or/and a photograph of a loved one that you have lost. You’ll be invited to position them in the performance area on arrival. On leaving, you will be given the opportunity, to share your loved one’s name with us, and write a message for them, if you wish.
You’ll also be invited to stay and talk about ‘Holding On’. You may like to share what you thought of the work, ask questions, or talk about any themes that the work explores. Please be aware, that there will not be a bereavement or trained councillor present for this conversation, but friendly faces and listening ears. You do not have to stay to be part of the conversation.
We look forward to sharing Holding On with you. If you have any questions, please email or call us, and please share. If you require audio description or a BSL interpreter, please contact us in advance.
Photos by Jenny Harper, inside Keele University Chapel
“Holding On is an excellent experience of contemporary dance for someone like me who knows little about dance, but thoroughly enjoys watching performances. It is extremely thought provoking”. Audience Member.
“Holding On shows the importance and need for support during the devastation cancer causes”. Audience Member.
We look forward to welcoming you and would like to thank you in advance for supporting us.
FRONTLINEdance would like to invite you to experience ‘Holding On’. A contemporary dance performance co-created with those who have experienced grief, mainly by the loss of a loved one to pancreatic cancer.
A FREE light lunch will be provided from 11:30am – 12:20pm, for those who have booked tickets in advance. Donations very welcome.
Please feel free to bring a special object or/and a photograph of a loved one that you have lost. You’ll be invited to position them in the performance area on arrival. On leaving, you will be given the opportunity, to share your loved one’s name with us, and write a message for them, if you wish.
At 1pm, you’ll be invited to stay and talk about ‘Holding On’. You may like to share what you thought of the work, ask questions, or talk about any themes that the work explores. Please be aware, that there will not be a bereavement or trained councillor present for this conversation, but friendly faces and listening ears. You do not have to stay to be part of the conversation.
We look forward to sharing Holding On with you this Sunday. Any questions please email or call us, and please share. If you require audio description or a BSL interpreter, please contact us ASAP.
“Holding On is an excellent experience of contemporary dance for someone like me who knows little about dance,but thoroughly enjoys watching performances. It is extremely thought provoking”. Audience Member.
“Holding On shows the importance and need for support during the devastation cancer causes”. Audience Member.
We look forward to welcoming you and would like to thank you in advance for supporting us.
If you can’t make Sunday, then we will be performing again on Monday 3rd February at NULC College at 7pm. Please contact us for details or keep a look out on our social media and website.
FRONTLINEdance, as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), 2023-2026, is recruiting for Board Directors, Members and a new Chair. As a not-for-profit company ltd by guarantee (no shareholders), voluntary board members will support growth and stability to ensure FRONTLINEdance remain a permanent fixture in the arts and disability ecology of the West Midlands and Nationally.
Deadline for expressions of interest:
5pm, Monday 13th January 2024
Find out more about FRONTLINEdance, by clicking the link.
We are keen to ensure that the new Chair and Board members /directors represent who we are as a dance artist-led company, where d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse (dDDN), and those with long-term health conditions are at the core of the organisation as leaders, dancers, artists, participants, and audiences. We are also committed to ensure underrepresented groups and communities with whom we frequently work are represented on our Board. As such, we are keen to receive applications from:
people who represent groups from lower socio-economic backgrounds, from the Global Majority, who are d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse, and/or have long-term health conditions
those who have strategic experience of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area
those with an interested and skill in environmental responsibility
experienced in running arts companies or dDDN based charities
business development
those who work in Healthcare including Creative Health
THE BOARDS PURPOSE: to support FRONTLINEdance to deliver with quality, an ambitious activity plan that embeds the Arts Council England’s shared Investment Principles and #Let’s Create strategy. To advocate for and introduce FRONTLINEdance to potential supporters, partners, investors; to advocate for access and inclusion widely, be objective with the ability to scrutinise and question FRONTLINEdance’s decisions, planning and delivery, to advise the organisation and support in its strategic aims for the long-term organisation development and sustainability.
Being based in Stoke-on-Trent means that our work is positioned to the Levelling-up Agenda, and therefore the Board should also be strong advocates for programming and connecting to those who are harder to reach (due to geographical, social or economic limitations).
SKILLS, KNOWLEDE, COMMITMENT TO:
Inclusion and access being embedded and at the centre of all we do and then advocate this externally. The social model of disability is central to all our thinking
Ensuring the board can be a place where d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent people can lead, develop and thrive with equity.
Supporting the contemporary dance, arts and disability ecology
Sector development; carer pathways where barriers are removed, for example due to academic attainment.
Arts Council England’s Investment Principles and #Let’s Create Strategy
Sound business models for the arts and not-for-profit sector
Sector development; giving others the tools, skills and confidence to make their practices accessible and fully inclusive
Ability to objectively scrutinise and hold the company to account
Supporting FRONTLINEdance staff, to help achieve the aims of the organisation.
Fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders / donors.
Ensuring adherence and compliance around key policies, for example Equality and Diversity, Health & Safety, and in all decisions and discussions of the Board.
Stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making.
ADDITIONAL FOR THE CHAIR POSITION:
Have the ability to Chair meetings where all voices are heard displaying good time management.
Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with the board and FRONTLINEdance staff.
Liaise regularly with the treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of FRONTLINEdance financial position and to ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the board.
Approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.
Support and contribute to strategic plans and conduct regular reviews of long-term strategic aims of FRONTLINEdance.
Lead and mentor other board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board.
Annually review the board structure, role, staff relationships and ensure implementation of agreed changes/developments are carried out.
Encourage team working among board members and encourage them to identify and recruit new trustees as required.
Represent FRONTLINEdance as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.
Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.
Facilitate change and address conflict within the board of Trustees, within FRONTLINEdance and liaise with the appropriate FRONTLINEdance staff to achieve this.
BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR BOARD:
Your professional networks will be enhanced with opportunities for skills development and career progression.
Develop your sound judgement and interpersonal skills.
Opportunity to lead and work with d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent professionals.’
Make a difference to the local community! Your role helps ensure that FRONTLINEdance remain viable and sustainable.
Support community engagement and community cohesion.
Develop problem-solving, analytic skills and versatility.
You will play a part in ensuring Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire is a place where d/DEAF, disabled people, neurodivergent, and those with long term health conditions can thrive.
TIME COMMITMENT AND TERMS
2-3 years, with staggered replacement
You are required to fully participate in quarterly board meetings usually held via zoomaround the 1st of April, June, September and 18th December
Communication via email and Whatsapp will be necessary.
Attend at least one performance or event per year. More is desirable but optional.
Check emails and respond in a timely manner.
Ensure that FRONTLINEdance pursues its objects (purposes) as defined in its governing document and other relevant legislation/regulations.
Pancreatic cancer, compassion & creativity / 20th November 2024 at 10am / Keele Chapel, Keele University.
We are honoured to premiere ‘Holding On’ at the Seth’s Legacy Conference, as part of the 10th year of his passing to pancreatic cancer.
Holding On was co-created with the performing dancer’s Kayleigh Price, Katie Albon and Charlotte Arnold, emerging dancer Beth Hope and community dancers Mary Godden and April Fone. Concept and Direction by Rachael Lines.
The concept of the work was a direct result of Lesley, Seth’s wife inviting us to be part of the day and the different narratives of grief caused by Cancer and directly experienced by members of the artistic team. Conversations from members of the pancreatic cancer community has influenced and added to the work.
FRONTLINEdance will be performing a special 30-minute version, for the conference in this special location. It features recorded music by composer and singer-songwriter Greg Hall, and costume by Ilona Alyamani. A full-length production and screen dance films will follow in 2025, as will a new performance project for those diagnosed with Cancer.
We very much hope that you can join us at 10am, Keele Chapel, Keele University on 20th November.
It’s with great sadness that on Tuesday 15th October, our wonderful Chair, Marc Crank sadly passed away.
I first met Marc back in the early 2000’s when he was the CEO of Disability Solutions. He first became Chair of FRONTLINEdance from 15 April 2004 to 13 October 2008. He rejoined the board again as Chair and Director in September 2023.
Marc led with great care, compassion and humour. He was a committed, knowledgeable, and experienced, Chair, whom we were very lucky to have on our board. He was enthusiastic about the work that we do here at FRONTLINEdance, and very supportive of me as the Artistic Director/CEO.
Marc’s job as CEO at several charities, meant that he could share his knowledge and experience with me and the rest of the team. He understood and acted on the importance of his role from both sides. He ensured that we met monthly, and always thanked me for the work I was doing. He also always ended by reminding me to take care and not to forget to look after myself.
His advice, words of wisdom and compassion prominently whirl around in my head. They will offer me support and strength as we plough through the many plans and activities, we have for FRONTLINEdance.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Marc’s wife Fiona, his family, friends and colleagues.
Rachael Lines, Artistic Director / CEO, FRONTLINEdance
VD: A portrait painting image of Marc. He is wearing a blue shirt and green chinos. One leg is lifted and tucked behind the other. He is smiling whilst siting on an antique red and mahogany stool, in front of a fire place
The painting was created whilst Marc was Chief Executive for Henshaws North West. Marc regularly spoke about his experience of living with a facial disfigurement. Alastair Adams first approached him about sitting for a portrait in order to enable him to further his research into the reflective values of the portrait painting process. Before, during and after his sittings with Marc, Alastair gathered video footage and recorded interviews with him and his immediate family, and used the process of the production of the painting as a method to gather information on the impact of facial disfigurement. The final painting was exhibited at the 2009 Royal Society of Portrait Painters Exhibition.
The painting then went on to the National Portrait Gallery and was exhibited between June and September, 2009.
‘DIY Dancer’, a short film commissioned by FRONTLINEdance. This film gave associate artist Kayleigh Price and members of our community dance groups the opportunity to work together to produce a unique piece of dance for film for the first time.
‘DIY Dancer’ screen dance project, centres on a poem by Matt Abbott written for community dance participant Mary Godden at an Appetite Event. It feature’s in the films conclusion which is beautifully signed by Kevaughn Laing (one of our ATP dancers and now emerging artists).
The performing dancers are from FRONTLINEdance’s community programmes – Breakthrou’ dance, Moving Together and our new Advanced Training Programme (ATP). Ages range from 7 to 77 years old and participants are d/DEAF, disabled, neurodivergent dancers or have a long-term health condition’s.
The film features dancers who had only just joined the FRONTLINEdance community (3 weeks in), where they and others made their performance debut as part of the film!
Choreography: Kayleigh Price and the dancers
Videography By: Jay Gearing Red7Productions
Composition and Music: Luke Marley
Direction: Kayleigh Price
Contact hello@frontlinedance.co.uk for more details, to support FRONTLINEdance and to join one of our programmes. Find us on most social media channels @FRONTLINEdance1 and hit subscribe on YouTube.
FRONTLINEdance is proud to be an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (2023-2026), which means funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work.
We’re inviting you to join ‘Holding On 2’ – a Creative Health project open to those living with and beyond cancer.
In a safe environment, you will explore creative and artistic ideas in a number of ways, supported by our team of artists, (most of which have had a cancer diagnosis themselves ), and each other. Loved ones are welcome too 😊.
On offer will be movement and dance (as gentle or as energetic as you wish it to be), singing, music, creative writing, drawing, plus more besides!
NO EXPERIENCE NECCESARY. We’re well known for integrating beginners and professionals together in the same space.
All sessions are free of charge, and we can support transport costs. Sessions on offer will be on a few different days and times to accommodate commitments, hospital appointments and days when you are not feeling well enough to attend. Days, times and venues will be sent after we have had a chat.
Please call Rachael (Artistic Director/CEO) – or email/text Rachael to call you, so we can discuss the project with you and highlight all the different options of taking part on offer. It’s starting very soon!
There will be a choice to share what we create in a live performance and a film project. This is your choice and not wanting to take part will not prevent you from taking part in all other aspects of the project. We’d love as many people as possible to join us and we understand performing isn’t for everyone.
If this isn’t for you, but you’d like to share your cancer journey with us, so others can explore and share it as part of our performances, then please contact Rachael. She will listen to your story, then let you know how we’d like to use it.
This project aims to support and nurture your mental, emotional, social and physical health. Words to describe similar projects have been; safe, joyous, supported, listened to, respected, comradery, valued, energised, alive, strong, more agile, proud, content, acceptance, hope and ownership.
We are also keen to hear from those who work with Cancer patients in hospital and community settings who are interested in getting involved. There are many strands to this project, and we can also come to you as part of it.
If you are a group and you’d like us to visit you please contact: rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk as soon as possible.
Please share this opportunity with those who you think would like to join us.
