FRONTLINEdance are looking for volunteers to support dance workshops for wheelchair users with complex disabilities and their families.
You’ll be needed from 10:45am-12:15pm on a Saturday during term and with a few longer sessions on ad-hoc days during the holidays. We understand that you may not be able to make every week, and that’s OK. So please still get in touch if you can help us just a few times as well as on a regularly or as many time as you’d like!
There is a range of duties you can chose to help us with including:
Welcoming families
Chatting to and supporting the participants
Workshop assisting – supporting the lead artists and families
Making hot and cold drinks
This is also a great opportunity for teachers, T/A’s, Personal assistants and carers to get ideas of how to create inclusive dance sessions for wheelchair users with complex disabilities.
We need volunteers for leaflet distribution too, so please let us know if you can help.
Travel costs will be reimbursed. More information will be provided once you have registered your interest.
“I was a bit nervous about coming along today, but everyone seems really friendly,” a fellow festival attendee says as we sit and chat over coffee in the Main Hall of the Catalyst Building at Staffordshire University. We’re here for the Frontline Arts Festival, a celebration of disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent artists, taking place for the day on 28th March. Led by FRONTLINEdance, the event is filled with performances, panels and networking.
As a disabled writer – I’m visually impaired and have experienced mental ill health – I’m curious to discover what today brings. One of the things I’m particularly interested in is the accessibility of a big event like this, as I know that access and inclusion is an important part of FRONTLINEdance’s approach. As much as I enjoy arts events, I often face barriers, from not being able to see what’s happening on stage to feeling anxious in crowded spaces. Like the participant I spoke to earlier, I admit to being a little nervous too, as much as I’m looking forward to the day.
And like my fellow festival attendee, I’m already reassured. There are lots of volunteers, sporting FRONTLINEdance t-shirts, who make sure to welcome people as they arrive, and who explain how the day will work. Being given a printed out schedule on arrival has been helpful too, as I’m someone who likes certainty and structure.
And soon, I’m speaking with Tim Calvert, a professional audio describer, who sets me up with a headset so I’ll be able to hear his live audio commentary of the day. I often use audio description when going to the theatre, and am pleasantly surprised that the headset Tim hands me is comfier than ones I’ve used previously. It had one earpiece, which rests gently over my right ear, and a couple of cables connecting it to a small control so I can change the volume and turn it on and off.
I filter into the Gallery room, an impressive space with a stage at the front and then rows of chairs that are already filling up. I take a seat near the front, and listen as musician Katy Rose Bennett strums her guitar and sings her ethereal folk songs. Tim is sitting at the back of the room, and I hear him through my earpiece as he fills in the visual details, everything from Katy’s blue Gibson to the layout of the room. I can still hear Katy’s music clearly over the audio description. Tim points out that there are two British Sign Language interpreters working today, one of whom is currently at the front of the room giving a BSL interpretation of Katy’s lyrics.
Rachael Lines, who’s the Artistic Director of FRONTLINEdance, takes to the stage. She gives an audio description of herself, and introduces the event. “The whole point of today is that you meet someone new,” she says, and I realise I’ve already met one new person, and it’s not even 10.30am. She explains how the Frontline Arts Festival aims to get more disabled artists work, and the plan for there to be more performances throughout the year.
The day brings a mix of talented people to the accessible stage. We enjoy poetry from Shaun Fallows that weaves together humour and emotion; and confessional, poignant poems from Louise Fazackerley and Natasha Tingle exploring mental health.
There is an engaging panel discussion, chaired by Kelsie Acton, who is a neurodivergent access consultant, and researcher, where artists discuss the reality of working as disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent creatives. The audience makes the most of asking questions to the panel on topics such as what best practice looks like in supporting disabled artists, and I find myself nodding my head at so much of what they say – everything from the issues of tokenism in the arts to what makes an event truly accessible.
Tim’s audio description is helpful throughout, but for me, it’s most valuable when it comes to the premiere of the screen dance film, What? Me, Worry?, shown on a large screen at the front of the room. The film is by FRONTLINEdance associate artist Kayleigh Price and filmmaker Jay Gearing, two neurodivergent artists who have collaborated to create a screen dance film exploring Kayleigh’s lived experience of anxiety.
As the film plays, Tim describes the action on the screen: the scene at the start, and then Kayleigh’s dance – how her body arches, convulses, how she reaches for the sky. It isn’t just a literal description of her movement – there is a level of insight and depth that helps me fill in the emotion. I learn of how she is “moving her body like she has no control over it”, how she’s “struggling with what she’s experiencing”, how “her face is totally still, showing no emotion like frozen in time”.
Ordinarily, a film like this – especially one without dialogue – would leave me feeling left out. But with this audio description, I feel part of the shared experience.
So, what does make an event truly accessible? I wonder this as we filter back into the Main Hall for lunch – provided in individual carry bags, so none of my awkward trying to figure out what’s in a buffet. This is also a helpful approach for those with smell sensitivity.
I ask Gay Hoban, who is an active part of the North Staffs Pensioners’ Convention, about how she has found today’s experience so far. “It’s very inclusive and welcoming,” she says as we chat over lunch. She tells me how the North Staffs Pensioners’ Convention want to run an event around disability, and that her experience at the Frontline Arts Festival has shown the ways an event can be accessible and inclusive. “Today has inspired me,” she says. “And I feel I have contacts now to help make that happen.”
After lunch there is a fascinating presentation with James Lake, a sculptor who works with cardboard, and dancers Welly O’Brien and Victoria Fox-Markiewicz, where they discuss their joint FRONTLINEdance commission which gave the three of them the time to explore new creative ideas through a residency together. Again, Tim gives audio description throughout, describing the images displayed on the screen, like James’s impressive sculptures of people and buildings, crafted entirely from cardboard. This audio description helps me feel included.
The last main event of the day is a ‘Pitch and Mix’ speed networking event, which is a structured form of networking. It feels more accessible: I’d usually find myself loitering by the drinks table at a standard networking event, nervously scanning the room for someone to speak to and hoping no one notices I’m glugging my fourth cup of coffee. Half of the participants are seated at tables, and the rest of us go between them, with five minutes per table before being asked to switch. This makes it much easier to start conversations as you don’t have to try to find someone to speak to, and is also a great way of meeting a range of people. I have interesting conversations with new people, as well as reconnecting with existing contacts. There are people working across a range of creative disciplines: I speak with dancers, poets, and ceramicists, and leave with new connections made.
The day ends with more poetry from Shaun and folk music from Katy Rose, and a real sense that this is an event that has impacted so many people positively. Access has been very much woven through the day, which has included BSL interpretation, a chill out room, and lots of staff and volunteers on hand. And, for me, it’s having audio description that allows me to feel an equal part of this experience.
The day has been brilliant: warm, welcoming, engaging, thought-provoking, fun. I have felt included. I have lots to think about as a disabled artist, and I feel a sense of belonging to this wonderful creative community.
The Explorers go on a wondrous adventure and the audience is asked to come along too. They find two books which they read and explore, using sensory props and dance which help bring the stories to life! Within an inclusive 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!
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.
FRONTLINEdance, as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), 2023-2026, is recruiting for Board Members and a new Chair of the Board. 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 11th September 2023
Find out more about FRONTLINEdance, by clicking the link.
We are keen to ensure that the new Chair and Board members represent who we are as an artist-led company. A dance company where d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse, 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
single parents and parents of d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse children including children who have a health condition.
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 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 those where academic attainment is not possible.
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 to e.g. 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 zoom: 20th September 2023, 20th December 2023, 20th March 2024 & 19th June 2024
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.
View our newsletter here – Find out how you can join us at The Big Feast 2023 plus information about our Connected Communities Summer Celebration Project!
