Category: News

News articles & updates

Get Your Tickets Now! In-person Workshop….

Posted on by frontline-admin

Exploring Video Design, Dance and Accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing audiences

When: Thursday 19th March (9:30am – 12:30pm) St John’s Centre. Trent Vale. ST4 6QD

Book your tickets here: https://shorturl.at/PM1hs PAY WHAT YOU CAN – suggested £25

This workshop is open to all, with or without a dance background, such as film makers, performance makers, deaf artists, BSL Interpreters, producers, educators, commissioners, leaders, third sector organisations, students, and our deaf community.

We want you to explore how technology can be a key creative tool. By integrating accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing audiences from the start, we aim to spark new ways of thinking and making.

Join this workshop with Nua Dance to explore the different access offers for deaf and hard of hearing audiences that they have developed over the last 6 years, with special emphasis on the interaction between video design and dance—both in live performance and film. Through practical exercises and discussion, we’ll examine how video can shape dramaturgy, enhance visuals, and expand accessibility.

Nua Dance has been researching the integration of dance and technology since 2020, first with NOISE and now with Bending Reality, their latest production.

A white female with white short hair, wearing a turquoise jacket and headphones placed around the back of her neck, is looking towards a black male, wearing a black bandana and a black top. Both are standing in front of a mirrored background, and their reflections can be seen.

Facilitators:

Ben Glover, long-term video design collaborator of Nua Dance. Ben is deaf himself and has specialised in creative captions. He also works regularly with companies such as Stopgap, Graeae and Deafinitely Theatre.

Neus Gil Cortes, artistic director of Nua Dance, has been working with deaf artists and audiences since 2020 through her own creations and as dramaturg with Maral Mamaghanizadeh, Deaf Explorer and a workshop facilitator with Remark!

What to Expect:

  • A mix of shared experiences, short video excerpts, and hands-on exercises integrating video into performance.
  • A space to share tools, explore new possibilities for your own work and discuss approaches to access for deaf and hard of hearing people in a safe space.
  • The opportunity to try access offers such as a Woojer vest (haptic technology that vibrates to sound)
  • The workshop will be BSL interpreted

Schedule: Arrive from 9am
9:30 – 10:50 Session 1

10:50 – 11:00 Break

11:00 – 12:20 Session 2

12:20 – 12:30 Debrief/open conversation

Venue Information: Free on-site car park to the side of the venue. Plus, ample on-street parking is available in the surrounding areas.

Thanks in advance for joining us!

Questions? Contact rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk

Join Us! Online Workshop – Embedding audio description into the creative process and performance.

Posted on by frontline-admin

ONLINE: Monday 16th March at 1pm – 4:15pm

Join Stuart Waters https://www.head-on.co.uk  and Willie Elliott http://wevoices.co.uk for an online workshop, where you will be introduced to how Stuart and Willie began a journey in 2021 into embedding audio description from the outset of a creative process for performance and touring. This covers research, creation and performance stages of the creative process.

They will both co-lead the workshop, sharing their practice from touring work, A Queer Collision, https://www.head-on.co.uk/a-queer-collision 

Image to the left: Stuart is a white male with short cropped hair who is seated on the floor in a studio space looking over to the side. An open notebook lies on the floor in front of him and he is wearing a black vest top and navy blue tracksuit bottoms. Overlaid the image is the text “Stuart Waters” Image to the right: A head and shoulders image of Willie. He is stood in front of a brick wall. He is a white man with a bald head, wearing glasses and has a grey, mousey brown beard and tash. Willie is wearing a pale blue, v-necked jumper. The white text along the bottom reads, Willie Elliot.

The workshop will involve listening, watching, and experimenting with embedding audio description yourself. It will include fun tasks, sharing experiences, and a Q&A session. The aim is to introduce a different relationship to access and encourage you to adapt and rethink your approaches. They will share what they chose at the time of creation, but audio description offers many other possibilities. This is an opportunity to play and think differently about it.

Workshop schedule

The workshop will take place on Teams, with plenty of screen breaks and time to work creatively away from the screen. Please arrive having had lunch.

1pm – 1:45pm: Welcome, check in and introduction to Stuart and Willie, their practices and sharing of A Queer Collision.

1:45 – 2pm: Break

2pm – 2:50pm: Willie Elliott will lead an introduction to audio description practical workshop and tasks. This part of the workshop will close with a conversation held by Stuart.

2:50pm – 3pm: Break

3pm – 3:45pm: The final practical experience of embedding audio description led by Stuart and Willie.

3:45pm – 4:15pm: Q&A and check out.

Suggested Pay What You Can – £25

Register and get your tickets via this link: https://shorturl.at/6E3Y4 Once registered, we’ll send you the Teams Meeting Link.

We welcome deaf, disabled, neurodivergent people, and access service providers like audio describers and BSL interpreters to attend. You don’t have to be an artist. Your lived experience will help us improve access, develop current methodologies, and continue the conversation.

Questions? Contact rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk

Thanks in advance for joining us!

Connect & Collaborate 2026

Posted on by frontline-admin

WEBINAR: Wednesday 18th March at 11:30am – 1:30pm. Join us to find out more about the project, the artists involved, collaborations, and the next steps. Plus, key reflections and guidance on learning to strengthen access, inclusion, and advocacy.

Book your tickets here: https://shorturl.at/nV86z 
FREE – donations welcomed. Once registered, we’ll send you the Microsoft Teams Link.

Schedule:

  • 11:30am: Welcome and Project Overview 
  • 11:40am: Artists’ Introductions
  • 12:00pm: Five-minute screen break
  • 12:05pm: Group 1 Sharing
  • 12:20pm: Group 2 Sharing
  • 12:35pm: Group 3 Sharing
  • 12:50pm: Five-minute screen break
  • 12:55pm: Key reflections and guidance
  • 13:15pm: Questions and answers
  • 13:30pm: Close

Connect & Collaborate 2026’s 9 talented artists!

Lucy, is a white female with short hair and fringe who is standing sideways on and smiling. She is wearing a mustard yellow zip up hoodie and has dangling gold hoop earrings with green semi circles attached to the bottom. Overlaid the image is the text “Lucy Haighton’ and FRONTLINEdances, Art Council England and Funded by UK Government logos in white.

Lucy is an independent multidisciplinary movement artist working across choreography, performance, community facilitation and artistic direction.

Find out more: https://lucyhaighton.com
Photo credit: Laura Page

Stuart is a white male with short cropped hair who is seated on the floor in a studio space looking over to the side. An open notebook lies on the floor in front of him and he is wearing a black vest top and navy blue tracksuit bottoms. Overlaid the image is the text “Stuart Waters” and FRONTLINEdances, Art Council England and Funded by UK Government logos in white.

Stuart is a Contemporary Dance Artist, performer and teacher whose practice has shifted into maker, researcher, curator, facilitator, mentor and coach (EMCC Senior practitioner accreditation).

Find out more: https://www.head-on.co.uk | https://stuartwaterscoaching.co.uk

Caroline is a white female with mid length blonde hair who is standing sideways on and smiling in an outdoor garden space. She is wearing a pink, red and green floral top. Overlaid the image is the text “Caroline Butterwick” and FRONTLINEdances, Art Council England and Funded by UK Government logos in white.

Caroline is a Freelance journalist, writer, community artist and researcher.

Kayleigh is white female with dark hair looking over her shoulder against a dark green background. She is wearing a burgundy turtle neck vest and has a slight smile.Overlaid the image is the text “Kayleigh Price” and FRONTLINEdance, Art Council England and Funded by UK Government logos in white.

Kayleigh is a freelance dance artist, choreographer and Artistic Director of Company K, making autobiographical work using her own experiences to demonstrate shared commonalities.

Find out more: https://www.companyk.co.uk/

Brannon is an asian male who is leaning back in a bucket chair with wheels in a white studio space and smiling. He is wearing a cap with the peak at the back, black tshirt and trousers with black adidas trainers. Overlaid the image is the text “Brannon Yau” and FRONTLINEdance, Art Council England and Funded by UK Government logos in white.

Brannon is a Filmmaker. Alumnus of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, transitioned into film through the creation of dance films over the course of COVID. Now working predominantly in dance films to narrative and documentaries.

Find out more: www.brannonyaufilms.com | https://www.instagram.com/brannonyaufilm

Shaun is a white male who is seated in a wheelchair and gesturing with his hands as he looks over his left shoulder as if mid sentence. He is wearing a mustard yellow turtle neck and brown trousers with a black wrist watch on his left arm. Overlaid the image is the text “Shaun Fallows” and FRONTLINEdance, Art Council England and Funded by UK Government logos in white.

Shaun is a performance poet born with Cerebral Palsy and a wheelchair user. His poetry ranges from the frustrations of everyday access issues to travel, dating, and growing up, with humour or poignancy.

Find out more: http://www.shaunfallowspoetry.com/ | https://vimeo.com/885579163?share=copy | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnQKyTsSnNk

Louise is a white female with light blonde hair cut into a shoulder length bob and waved. She is smiling and wears a denim jacket. Overlaid the image is the text “Louise Stones” and FRONTLINEdance, Art Council England and Funded by UK Government logos in white.

Louise is a BBC and commercial radio presenter, broadcaster, interviewer & reporter.

Holly is pictured kneeling in front of a large stained glass window, She is wearing a green and white striped sweatshirt. Her hands are held in front of her in an expressive gesture, thumb and forefinger of one hand touching as if describing something fine or delicate. Overlaid the image is the text “Holly Thomas” and FRONTLINEdance, Art Council England and Funded by UK Government logos in white.

Holly is a UK based dance artist, choreographer, performer and co-director of Half Light Projects C.I.C. Resident at the Watershed’s Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol and a member of the West of England Sight Loss Council’s arts and culture forum. Exploring the often-uncharted territory of dance and visual impairment and the aesthetics of choreography from a non-visual perspective.

Find out more: https://hollythomasdance.co.uk/about/
Photo Credit: Vonalina Cake

Mel is a white female is smiling showing her white teeth. She has light blonde shoulder length hair, blue eyes and is wearing a blue tie-dyed style sweatshirt with different hues of blue. Overlaid over the text is "Mel Osbourne" and at the bottom are the FRONTLINEdance, Arts Council England and Funded by UK Government logos in white

Mel is a local theatre maker, writer, actor, drama teacher and facilitator.

We’re an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, which means funding thanks to taxpayers play a huge part in supporting our work.

#ConnectAndCollaborate# DisabledArtists #NeurodivergentArtists #InclusiveArts #FRONTLINEdance #StokeOnTrent

FRONTLINEdance are inviting local deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people…..

Posted on by frontline-admin

to a consultation session to review our website as we make improvements to ensure it’s accessible to everyone who engages with us. 

When: Tuesday 13th January 2026. 10am until 1pm.

Where: FRONTLINEdance Office, Dudson Centre. Hope Street. Hanley. Stoke-on-Trent. ST1 5DD

Please email: hello@frontlinedance.co.uk by 7th January if you would like to get involved. 

FRONTLINEdance are also setting up a new steering group, with deaf, disabled, neurodivergent people who are either artists themselves or who take part in the arts. It will have a focus on development, confidence, leadership skills, as well as influencing who we programme to deliver guest workshops, webinars, and conversations. You will get the opportunity to discuss challenges, champion those getting access right, and steer the way FRONTLINEdance works, including feeding all of these things into our board discussions.

It’s aimed at people who live and work in North Staffordshire and the Moorlands, but we welcome anyone who has lived experience to join us.

If you are interested, can you please let Rachael know as soon as you can, so we can set up some get-togethers in the new year:
rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk

FRONTLINEdance Invitation: A Creative Day for Parent/Carers who work in the arts, media and creative sector.

Posted on by frontline-admin

FRONTLINEdance warmly invites you to join us for a special day designed for parent/carers of deaf, disabled or neurodivergent family members, and who are arts, creative and media professionals. It will be a chance to meet, connect, and share our stories and experiences in a supportive and creative space.

Together, we’ll explore the lives we are leading as carers — reflecting on the challenges we face, while also celebrating the joys and strengths that caring brings. The day will be relaxed, welcoming, and full of opportunities to be creative, whilst exchanging ideas and being listened to.

This gathering marks the beginning of a series of monthly sessions, where we can continue to create together as a group. Through shared experiences, we hope to build a community that uplifts, supports, and celebrates the unique journeys of parent/carers, and create something together in which we will share with others. 

We look forward to welcoming you, 

When: 8th January 2026, 10 am – 2.30 pm

Where: Westport Lake Visitors Centre, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent.

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided

Please register by completing this short registration form:  Parent/Carer Project: Registration Form – Fill in form

Artist Call Out!  Deadline 22nd December at 10am.

Posted on by frontline-admin

In January 2026, FRONTLINEdance is starting a new programme to support deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, creatives and media professionals, of all art forms. 

To kick-start the programme, we are inviting up to 8 artists to form a collective over 4 days, and 3 half days, offering the opportunity to connect and collaborate. 

Between £850 – £1,050, depending on location, will be paid to each artist to support time and expenses. 

FRONTLINEdance’s role will be to select, connect you together, facilitate the introduction, provide the space, and support the process. What happens in these 5 days will be decided by the collective, whilst being supported by FRONTLINEdance’s Artistic Director and a Freelance Evaluator. You’ll have the opportunity to explore ideas and collaborate with no pressure to create a product. What happens next, will be decided by the group and supported by FRONTLINEdance. 

To apply, please fill out this short expression of interest form:

 Expressions of Interest: Connect & Collaborate  – Fill in form

1st Feb: 10am-6pm (in person) 

9th Feb: 10:30am-1pm (online)

12th & 13th Feb:  10am-6pm (in person)

20th Feb: 10am-6pm (in person)

Monday 2nd March: 10:30am-1pm (online)

Weds 18th March: Public Webinar 10:30-1:30pm (online)

Please register by 22nd December at 10am. 

Artists will be selected by Rachael and FRONTLINEdance’s associate Artistic Director, Kayleigh Price on 22ndDecember. You will be notified of the outcome on Tuesday, 23rd December by 6pm. 

We look forward to receiving your applications and a reminder that this is open to all art forms, creatives and media professionals at any stage of their career. 

Not sure if this is for you? Then please join Rachael and Kayleigh online at 1pm-1:30pm on Wednesday, 17thDecember, for a short overview with the opportunity to ask questions. 

Join us on Teams: Meeting ID: 390 280 532 129 85 Passcode: nu26ag7L

 Please email hello@frontlinedance.co.uk if you would like the link to be emailed.

Grief Awareness Week facilitated by FRONTLINEdance in partnership with VAST / Dudson Centre

Posted on by frontline-admin

Monday 1st to Friday 5th December 2025

Two women are sitting on a wooden floor, with one holding the other. Photo taken from behind
Join us for a FREE Programme facilitated by FRONTLINEdance in partnership with VAST / Dudson Centre

As part of grief awareness week, FRONTLINEdance is sharing its project ‘Holding On’, online and at the Dudson Centre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.

Holding On was created with those with lived experience of cancer, grief, loss and bereavement. Shaped by personal loss and by Seth’s Legacy; a pancreatic cancer support and awareness initiative, films, live performance and an outreach programme have been produced.

During 1st to 5th December 2025, a varied programme welcomes you to come as you are and join in a way that feels right for you. This could be popping in to watch a film, taking part in an inclusive and accessible creative workshop, joining in a conversation, or just listening to others.

There is no need to book for the sessions at the Dudson Centre, just turn up!
For the ONLINE sharing’s please see the link to register in the Schedule below.

This event has been made possible by funding from Arts Council England and support from VAST / Dudson Centre. You don’t need to have experienced cancer, grief, loss and bereavement to join us.

Any questions, please email: rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk or call 07484 874335
We look forward to welcoming you.
SCHEDULE
Monday 1st December 2025: Jenny Manning Room at the Dudson Centre
10:30am-11:15am – Creative Workshop  
11:15am-11:30am – Official sharing and introduction of two Short Films ‘Holding On 1 & 2′
11:30am-12 midday – Guided Conversations around the work explored and film shared.
(Please note that this is not a therapy session nor a conversation led by a trained councillor).
12midday-1pm – Short Film shared on loop
1-1:45pm -Introduction and Sharing of a recorded live show ‘Holding On’
1:45-2:15pm – Guided Conversations around the work Holding On
(Please note that this is not a therapy session nor a conversation led by a trained councillor).
3:15-4pm – Short Films shared on loop
4pm-4:15pm- Restful Wrap Up  
Tuesday 2nd December 2025: Online 7pm – 8:30pm
Introduction / Process of the live show Holding On, with FRONTLINEdance’s, Rachael Lines
Sharing of the recorded live show.
Q & A’s
Registration Link:https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/181c604f-c052-4c47-a9fa-a67ab614faef@fbf29ec3-0f26-4edc-9e90-a46afa7bf69d
 
Wednesday 3rd December 2025: Online 5pm-6pm
Introduction / Process of the two-screen dance film, Rachael Lines
Sharing of the two-screen dance films created
Q & A’s
Registration Link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/50fc4e57-53d6-4153-8546-73aaa133512c@fbf29ec3-0f26-4edc-9e90-a46afa7bf69d
 
Thursday 4th December 2025: Jenny Manning Room at the Dudson Centre
10:30am-11:15am: Creative Workshop (1)
11:15am-12midday: Sharing and introduction of two Short Films ‘Holding On 1 & 2’ with space for questions and a conversation to follow.
12midday-1pm: Short Film shared on loop
1-1:45pm: Creative Workshop (2)1:45-2:45pmIntroduction and Sharing of a recorded live show ‘Holding On’ with space for questions and a conversation to follow.
(Please note that this is not a therapy session nor a conversation led by a trained councillor).
2:45-3:45pm: Short Films shared on loop
3:45-4pm: Restful Wrap Up
Friday 5th December 2025: Rose Price Room at the Dudson Centre
12midday-1:15pm: Introduction and Sharing of a recorded live show ‘Holding On’ with space for questions and a conversation to follow.
1:15-1:30pm Short Films with a short introduction
1:30 pm-3pm Creative Workshop
3:30pm-4pm Sharing and introduction of two Short Films ‘Holding On 1 & 2’ with space for questions and a conversation to follow.
4pm-4:15pm: Restful Wrap Up
DETAILS OF VENUE
Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley. Stoke-on-Trent. ST1 5DD
PARKING – Paid parking on site or Sampson Street (4 hours-£1) (All day-£1.50) 2 minutes away.
FREE disabled parking at the venue.
Tea and Coffee are provided throughout the event.
Wheelchair accessible
Cafe
MORE INFORMATION
Holding On: recording of a 30-minute live performance. With music by composer and multi-instrumentalist Greg Hall, and featuring an intergenerational, inclusive cast of professional and community dancers, the performance weaves together dance and sound harmoniously.
Audience Feedback: Powerful | Emotive | Breathtaking | Beautiful | Skilful | Emotional
 
Holding On 1: Screen Dance Film
This 10-minute film follows two women as they navigate the meaning of the end of life. Beautifully performed, filmed and edited, it presents the lived experience of grief and human connection through dance and visual storytelling. Raw emotions intertwine with natural sound, stark landscapes, and a newly composed piece of piano music, amplifying the profound journey of saying goodbye.
 
Holding On 2: Screen Dance Film
Heavily influenced by a collection of feelings, stories, and emotions gathered from a group of women who lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer, this 4-minute screen dance film invites you on a powerful journey through pain, memories and togetherness. Little Oak Tree, created and sung by Greg Hall, was created whilst thinking of the recent death of his 17-year old niece Ayla by cancer, features as the soundtrack. Ayla which means ‘oak tree’ in Hebrew, and is laid to rest in a place full of beautiful trees and nature, the idea of the passing seasons and the changing weather and landscape resonated with Greg as a metaphor for the continuation of life, as hers sadly ended. 
 
Creative Workshop (45mins): 
An opportunity to connect and move with yourselves and others, whilst being guided through a range of explorations designed for you to respond in whatever way feels right. No experience needed.

Creative Workshop (1.5 hours): 
A welcoming, relaxed environment to explore and process the themes of Holding On. Through simple, guided activities, you’ll have time to listen, share, move, write, draw, sing and connect. No experience needed—just bring yourself.
 
Morning Momentum:
A chance to connect with yourselves and others at the start of the day through facilitated movement and easy interaction. Move as much or as little as feels right for you. No experience needed— just come as you are!
 
Restful Wrap Up: 
Taking time to pause at the end of the day, with some gentle movement, breathing, and stretching. No experience needed.
 

NOVEMBER’25 Training: working creatively with those with chronic and life-altering conditions such as brain injury, stroke, and palliative care.

Posted on by frontline-admin

 FRONTLINEdance is offering training with Rosetta Life.

Who is it for:

Those interested in facilitating arts and creativity with individuals who have chronic and life-changing conditions, such as brain injury, stroke, and those receiving palliative care. This includes in hospital settings, as well as in the community. This can include, but is not limited to, those who work in the Arts, in Health and in Social Care. 

Examples:  

Artists (all art forms and genres) | Activity Workers | Creative Enablers | Volunteers | Physiotherapists | OTs | Speech and Language Therapist | Carers | Health Care Assistants | Support Workers | Play Specialists | Art(s) Therapists (all art forms) | Artistic Directors | Choreographers | Nurses | Performers | Musicians | Singers | Story Tellers | Faciliators | Evaluators | Doctors | Students. 

Places are limited! No previous dance experience is required.  Please also share with your networks. Thank you.

Details: 

Dates: 12th, 19th, 25th & 26th November 2025

Priority will be given to those attending all four days. If you can’t attend all four, select the individual days you’d like to attend on the registration form (link below). We’ll notify you by 5pm on 7th November if a place is available for you on your selected day(s). 

Times: 9:30am – 4pm each day. 

Cost: 

£140  (4 days) for freelance/low income / £50 daily rate if not attending all four sessions

£200  (4 days) for others / £65 daily rate if not attending all four sessions

These sessions are heavily subsidised, due to FRONTLINEdance being an Arts Council England funded, National Portfolio Organisation. 

Venue: TBC

To Register: https://forms.office.com/e/72BXypwBMa (Deadline 4pm, on 7th November 2025). 

Overview:

Day 1, Wednesday 12th November – Introduction to performance and arts health, delivered by Lucinda Jarrett. 

  • History and possible futures for arts and health practice. 
  • Introduction to principles of practices of Rosetta Life in palliative care, stroke and brain injury, unpaid care and climate justice. 

Day 2, Wednesday19th November – Practical workshops of dance & performance in clinical and community settings:

Lucinda Jarrett – Devising dance and theatre performance making 

Miranda Tufnell – Working creatively with and through the body

Both artists will then co-lead a session with a ’taster group’ to see the work in action. 

Opportunity to hear feedback from the participants and facilitate a discussion around co-design and co-creation workshops. 

Day 3, Tuesday 25th November –  Creative Health:   The NHS and the community context 

The day will be spilt into two:

  1. An opportunity to hear from a range of health organisations about what is important to them, why creative health is needed, and why it is commissioned.
  2. Lucinda Jarrett and Melanie Pappenhiam lead discussions and practical workshops about delivering to clinical needs through dance, music, voice and songmaking:
  • Developing sustainable embedded practice in clinical settings
  • Developing sustainable embedded practices in community settings
  • A creative care pathway for recovery from stroke and brain injury 

Day 4, Wednesday 26th November: Planning, Devising, Reflect and Conclude:

Training participants will work together in small groups to plan and devise a workshop, then deliver it to each other as a group. Volunteers from the FRONTLINEdance Moving Together programme will attend co-devising, support, and join in the workshops.

There will be an opportunity for reflection, evaluation, celebrations, feedback and questions.

Reminder that our creative health day with Rosetta Life as co-hosts, takes place on 5th November  – we hope you make it? You need to book by 29th October: https://shorturl.at/3Z0ig 

FREE Arts & Health Event!

Posted on by frontline-admin

A Creative Approach to Health: Co-designing high-quality, inclusive and engaging creative programmes and artworks.

Rachael, our Artistic Director dancing with a lady who is lying down in a hospital bed. Both are smiling.

FRONTLINEdance would like to invite you to join us for a special event aimed at making Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire a place where people with chronic and long-term health conditions — including hospital patients — can easily access and enjoy the arts in inclusive, engaging, and meaningful ways.

When: Wednesday 5th November 2025

Time: 10am – 4pm (refreshments from 9:30am)

Where: NSCG, Performing Arts Building, Knutton Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme. ST5 2GB

Access: BSL interpreter and Audio Description available on request at booking.

FREE – though donations are very welcome.

Booking closes at 10am, on Wednesday, 29th October 2025

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1764337754719?aff=oddtdtcreator

Parking: Free parking is available in the student car park at NSCG.

We’re thrilled to welcome Rosetta Life, an Oxfordshire-based organisation known for its impactful work in hospitals and community settings, to co-host this event. This gathering will bring together:

  • Local artists
  • Arts and health organisations
  • Educators
  • Hospitals and health bodies
  • Social prescribers
  • Funders
  • Third sector representatives

We can’t wait to explore how we can collaborate to make the arts in health care and community settings accessible to those with health conditions. Please invite anyone else you know who might be interested in attending. 

About the day:

You will hear about the what, how, and why,  ‘FRONTLINEdance’ and ‘Rosetta Life’s’ work influences the patient experience, how it supports staff wellbeing, aids rehabilitation, and brings joy, specifically to those at life-changing times of their lives. The event will also feature:

  • Two artist ambassadors from Rosetta Life Arts will share their stories and experiences.
  • A practical workshop
  • Discussions, provocations, and conversations
  • Lunch – provided free of charge
  • Films by both Companies
  • Opportunity to network

Any questions please contact: rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk

Thanks in advance for joining us. We look forward to welcoming you! 

For those new to us: FRONTLINEdance is an artist-led company based in Stoke-on-Trent, placing disabled people and those with long-term health conditions at the core of our organisation as leaders, dancers, artists, and audiences. By co-creating and co-producing in community and healthcare settings, we can offer high-quality live performances, film and workshops that are relevant, inclusive, and engaging. Rachael Lines is, and has been the co-founder, Artistic Director and CEO, since 2001. She regularly makes dance work for hospitals and facilitates dance sessions for those with long-term health conditions, including cancer, brain injury, stroke, and those diagnosed with MS and Parkinson’s. https://frontlinedance.co.uk/

FRONTLINEdance in hospitals:

Royal Stoke: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_oSIPYtkr4
University Hospitals of North Midlands –
Cancer Ward: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Qd_hMEMHcVs
Haemodialysis Unit: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TU1OMRMGvS4

Happenchance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJyGpLUNrzU
Forget Me Knot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_zqKmD9mjg

FRONTLINEdance currently provide workshops at the Haywood Hospital, on the specialist inpatient rehabilitation wards. They’re also in residence at the Royal Stoke Hospital, performing and facilitating workshops on wards for patients, staff and visitors.

Rosetta Life are a community of artists, activists, and technologists with experience of life-altering health conditions and care. Together they co-design creative programmes and make artworks that drive social change. Lucinda Jarrett is the Creative Director of Rosetta Life. She is a writer, independent dance artist, and performance maker who co-founded Rosetta Life in 1997. https://rosettalife.org

We’re Recruiting! Executive Director and Co-CEO

Posted on by frontline-admin

Following an organisational development review, FRONTLINEdance is delighted to announce the expansion of its team. This includes the creation of a new senior post of Executive Director and Co-CEO, where we are seeking a considerate, adaptable, conscientious, and confident leader with a passion for driving change and making a positive impact. This position will be pivotal in providing future stability and support while developing exciting 25th Anniversary plans (21st November 2026).

We are seeking an experienced Executive Director and Co-CEO to co-lead our team. This individual should be committed, enthusiastic, an effective manager of people and systems, and able to ensure the smooth and successful operation of our company, both day-to-day and strategically. They should also be able to foster a vibrant and collaborative community through the richness of dance and the arts. In this role, you will drive our vision forward while ensuring operational excellence and engaging with our dedicated stakeholders and the broader community. 

As our Executive Director and Co-CEO, you will be at the forefront of planning and implementing programs that inspire creativity and promote disability arts. You will have the unique opportunity to shape strategic initiatives, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and advocate for inclusive arts in our community.

This is an opportunity to take charge alongside our Artistic Director and CEO and make a lasting impact while embracing a friendly and collaborative work environment.

We celebrate diversity and inclusiveness and are committed to providing our employees with the tools they need to succeed. If you are a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and a proven track record in leadership, we invite you to apply and help us shape the future of FRONTLINEdance together!

This leadership post is one of a few new PAYE and freelance posts FRONTLINEdance is advertising.

We believe that now is a great time to join us! 

For more information and how to apply. Please select from the formats below.

PDF-Executive-Director-and-Co-CEO-MAY-2025-1Download