Category: News

Thursday 26th June 2025, 11am-12.30pm

Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent; In-person and Online

Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/Cat9f10a0w

Join FRONTLINEdance (FD) Company’s Advanced Training Programme (ATP) emerging dance training artists Beth Hope, Matt Byatt and Ben Wilson, FD’s Artistic Director Rachael Lines, and researcher Vipavinee Artpradid (Centre for Dance Research, Coventry University) for a 90-minute sharing of our inclusive evaluation project and everyday ATP practice.

Together we share the collaborative process and progress of developing a more equitable training programme evaluation approach. The research project is based on the question ‘How can we shift attention to data that is centred on the body?’ and takes a multisensory educational training programme evaluation approach based on anti-ableism, equity, and phenomenography. It centres neurodivergent and disabled emerging dance artists who prefer movement-based forms of communication.

The project is funded by a British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grant (SRG 2324\240089).

Schedule:

10:45-11am – Refreshments

11-11.15am – Intro to FD with film screening and intro to the inclusive evaluation project

11.15-11.20am – Aims, objectives, what we did

11.20-11.40am – A look at the evaluation template and discussion of what worked, what didn’t work

11:40-11:45am – Comfort break and ATP dance training artists prep

11.45am-12pm – Practice sharing by ATP dance training artists

12pm-12.10pm – Provocation activity with audience about alternative ways of thinking about evaluation

12.10-12.30pm – Q&A and closing

12.30-1pm – lunch & networking

The venue:

Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. ST1 4HG

Parking: Mitchell Arts Centre customers may use the Tesco Extra car park (located to the rear of Mitchell Arts Centre, Clough St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4LS) FREE of Charge. Please ensure you bring your car registration details into the Centre and enter them into the car registration screen on the wall of the Foyer.. Customers park at their own risk. Mitchell Arts Centre does not guarantee parking.

The closest pay & display car park is Brakes car park on Broad Street, next to the Mitchell Arts Centre.

Limited disabled parking is available on Broad Street in front of the venue. With ample additional blue badge parking on Warner Street.

Questions? Email Vip Artpradid at ad5896@coventry.ac.uk

Now is a great time to join! 

FRONTLINEdance is in the middle of planning and delivering a dynamic program of activity that ensures d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent people and those with long-term health conditions enjoy arts and culture with ease and thrive as artists. It is also preparing for its 25^thAnniversary Year (November 2027- 2028). 

Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm, Monday 8th September 2025.

Interviews are likely to be held via Teams on: 6pm, Monday 15th September 2025.

FRONTLINEdance are keen to ensure that the new Board Director represents who they are as a dance and artist-led company, where d/DEAF, disabled, neurodivergent people, and those with long-term health conditions are at the core of the organisation as leaders, dancers, artists, participants, and audiences. They’re committed to ensuring that underrepresented groups and communities with whom they frequently work are represented on their Board, whilst ensuring a wide range of skills and experience are collectively held by its members. 

As such, we are keen to receive applications from the following: 

• d/DEAF, disabled, neurodivergent people, or those with long-term health conditions 
• those who have strategic experience of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area
• those with sound environmental responsibility, knowledge and understanding  
• professionals experienced in running arts, community or disability organisations and charities 
• professionals knowledgeable in HR, employment law and governance
• those who work in healthcare, creative health and the arts
• time to dedicate to FRONTLINEdance
• enthusiasm and belief in the work that we do

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 access and inclusion widely, and introduce FRONTLINEdance to potential supporters, partners, and investors.

Be objective with the ability to scrutinise and question FRONTLINEdance’s decisions, planning and delivery.

To advise the organisation and support its strategic aims for long-term organisational 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, KNOWLEDGE, COMMITMENT TO:

•  Inclusion and access being embedded and at the centre of all we do, then advocate this externally. The social model of disability initiates are methodology and decision-making. 
•  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.
• Arts Council England’s Investment Principles and #Let’s Create Strategy.
• Fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders / donors.
• Ensuring adherence and compliance with key policies exist, in all decisions and discussions within the Board.

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR BOARD:

1. Your professional networks will be enhanced with opportunities for skills development and career progression.
2. Develop your sound judgement and interpersonal skills. 
3. Opportunity to lead and work alongside d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent professionals.
4. Make a difference to the local community! Your role helps ensure that FRONTLINEdance remain viable and sustainable.
5. Support community engagement and community cohesion.
6. Develop problem-solving, analytical skills and versatility. 
7. 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 enjoy arts and culture with ease and thrive as artists.

TIME COMMITMENT AND TERMS:

• 2-3 years, with staggered replacement.
• You are required to fully participate in quarterly board meetings, usually held via Teams around the 1^st of April, July, October and 18^th December. Board Away Days in July and January. Dates TBC.
• Environmental Responsibility Board Ambassador to liaise with senior management at least once every 8 weeks.
• 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 on time.
• Ensure that FRONTLINEdance pursues its objects (purposes) as defined in its governing document and other relevant legislation/regulations.

Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm, Monday 8th September 2025.

Interviews are likely to be held via Teams on: 6pm, Monday 15th September 2025.

To express your interest, please fill out this online form https://forms.office.com/e/MhAuNEXKSX

Please let us know if the application form is not accessible to you. Alternative methods of applying are welcome.

Please reach out if you have any queries. You can contact our Artistic Director/CEO Rachael on rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk | 07484 874335 

Thank you in advance for your time and support.

AUDIO LINK Board Director Information & Person Specification

Now is a great time to join! 

FRONTLINEdance is in the middle of planning and delivering a dynamic program of activity that ensures d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent people and those with long-term health conditions enjoy arts and culture with ease and thrive as artists. It’s also preparing for its 25^th Anniversary Year (November 2027- 2028). 

Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm, Monday 8th September 2025

Interviews are likely to be held via Teams on: 6pm, Monday 15th September 2025

FRONTLINEdance are keen to ensure that the new Chair represents who they are as a dance and artist-led company, where d/DEAF, disabled, neurodivergent people, and those with long-term health conditions are at the core of the organisation as leaders, dancers, artists, participants, and audiences. They’re committed to ensuring that underrepresented groups and communities with whom they frequently work are represented on their Board, whilst ensuring a wide range of skills and experience are collectively held by its members. 

As such, we are keen to receive applications from the following: 

• d/DEAF, disabled, neurodivergent people, or those with long-term health conditions 
• those who have strategic experience of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area
• professionals experienced in running arts, community or disability organisations and charities 
• professionals knowledgeable in HR, employment law and governance
• those who work in healthcare, creative health and the arts
• time to dedicate to FRONTLINEdance
• enthusiasm and belief in the work that we do

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 access and inclusion widely, and introduce potential supporters, partners, and investors.

Be objective with the ability to scrutinise and question decisions, planning and delivery.

To advise the organisation and support its strategic aims for long-term organisational 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, KNOWLEDGE, COMMITMENT TO:

• Inclusion and access being embedded and at the centre of all we do, then advocate this externally. The social model of disability initiates are methodology and decision-making. 
• 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
• Arts Council England’s Investment Principles and #Let’s Create Strategy
• Fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders / donors.
• Ensuring adherence and compliance with key policies exist, in all decisions and discussions within the Board.
• Considered strategic decision-making.
• Have the ability to chair meetings, ensuring all voices are heard and respected, whilst displaying good time management. 
• Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with the board and FRONTLINEdance staff. 
• Liaise regularly with senior management.
• Liaise regularly with the treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of FRONTLINEdance’s 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 the 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.
• Support recruitment wherever and whenever possible
• Encourage teamwork among board members.
• 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:

1. Your professional networks will be enhanced with opportunities for skills development and career progression.
2. Develop your sound judgement and interpersonal skills. 
3. Opportunity to lead and work alongside d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent professionals’.
4. Make a difference to the local community! Your role helps ensure that FRONTLINEdance remain viable and sustainable. 
5.  Support community engagement and community cohesion.
6. Develop problem-solving, analytical skills and versatility.
7. 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 enjoy arts and culture with ease and thrive as artists.

TIME COMMITMENT AND TERMS:

• 2-3 years, with staggered replacement.
• You are required to fully participate in quarterly board meetings, usually held via Teams around the 1^st of April, July, October and 18^th December. Board Away Days in July and January. Exact Dates TBC. 
• 4-6 weekly check-ins are required with senior management and the treasurer. 
• 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 on time.
• Ensure that FRONTLINEdance pursues its objects (purposes as defined in its governing document and other relevant legislation/regulations.

Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm, Monday 8th September 2025

Interviews are likely to be held via Teams on: 6pm, Monday 15th September 2025

To express your interest, please fill out this online form https://forms.office.com/e/GiRHxzbnwM

Please let us know if the application form is not accessible to you. Alternative methods of applying are welcome.

Please reach out if you have any queries. You can contact our Artistic Director/CEO Rachael on rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk | 07484 874335 

Thank you in advance for your time.

AUDIO LINK Chair of the Board Information & Person Specification

A showcase showing the work created by all our community groups from our three programmes: Breakthrou’ dance, Moving Together and the Advance Dance Training Programme.

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.

🗓️ Thursday 27^th March
⏰  6:30pm – 8:00pm 
📍 Ormiston Horizon Academy / Theatre. Turnhurst Road, Chell. ST6 6JZ.
FREE Parking onsite

Pay What You Can – suggested £5 and carers come free.

Book your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1284012569159?aff=oddtdtcreator

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

For more information, please contact: hello@frontlinedance.co.uk

As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work. Thank You

📍 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.)

Book your FREE tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1251172272949?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.)

Book your FREE tickets here: 
(selecting if you require a sighted guide to accompany you)
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1251403715199?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.

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: Sunday 26^th January 2025, 12:30pm 

Where: Tunstall Methodist Church, Queens Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent. ST6 4EE

Cost: FREE of charge. Donations Welcome

Book Tickets Here: https://forms.office.com/e/RCcgv8t87E

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.

Photo by Jenny Harper, inside Keele Chapel.

Audiences have described it as: 

Powerful | Emotive | Breathtaking | Beautiful | Skilful | Emotional 

“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 3^rd February at NULC College at 7pm. Please contact us for details or keep a look out on our social media and website.

Email: rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk | 07484 874335

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 13^th 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:

1. Your professional networks will be enhanced with opportunities for skills development and career progression.
2. Develop your sound judgement and interpersonal skills. 
3. Opportunity to lead and work with d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent professionals.’
4. Make a difference to the local community! Your role helps ensure that FRONTLINEdance remain viable and sustainable. 
5. Support community engagement and community cohesion.
6. Develop problem-solving, analytic skills and versatility.  
7. 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 1^st of April, June, September and 18^th 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.

Deadline for expressions of interest: 

10am on Monday 13^th January 2025

Interviews are likely to be held via zoom on:

Friday 17^th January 2025

To express your interest please fill out this online form. https://forms.office.com/e/3UMfijK0Ku

Please let us know if the application form is not accessible to you. We welcome alternate methods of applying. 

Please reach out if you have any queries. You can contact our Artistic Director/CEO Rachael rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk | 07484 874335 

Thank you in advance for your time.