Category: News

 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 

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

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.

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/

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

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