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Dear Supporter, welcome to your May 2017 newsletter!
DCD Launches New Career Insights Programme
For the first time ever, DCD will be offering a tailored programme which will give dancers across the UK the opportunity to experience a working environment outside of the studio.
Apply now to explore new possibilities and get a clearer idea about your next step in transitioning into a post-performance career within a safe and supportive environment.
With the need for practical experience being one of the most common obstacles dancers tell us they face when transitioning from a performance career, DCD is proud to be launching this programme, the first of its kind in the dance sector.
The programme will offer dancers paid placements in a range of companies to gain practical experience in a variety of different working environments.
We’re delighted to launch the first year of this pilot programme together with successful companies founded by DCD supported dancers including Muscat Bridal, Bloomsbury Flowers, Sleek Technique, RiRi Productions, Everybody Ballet, JL Productions and Mercurial Dance. We are developing our partnerships to also include creative global brands and FTSE 100 companies in future.
"Giving dancers an experience of a new working environment will provide an exciting opportunity for those embarking on transition to explore other career options". Kevin Muscat, Designer and Founder Muscat Bridal
Also included as part of this ground-breaking programme will be:
- The opportunity to hear from guest speakers offering unique insight and advice
- Informal Mentoring, designed to complement practical experience and exploration
- Work shadowing other DCD supported dancers
- Three coaching sessions with DCD Director of Coaching Isabel Mortimer
Dancers can gain experience and practical, transferable knowledge in key areas including: Marketing and PR, fashion design and production, general design studio assistant, flower design, social media strategy and implementation, administration and business management.
We are offering places for up to 4 dancers. The programme will run for 12 weeks from September – November 2017 and will be a 2 day a week commitment, however this will be tailored to each company’s capacity and requirements.
We are inviting applications from dancers with an enquiring mind, who are curious to explore the unknown, open to learning and reflection and committed to their professional development.
Applications are open now and close at 5pm on 12 July.
Any questions? Email Simone Muller-Lotz at simone@thedcd.org.uk.
What can you offer professional dancers in transition?
An hour of your time to informally discuss your career field?
The opportunity for a dancer to spend some time with you at your place of work to gain practical experience outside of the studio?
We would love to hear from you! If you would like to be a part of DCD's Career Insights Programme, please be in touch with Simone at simone@thedcd.org.uk.
This programme is generously supported by Nigel and Vicki Colne and DCD Contributing Companies.
Photo credit: DCD supported dancer Stephen Berkeley White
New DCD Brenda Naylor Bursary Announced
We are delighted to announce that from 2017/18, DCD will be offering a new annual Brenda Naylor Award, of £2,000 that will be awarded to professional independent dancers pursuing a second career in a creative field, business management or marketing.
This prestigious bursary has been made possible by an extraordinary £37,441, which was raised for DCD through the sale of the works of the late Brenda Naylor, dance sculptor and artist, at an exhibition late last year.
Brenda Naylor is known for her beautiful bronzes and drawings, mainly of dancers.
In addition to the annual bursary, this legacy gift will go directly towards DCD’s work in supporting professional dancers in the UK to successfully transition into alternative careers after retiring from performance. We are incredibly grateful for her and her family’s generosity.
“It was Brenda’s wish that her art, created over many years, should go towards helping dancers move on to second careers following their life on stage. It is wonderful to see her life’s work become a part of so many dancers’ futures”. David Lade, Brenda Naylor's Nephew
Apply for the Brenda Naylor Bursary at our next application deadline. Please contact Ellen Chambers or Nancy Liiv to book in a one to one consultation prior to your application.
Pledging a legacy to DCD is an easy and impactful way of ensuring that we are able to support future generations of professional dancers.
Any gift, no matter what size, makes a real difference to the lives of dancers.
There is an opportunity to own one of these one of a kind pieces of art, with a few sculptures and drawings still available for sale. Visit Brenda Naylor’s website to find out more.
To find out how to leave a legacy for DCD, go to our website.
Photo credit: Sculptures images by RGB Digital Ltd. All pictures copyright The Executors of Brenda Naylor.
Want to join the DCD team?
DCD are looking to recruit two exceptional individuals to join our team.
The Administrator will be responsible for providing efficient administrative support throughout all areas of Dancers’ Career Development and ensure the smooth running of the DCD Transition Centre. Working within a small team this post is a hands-on role, and would suit someone who is self-motivating and eager to make new things happen.
The Fundraising Officer is a new post within DCD’s core team. This individual will lead on all aspects of income generation for the charity; maximising DCD’s income through the maintenance and development of a diverse range of funding pools, including managing DCD’s new Patron Scheme. The post-holder will communicate an inspiring fundraising narrative reflecting the strategic priorities, needs and motivations of both DCD and its supporters.
This post offers huge scope for being directly involved in shaping DCD’s Fundraising strategy moving forward.
Job packs and further information can be found here.
Application deadline for both roles: 9am Monday 26th June 2017
Shortlisted applicants will be notified on Wednesday 28th June 2017
Interviews for both roles will be held: Friday 30th June 2017
For enquiries please contact Jennifer Curry, Executive Director on Jennifer@thedcd.org.uk or 020 7831 1449.
2017 SOLT Bursary Awarded
Congratulations to Nicky Griffiths, for being awarded the prestigious Society of London Theatre (SOLT) Bursary for Musical Theatre Dancers.
The bursary will go towards Nicky's retraining as a choreographer and movement director.
"You have the issue of how do I move on? It's a daunting task, and one I'm sure I'd have been unable to do without the support of the DCD...Thank you to all involved at the DCD, and to SOLT for awarding me this bursary". Nicky Griffiths, 2017 SOLT Bursary recipient
The bursary is awarded annually to one professional dancer who has contributed significantly to London's West End through his or her performance career, to retrain into professions that are directly linked with the creative industries and in particular London's thriving theatre sector.
Photo credit: Nicholas Dawkes
Book Now for DCD Coaching
No matter what point you are at in your career or transition, coaching can help you to find the clarity and confidence to move forward in your life and career.
DCD will be delivering coaching in Birmingham on 25 May. Book now!
We'll also next be coming to:
- London on 22 May
- Glasgow on 1 June
- Leeds on 17 July
“It felt like it opened a giant door into the next chapter of my life, which will have an impact for years to come.” Sioda Martin, professional independent dancer, Birmingham
DCD's coaching sessions are a one on one conversation with a DCD coach and are:
- Totally confidential
- Available nationwide, to all professional dancers across the UK
- £10 total dancer contribution per session (actual cost, subsidised by DCD, £100 per session).
- Skype sessions available if you can’t reach us in person.
Not sure if coaching is right for you? Find out more here.
Thinking of applying for a Financial Retraining Grant?
The next deadlines are:
- 2 August at 5pm
- 8 November at 5pm
Make sure you book your one to one consultation at least one week before you submit your application!
For more information or to arrange a consultation in person, over the telephone or via Skype, please contact Ellen or call us on 020 7831 1449 to discuss your plans.
Photo credit: DCD supported dancer Andrew Ross
Maria Hayday - DCD Transition Tales
Maria worked as a dance artist across the the UK and in the Netherlands. With DCD’s support, Maria is now an Education Manager, currently working towards an MA in Educational Leadership at the University of Bath.
"My eyes were involuntarily opened to all the amazing possibilities lying outside of the dance world. My experiences have really made me appreciate the vast wealth of transferable skills we, as dancers, intrinsically carry with us.”
Are you a DCD supported dancer? We'd love to know what you're up to!
Join us at the Annual West End Bake Off on Saturday 20 May!
The West End Bake Off, raising funds for Acting For Others, will take place at The Actor’s Church, St Pauls, Bedford Street WC2E 9ED on Saturday 20 May, from 11am,
DCD is a member charity of Acting for Others. Some contributions from Acting for Others fundraising events go directly towards supporting independent professional dancers.
Come and show your support and try some delicious cakes and goodies made by cast and crew of some of the biggest West End shows including School of Rock, The Girls, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Aladdin, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, The Book of Mormon, The Girls, Les Miserable, Kinky Boots and Half a Sixpence – to name but a few!
Dame Barbara Windsor returns as a judge for a third year and is joined by Janie Dee, and Arlene Phillips CBE, to award the prestigious Bake Off trophy.
The event is free for members of the public to attend, with a suggested entry donation of £1.
2017 West End Bake Off Logo Credit: Martin Smith
Dancers Pro Special Offer for DCD Supported Dancers
Get 3 months free membership to Dancers Pro, worth £45!
DCD has teamed up with Dancers Pro for this special offer for our network of DCD supported dancers.
To claim your discount, simply complete the Dancers Pro profile and email kiana@dancerspro.com quoting the code DPDCD17.
Photo credit: DancersPro
Have You Donated to boundless?
DCD is raising funds to provide two Financial Retraining Grants, allowing professional independent dancers to expand upon their unique skills and strengths and gain additional experience and expertise in the career field of their choice.
No donations too large or small and all very gratefully received! A big thank you to all those who have already donated.
Coming Up...
DCD Jobs
- 9am, 26 June - Application deadline for Administrator role and Fundraising Officer role
Career Insights Programme
- 5pm, 12 July - Career Insights Programme application deadline
EVOLVE 2017
- 2 September - EVOLVE Glasgow in partnership with DCD Contributing Company Scottish Ballet
- 20 November - EVOLVE in London’s West End at The Prince of Wales Theatre, supported by Delfont Mackintosh
Coaching
- 22 May & 12 June - Coaching in London
- 25 May & 19 June - Coaching in Birmingham
- 1 June & 24 July - Coaching in Glasgow
- 17 July - Coaching in Leeds
Schools and Conservatoires Programme
- 24 May - Schools and Conservatoires Programme Workshop for Royal Ballet School 1st year students
Financial Grant deadlines
- 2 August at 5pm - DCD Financial Retraining Grant deadline
- 8 November at 5pm - DCD Financial Retraining Grant deadline
Thank you
Dancers' Career Development is kindly supported by the following Contributing Companies:
Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Northern Ballet, Rambert Dance
Company, Richard Alston Dance Company, Scottish Ballet and The Royal Ballet
The Dancers' Career Development Independent Trust is generously supported
by:
The Linbury Trust, The Society of London Theatre, Equity Charitable Trust,
The Rudolf Nureyev Foundation, Acting for Others,
The Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund and The Mackintosh Foundation.