Special Focus on Continued Learning
Career Development for All Dancers
Photo: DCD supported dancer Lindsey Brook
Jennifer Curry, Executive Director of Dancers’ Career Development, explains why the charity’s services have been more in demand than ever, and shares some exciting opportunities for 2023.
In recent months, we have seen the need for support return to pandemic levels, in part due to the impact of Jennifer Curry the rising cost of living crisis on a workforce already experiencing For 50 years, Dancers’ Career Development (DCD) has supported systemic challenges. Over the last 12 months, DCD has delivered over 350 professional dancers to develop free one-to-one career and personal sustainable careers beyond the stage. Together with our partners, coaching sessions for dancers and brought together 250 dancers through we design and deliver a range free digital and in person workshops. of dynamic and evidence-based career development programmes, 58% of dancers who access our programmes are based outside of all free of charge to all dancers. London. Our programmes include: oneto-one support conversations; The power of conversation: personal and career coaching; mentoring for dancers. retraining bursaries; and DCD’s Beyond Dance mentoring our pioneering schools/ programme, in partnership with conservatoires programme. Moving Ahead, Mission INCLUDE, is DCD believes in the power and the first of its kind in our sector. potential of all individuals. We see Launched in 2019, Beyond Dance is and recognise dancers as unique a cross-sector mentoring programme human beings, with exceptional that matches current and former skills and qualities. We aim to think professional dancers from diverse differently and to foster a culture of dance genres with senior business commitment to self-development, leaders. All dancers are supported learning and growth. to grow as inclusive leaders and DCD supports all dancers in their collaborators, and as positive life-long career development - to upskill, expand knowledge, networks changemakers. Dancer mentees have the opportunity to explore their next and to drive and maintain creativity. Thanks to our partners and steps, within or outside of the dance supporters, DCD was able to be there sector, with somebody by their side. The intention of this programme for all dancers as the sector navigated was the power and deep humanity the Covid-19 pandemic, as demand that lies within connection and for one-to-one support increased by conversation. 83%; demand for coaching increased DCD, working together with by 400%; and the need for urgent Moving Ahead, operates as a conduit financial support doubled. 22 The One Dance UK Magazine | Spring 2023
between dancers and professionals outside of the sector – who, through energising, often challenging, but always curious conversation, can support, motivate and inspire. Each dancer mentee receives: • Approximately seven mentoring sessions with a senior executive from an industry outside dance (past mentors have included: Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Financial Times; Diversity Project Leader at IBM; Head of Communications at Ocado) • Access to three masterclasses on topics like Imposter Syndrome, Leadership, Inclusion and Change with global experts • A minimum of two networking events (one digital and one in person) Through this programme, dancers are supported to grow in confidence, develop as leaders and creative collaborators, broaden their horizons, and make connections beyond the world of dance.
“ I have learnt so much about myself and my potential. For me it was a transformative experience.” Beyond Dance Dancer Mentee
