The Disabled Dance Artists Network (DDAN) is a specific network for artists and people working in dance who define as *disabled. The online and in person events are informal gatherings for disabled artists to come together, share practice and learning and discuss topics and issues that are important for disabled people working in dance.
For this season's event, we are delighted to be joined by Stopgap Dance’s Monique Dior Jarrett – Assistant Artist Director for the Future Leaders Programme. Monique will lead a practical session, followed by supporting discussions and networking time together.
Our Head of Inclusion, Louise Wildish talks to our guest artist Monique Dior Jarrett about her route into dance and role as a future disabled leader.
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a discussion that explores how disabled artists progress, elevate and sustain their practice in the current dance ecology, and explore what leadership means and the importance of disabled leadership.
If you wish to participate in the practical element of this session you will need a safe moving environment, comfortable clothing and water.
Please note this event is only for people who identify as disabled.
*When using the term ‘disabled’ we mean this to include but not be limited to, people who define as D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, or who are chronically ill, have a learning disability or live with impairments or mental health conditions. We also understand that our terminology and language may not fully represent or be the preferred descriptive definition for all individuals who define as having a disability, condition or impairment.
Cost:
Free to disabled artists who are People Dancing Members or DDAN Network members.
Standard ticket of £5.00 for disabled artists who are non-members.
Access
If you have access needs or barriers to attend please book no later than 6 November so that we can aim to meet your access requirements. Bookings after this time may mean that access needs cannot be fully met.
If you require support assistance please bring a support worker along free of charge.
For any specific access enquiries or if you would like to attend but face barriers to do so, please contact us by emailing emma@communitydance.org.uk.
Book your place here
Booking deadline: 5:00pm Monday 18 November 2024.
About Monique Dior Jarrett
Monique is a Model, Influencer, Disability Advocate, Ambassador, Co-Director of Arts based company TripleC, a National and International Wheelchair Dance Champion and a Professional Contemporary Dancer for the inclusive dance company Stopgap Dance.
She is a National and International Champion in Wheelchair Dance in the style of both Ballroom and Latin and also won in Freestyle Dance. She no longer competes but has been lucky enough to achieve her dream and goal working as a professional dance artist for Stopgap Inclusive Dance Company where in a short space of time has performed with them at Wembley for the televised performance of the Paralympic Home Coming, working in The Netherlands to facilitate dance workshops, is a presenter in Stopgap’s online YouTube channel series Dance For Kids With IRIS and through the dance company was a performer in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games as part of the Baton bearer performer.
From late 2022 Monique formally became a Dance Artist for Stopgap Dance company while also becoming part of the cast for Stopgap’s latest indoor production Lived Fiction. At the end of 2023 Monique performed with the company for royalty at the Remembrance Festival at the Royal Albert Hall alongside Drum and Base musicians Sigma ft Morgan. In 2024 she became one of the first participants in Stopgap Dance Company’s programme Future Leaders alongside touring Lived Fiction. Taking up the role of Assistant Artistic Director, learning the vast jobs the role entails while also having more of an understanding of the best practice of an inclusive dance company. With this knowledge she wants to promote this practice and help guild and develop inclusive dance opportunities and practices for disabled dance artists.
About Louise Wildish
Louise has worked in the arts for over 25 years working in diverse spaces from theatres, galleries and museums through to prisons and secure units and with numerous organisations spanning over a freelance career.
Her roles have included actor, director, dramaturg, education manager, associate artist and producer.
Louise joined People Dancing in 2013 as Producer, Deaf and disabled People – working on the successful 11 Million Reasons photography exhibition and then working across the organisation as Director of Engagement. Louise is now Head of Inclusion.
Photo credits: TOP - People Dancing Summer Intensive 2024. Photo: Mark Anderson; SECOND - Monique Dior Jarrett. Photo: Chris Parks; THIRD - Louise Wildish.