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Are you a disabled dance artist?
This page exists to support artists, teaching artists, dance practitioners, producers and managers working in dance who define as disabled.* We strive for better representation of disabled people, dancers and dance leaders in our industry and through our many programmes of work support artists at all stages of their careers, as well as disabled led organisations and national initiatives which work tirelessly towards this goal.

Support for disabled artists below includes:

  • The Disabled Dance Artists Network – an online network and safe space for disabled dancers to come together to develop practice and share learning
  • Working with disabled artists and disabled led organisations
  • Signposting information – companies and organisations who are disabled led, work inclusively in dance and or support disabled artists, and or who have resources available to support disabled artists
  • Information, events and articles – information, events and articles that may help to support an artists practice.
 
If you would like to enquire about any of the above please contact Louise Wildish, Head of Inclusion at louise@communitydance.org.uk

 

Above image credit: 11 Million Reasons to Dance: Cymru project, 2021. Photographer: Philip Hatcher-Moore.
Disabled Dance Artist Network

About the Network and how to get involved 

The Disabled Dance Artist Network (DDAN) was formed in 2021 and serves as a dedicated space for disabled dance artists to come together from across the UK and beyond to share learning, take part in professional development and learn about current opportunities within the dance sector.

The network aims to meet online through the year and occasionally in person, along with a dedicated newsletter to update members from time to time.

The Network aims to:
  • create opportunities for disabled dance artists to meet (in person and online) to offer mutual support and share best practice
  • profile and support the professional development of d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists
  • create platforms and opportunities for debate and discussion to take place
  • work strategically with partners across the UK to ensure that the practice of disabled dancers is valued.

Who is the Disabled Dance Artist Network for?
  • disabled dance artists, teaching artists and practitioners interested in developing their practice, learning about national programmes and initiatives and being present in a safe inclusive space with other disabled dance artists.

The Network is free to join. If you define as disabled and would like to join, in the first instance please contact Louise Wildish, Head of Inclusion at louise@communitydance.org.uk
Support
If you are an artist, practitioner or teaching artist and you define as disabled* then People Dancing has ways that we can support you in your practice.

One-to-one's
We offer one-to-one’s with disabled artists with our Head of Inclusion Louise Wildish. This session enables the artist to talk about their work and introduce themselves, and Louise can share opportunities and ways to elevate your practice suitable for you. Please be aware that response times can be up to 6 weeks, and meeting dates can be up to 3 months. To book please email emma.baxter@communitydance.org.uk with Disabled Artist one-to-one in the subject line.

Training
We have a wide range of videos, training programmes online and qualification for artists, practitioners and those working in dance. To find out more please visit our Training & Qualifications page.

Membership of People Dancing
Open to all who support, engage with or have an interest in community and participatory dance People Dancing Membership reaches more than 4,500 dance professionals worldwide. Membership benefits range from insurance benefits, access to DBS checks and reduced fees for People Dancing's events & courses. To find out more please visit our Membership & Insurance page.

Disabled artists from the global majority
You might benefit from joining our Reach! Network. A safe space for artists who have, or can experience racism. To find out more please visit our Global Majority Heritage Activity & Activism page.
The term ‘disabled people’
*When using the term ‘disabled people’ 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.