F            Future-proofing – an important aim of the year was to work out how we remain relevant, ambitious and pioneering for another 50 years. We’ve been forging ahead with our refreshed vision and plans: brokering new partnerships, realising digital ambitions and diversifying funding streams.

I             Involving and collaborating with our incredible alumni, dancers, and brilliant sector partners (there’s much we want to do that we can’t do alone!), has been key. Our 50^th Anniversary Programme comprised of a star-studded celebratory gala at the Royal Opera House, three Inspiration Events on tour (programmed in partnership with MAC, Sampad, Yorkshire Dance, Swindon Dance and JAM Festival) and an Inspiration Day at Rich Mix, Shoreditch featuring 30+ contributors.

F            Filming events and stories has been a continuous thread – to ensure we can better share inspirational content with dancers regardless of geographical location and/or schedule. We’ve filmed panel discussions, one-to-one interviews and more. The first release is our 50^th anniversary celebratory film. Produced by DCD supported dancer turned filmmaker Rob Gravenor, this new 6-minute film tells the inspiring career development stories of five incredible DCD supported dancers. Watch the film here.

T            Telling the career development stories of just a fraction of the incredible dancers we’ve supported over the last 50 years through our 50 Stories for 50 Years project, released weekly on our social media channels. Check out #WhatNextWednesdays.

Y            Yay! Celebrating the impact of our work through not one, but two awards!  The One Dance UK Dance Changemaker Award, that recognises bold, brave, and impactful individuals or organisations that have driven progress across our dance ecology. And a BMA (British Movement Awards) for Contribution to the Dance Industry.

• 1,662 dancers engaged with DCD staff
  
  
• 75 retraining and career exploration grants provided to dancers
  
  
• 384 professional and personal coaching sessions delivered
  
  
• 191 one-to-one advice surgeries for dancers
  
  
• 19 mentees on the annual Beyond Dance Mentoring programme
  
  
• 9 personal & professional development workshops delivered, with 106 dancers attending
  
  
• 319 students took part in 16 workshops at 8 dance schools
  
  
• 60 dancers attended psychological wellbeing sessions

One Dance UK’s brand NEW Wellbeing Package
Designed to support physical, financial and mental wellbeing with 24/7 GP access, mental health support, a legal advice line and more. The Wellbeing Package is an add-on to One Dance UK membership, and costs £25 a year. Become a member here: https://bit.ly/4g3gaDy or if you're an existing member, complete this form to access the add-on Wellbeing Package: https://bit.ly/49rDdpb

Dance Professionals Fund Winter Grants
Winter can be a worrying time, especially for those who are retired. Grants to help with winter living costs are now available from Dance Professionals Fund. If you're a retired dancer or dance teacher needing additional support covering winter fuel payments, or know someone who might benefit from this support, get in touch: https://bit.ly/49zcAOY

Caroline Miller OBE
We joined the dance community this week in expressing our deep sorrow at the news of the passing of Caroline Miller OBE, CEO at Birmingham Royal Ballet. It was a true privilege to work with Caroline, a leader with the most incredible amounts of passion, vision and joy. We fondly remember the incredible impact she made both at BRB and across the dance sector. https://www.brb.org.uk/stories/caroline-miller