Earlier this autumn our intrepid Intern, former Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer Hamish Scott, took on the challenge of the Tour de Dance. A unique sponsored bike ride from Newcastle to London, Hamish rode over 500 miles to raise money for dancers who, like himself, are developing ambitious and varied plans for their futures.

We are so thankful to Hamish, not only for raising money for dancers, but also for introducing dancers nationwide to DCD through a series of visits to dance companies and hubs. I was delighted to be able to join Hamish during his journey, for a short pedal together in Oxford, and to fuel him up with some pastries! The sponsorship page is still live for those wishing to donate or find out more.

This newsletter is packed with opportunities for dancers. Our mentoring programme for dancers wanting to progress their careers within the performing arts sector or in a completely different industry or profession is currently accepting applications, an upcoming workshop is available to book and our next grants deadline is included. Please take a look and share the opportunities with dancers in your network who may be interested.

In October I had the pleasure of joining IOTPD (International Organisation for the Transition of Professional Dancers) colleagues at our annual conference, which this year took place in Toronto to coincide with Canada’s DTRC (Dancer Transition Resource Centre) 40^th Anniversary and the city’s annual Fall for Dance North Festival. DCD took part in a Global Perspectives Panel Discussion with delegates from France, Canada, Switzerland, Japan and The Netherlands. Celebrations included a Reception in honour of DTRC Founder Joysanne Sidimus M.S.M and a performance featuring DCD partner company The Royal Ballet and Kathak dancers from New York, Toronto and Delhi. Two Philippe Braunschweig IOTPD Grants will be made available to dancers in 2026.

And finally - huge congratulations to DCD Trustee Ingrid Mackinnon for being recognised at this year's Black British Theatre Awards, winning Best Choreographer or Movement Director for Princess Essex at Shakespeare's Globe. A DCD-supported dancer herself, we are so fortunate to have Ingrid on board; her insight and experience are invaluable.

With warm regards

Vanessa Lefrancois, Executive Director

DCD’s Retraining Grants can help support dancers with the practical costs of developing and progressing their career, whether within or beyond the arts. Grants can be used towards a range of costs related to retraining, from course and training fees, to equipment, maintenance, travel and childcare costs.

Upcoming application deadline: Monday 9 February 2026 (midnight)

Anyone considering submitting an application must book an Individual Career Consultation with a DCD Relationship Manager at least two weeks prior to the application deadline.

Prince of Wales Theatre, London
Monday 23 March 2026, 10.30am-1.30pm
Theme: Navigating Uncertainty

Gain practical tools, insight and inspiration at this free career development workshop for professional dancers. An opportunity for dancers to discover their potential, explore career pathways and unlock new possibilities, in an energised, open and safe environment.

We are delighted to announce the dancers taking part in SHIFT Hip Hop 2025/26: Inês Duarte, James Fogerty and Chaldon Williams. Inês and Chaldon will be exploring careers in videography, whilst James will be up-skilling in cultural leadership and producing.

SHIFT Hip Hop is a career development programme specifically designed to meet the needs of Hip Hop dancers, powered by a partnership between DCD, ZooNation and Boy Blue. The one-year programme provides opportunities for the participants to develop skills and explore career interests, beyond dance performance.

We’re already enjoying working with these three inspiring artists and hugely look forward to seeing their plans and portfolios develop throughout the year.

This autumn, professional dancer Hamish Scott undertook an epic sponsored cycle ride to raise money for Dancers’ Career Development. Here’s some incredible stats to demonstrate what was achieved…

• £26,000+ raised to support dancers
• 542 miles cycled, Newcastle to London
• 26,000ft total elevation gain: that’s 90% of Everest!
• 54 hours of cycling
• 22 dancers/former dancers interviewed
• 12 visits to dance companies and organisations
• 100s of dancers throughout the country introduced to DCD’s support services

“Along the way I was so fortunate to meet so many inspiring dancers, each with their own remarkable story. The ride itself was a tough challenge. Cycling through rain, wind and endless hills, but in many ways it mirrored the hurdles of a career transition. This adventure has left me excited for the future, and I feel like my journey is only just beginning.” Hamish Scott, Tour de Dance, 22 Sep - 3 Oct 2025

Thank you so very much Hamish!

And thank you to all of those who donated to the campaign, met Hamish on his route, and to those who liked, shared and championed the campaign; we hugely appreciate the support of each one of you. The campaign is still open for anyone still wishing to donate. If you have any brilliant or wild ideas for our next fundraising campaign, please suggest them!!

This autumn, we were invited by the family of Prue Skene CBE to establish a fund in her name. Prue was a Senior Arts Leader and a passionate champion for dance, whose leadership and belief in artists significantly impacted the UK’s dance sector. DCD is the charity where she undertook her first Trustee role.

Prue’s family would like to continue her work in nurturing the next generation of cultural leaders and changemakers. The Prue Skene Fund will make an award to a professional dancer to develop and progress within the creative industries at the end of their performance career. 

If you would like to donate to the fund, please click the button below and write ‘Prue Skene Fund’ in the message of support box. Alternatively, email development@thedcd.org.uk for information on other methods of giving.

Please send us any feedback you have on our newsletter, so that we can make sure future editions are relevant, informative and interesting. Also, do keep in touch with us on social media, your support in sharing our posts with your network is hugely appreciated.

DCD is ambitious for dancers' futures.