I begin our newsletter with some brilliant news to share…

Firstly, the appointment of Angela Rippon CBE as DCD’s new Patron. Angela will join Patron Christopher Wheeldon OBE, award-winning director and choreographer. Angela’s passion, understanding and admiration of dance and dancers, alongside her dynamic spirit, will bring fresh energy and a wealth of experience to DCD. We look forward to working closely together in support of dancers nationally.

Along with our international colleagues across the IOTPD (International Organisation for the Transition of Professional Dancers), we are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 Philippe Braunschweig Grant. Rihannon Watkin-Fairless will use her grant to undertake a Masters of Professional Psychology; and Brandon Demmers will use his to study as an Aircraft Structures Technician.

We’re also proud to share that Errol White becomes the latest Dance Clore Fellow, supported by DCD in partnership with The Linbury Trust. An award-winning dancer, performer, choreographer, educator and cultural leader with 30+ years’ experience, Errol is Co-Artistic Director of White & Givan, a contemporary dance company based in Edinburgh. We’ll be following his Clore journey with keen interest.

On 22 July in Leicester we delivered Caring Cultures, in partnership with One Dance UK, as part of People Dancing’s Summer Programme 2026. A compassionate, body-aware journey into wellbeing, self-care and the care of others; we look forward to sharing some key takeaways soon.

We recently completed our annual summer visits to all six DCD Partner Companies, delivering a bespoke programme of workshops, information sharing and individual career consultations. As ever, these visits reminded us why this work matters: hundreds of conversations with dancers about their futures in and beyond dance.

And last weekend I joined the sponsored West End Walk, a fascinating 16-mile walk around London taking in over 50 theatres! Raising funds for Acting for Others, a brilliant charity who fund some of our Retraining Grants for dancers, donations are still being accepted.

Read on for more news, alongside opportunities for dancers including upcoming programmes and grant deadlines: we hope there's something here to move you forward…

With warm regards

Vanessa Lefrancois, Executive Director

An icon of British media and a true pioneer, Angela was the first female journalist to regularly present the BBC’s national news. She has remained a beloved figure in British broadcasting ever since, from delivering hard-hitting journalism to captivating a new generation on Strictly Come Dancing and recently spearheading the nationwide Let's Dance! health campaign.

“Throughout my life I have witnessed how incredibly talented, dedicated and diligent dancers can be, how adaptable they are and the great benefits they bring to society. I’ve also experienced the many health, social and emotional benefits that dance brings to one’s life. I am delighted to be joining Dancers’ Career Development, and to have the opportunity to support their ambitions, and strengthen the personal and professional futures of so many talented individuals.”
Angela Rippon CBE

Angela joins award-winning Director and Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE as a DCD Patron, to advocate for the charity and the nation’s dancers.

Nic initially worked as a dancer and aerialist, on world-renowned cruise ships and in productions including SWING! The Broadway Musical, working with leading global creatives.

While building the next phase of her career Nic sought support from DCD, including a Retraining Grant and a place on the Beyond Dance Mentoring programme. She now holds an MSc in Dance Science & Education and is a UKSCA Accredited Strength & Conditioning Trainer with over seven years of coaching and teaching experience.

Combining her performance background with research-based training, Nic has founded Athletic Artist and created an accredited course that helps dance educators coach their dancers like athletes, with a focus on athletic development and injury-risk reduction.

In a full circle moment for Nic, DCD and Athletic Artist are working together to reduce financial barriers to this education. A limited number of discounts are available to dancers working on their development with DCD. Additionally, eligible dancers may be able to access a Retraining Grant, which could cover the full course fee.

It is with great sadness that we heard of Richard Alston’s passing this month. We join our dance colleagues in acknowledging his exceptional place in our community, and our thoughts go out to all those who were close to him.

His belief in dancers, and commitment to supporting their onwards journeys, was always apparent through our work together. Vanessa Lefrancois, our Executive Director, shared: “Sir Richard Alston CBE was an instrumental choreographer and advocate for dance and dancers. It was a pleasure to work alongside him at The Place, where he was Artistic Director for 20+ years. His presence will be greatly missed by all in the contemporary dance world and everyone at Dancers’ Career Development greatly valued his investment in, and care for, all those he worked with.”

A special thank you to the University of Westminster for hosting our event in their space at Zone 29 and for their support in bringing this event to life.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Sonia is a Managing Director at BlackRock, based in London, focusing on the healthcare sector. She previously led Healthcare CEMEA at DNB and has held roles at Ipsen and Rothschild & Co in Paris. She also worked as an Assistant Professor at CentraleSupélec. Sonia holds a degree from HEC Paris and a PhD in Molecular Biology from Paris University.

Sonia is passionate about dance and an avid balletomane, with a strong appreciation of the discipline and commitment required in training. She believes in the transferable skills developed through dance and is committed to supporting dancers in building fulfilling careers beyond the stage.

What do established dancers wish they'd known earlier in their careers?

In this series of short films, dancers with years of experience share their honest reflections: the advice, insights and perspective they'd pass on to their younger selves.

Short films, big insights!

In the latest episode Crystal Nicholls, musical theatre/commercial dancer turned Health and Wellbeing Coach and DCD Relationship Manager, encourages us to step out of our comfort zone, and put courage before confidence.

For more of our digital content, including insightful interviews with dancers about their career journeys and our filmed events archive, go to our YouTube channel.

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DCD is ambitious for dancers' futures.