News Story
What’s your role at The Place, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I am the Creative Learning Producer at The Place, and my days can look very different from one day to the next: managing relationships with community partner organisations, with whom we have devised several projects involving a diverse range of local participants; visiting and observing practical sessions in community venues and schools; or preparing for shows with young people in our theatre and managing these events. I also oversee the Camden Partner Schools Programme, which is managed by the Creative Learning Assistant Manager, and I handle the administration that supports the programme, including checking budgets and preparing contracts and schedules.
Creative Learning produces two youth dance platforms across the year: one for Camden secondary schools and youth or community groups, and another for Youth Dance Companies based in London and the Southeast.
We also coordinate all the post-show talks in the theatre with visiting professional companies, organising facilitators and BSL interpreters.
How did you find your way to The Place?
I trained at the London Contemporary Dance School, completing the BA Honours Degree, and my 4th year in the performance company which was then called 4D. Before that I took a 2-year Foundation Course in Dance at Lewisham College.
After graduating, I danced professionally for 10 years and taught at a variety of dance companies and organisations across the UK and internationally, before undertaking a part-time Diploma in Arts Management at Roehampton University.
I worked at Independent Dance, Swindon Dance and Wycombe Swan Theatre in administrative, dance education and community roles, before applying for the role of Children Youth Dance Manager at The Place in 2011. Following a restructuring in 2017, I became Creative Learning Producer.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
My favourite part of my role is seeing participants, both young people and adults, taking part in projects and performances. Watching them grow in confidence and shine on the stage is so rewarding! Participants share that dancing and having access to a space to be creative with others can be life-changing, and that dance has a positive impact on their wellbeing, both physically and mentally. That makes me and them very happy!
I also get to take part in some community projects and performances in our theatre sometimes, which is a lot of fun.
In this role, I get to focus mainly on our local communities in Camden, and I need to ensure the smooth running of multiple projects and maintain several important partner relationships. We need to plan and prepare for our many activities and events within the budgets we are set, as well as ensure we are communicating effectively with internal teams and external partners. We also need to be able to promote our work, as well as evaluate, reflect and report on our activity, in order to continue to develop our programmes and new ideas, and also seek new partnerships for future projects.
Has there been a favourite project or standout memory during your time here?
I think one of my favourite projects has been the Partner Schools Programme because of the number of children who get to take part — watch dance at school and perform on stage for their parents and carers. I didn’t have access to the arts or performing opportunities at primary school, so I’m really delighted that we can offer this experience to thousands of children in Camden. Over 6,000 children have taken part so far, and next year we will be celebrating the programme’s 10th year! It has become very important to me, the team, and the organisation.
