The Research Team
In September 2024, The Working Group - Candoco Dance Company, Corali, People Dancing, Stopgap Dance Company and TIN Arts – commissioned a new research study called Barriers to Progression & Employment in Dance for Disabled People. The research, funded by Arts Council England, set out to address the lack of representation and leadership opportunities for D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, blind and visually impaired, learning-disabled, and chronically ill individuals within the dance sector.
Through the research, The Working Group aims to shed light on these issues, with a focus on informing sector-wide change and supporting colleagues in making sustainable, collaborative improvements.
After a nationwide call out the following research team was appointed.
Dr Imogen Aujla
(PhD, Dip. CBT) – Freelance Dance Researcher, Lecturer, and Life Coach at Dance in Mind
Dr Louisa Petts
(PhD, AFHEA) – Researcher, Lecturer, and Community Dance Artist at LAMDA
Dr Kate Marsh
(PhD) Assistant Professor at C-DaRE (Centre for Dance Research) at Coventry University.
The researchers initial findings were presented at a live webinar on 30 April 2025. The final reports (a full written report, short report, and short film) were launched in June 2025.
The report findings are framed around the 7Cs - Care, Competition, Culture, Community, Competition, Cost and Confidence.
A recording of the webinar, an animation film, and all final reports and accessible versions can be found on our reports and resources page from mid June 2025.
The Working Group are committed to ensuring that the key findings from the report are explored and developed further into a next phase of development which supports the findings of the research and the implementation of sectoral change in the dance sector for disabled people working and leading in dance. Dr Imogen Aujla, Dr Louisa Petts and Dr Kate Marsh will be presenting and speaking about their work at a number of places during 2025 and beyond. Should you wish to enquire about the researchers presenting at your event, please do get in touch with The Working Group or the researchers directly.
This project was managed by Louise Wildish - Project Manager and Consultant for People Dancing.
June 2025