Candoco Dance Company, Corali, People Dancing, Stopgap Dance Company and TIN Arts are co-collaborators in a shared enquiry and Working Group to challenge ourselves and others to increase and sustain the presence and representation by disabled people in the dance workforce and its leadership.

 

We mean business.

 

The Working Group will act with focus and solidarity through long-standing shared histories and collaborations to:

• Strengthen and renew connections, practices and shared project activities

• Amplify diverse voices, and engage widely in dialogue

• Catalyse change, influence and activism with new thinking, critical reflection and tangible actions.

 

 

Working Group members are all National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) of Arts Council England.

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In September 2023, The Working Group commissioned a new research study called Barriers to Progression & Employment in Dance for Disabled People which is funded by Arts Council England. The research study findings were  made public in June 2025.

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The research study aims to identify the barriers that disabled people working in dance experience, and start conversations within the dance sector to make positive change. 

 

When using the term ‘disabled people’ we mean this to include but not be limited to, people who define as D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, or who are chronically ill, have a learning disability or live with impairments or mental health conditions. We also understand that our terminology and language may not fully represent or be the preferred descriptive definition for all individuals who define as having a disability, condition or impairment.

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The Working Group 

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September 2023