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5 freelance dancers will be awarded retraining bursaries: breaking down financial barriers that prevent dancers realising their ambitions; creating fairer opportunities for freelance dancers (more equity with employed peers); and nurturing the next generation of creative, inclusive leaders.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
The end of an on-stage career can have a big impact on dancers' finances, sense of identity and mental wellbeing. The average retirement age is 34 (following 10 years' training and just 14 years professional performance) and dancers' risk career ending injury every day. Over 60% of UK dancers are freelance and 1 in 4 received no financial support during the pandemic. Access to training and professional development is one of the biggest inequities between freelance and employed creatives.
Solution
Retraining grants will support freelance dancers from all genres with the practical costs of transitioning into a career beyond the stage. Grants can be used towards course & training fees, books & materials, and travel & childcare costs. As well as financial support, DCD provides expert guidance and brings dancers together to share their challenges. Dancers can access DCD programmes including coaching and mentoring. DCD will prioritise grants for Global Majority and disabled dancers.
