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Dancers Career Development specialises in supporting dancers' transition to new vocations after their performance careers. In our 50th year, we are fundraising to provide lifechanging bursaries for diverse dancers from all genres, removing barriers to retraining and investing in future arts leaders.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
Dancers train intensely to become professional dancers: pay is low, the average age of retirement is 34, and injuries often end careers prematurely. Career transition is daunting: dancers can experience grief, anxiety, loss of identity, isolation and fear for the future. 60% of UK dancers are freelancers, who experience job insecurity and reduced access to training and professional development compared to employees. How do you start over and financially support yourself as an ex-dancer?
Solution
Bursaries will support artists from all dance genres and backgrounds, covering costs of retraining whilst still performing or at the end of their performance career. Awards will contribute to courses, qualifications, study materials, travel and childcare. DCD will provides support to recipients including: expert guidance, mentoring, coaching, and inspirational and skill building workshops. We will prioritise Global Majority and Disabled dancers as their careers are disproportionally precarious.