Dancers' Career Development

Charity Number: 1168958

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Budget: ~£730,000
  • Decision Time: 2-4 weeks (varies by grant type)
  • Grant Range: £1,250 - £4,000 (up to £15,000 for partner company dancers)
  • Geographic Focus: UK-wide, all genres
  • Grants Awarded (2023/24): 75 retraining and career exploration grants
  • Total Dancers Engaged (2023/24): 1,662

Contact Details

Website: www.thedcd.org.uk

Email: dancers@thedcd.org.uk

Phone: 020 7831 1449

Application Portal: portal.thedcd.org.uk

Pre-Application Support: Individual Career Consultation required before application (book via email)

Overview

Dancers' Career Development (DCD) was incorporated in 2016 as a charitable company, though it carries forward a legacy of dancer support spanning nearly 50 years. With an annual budget of approximately £730,000, DCD is the UK's leading charity dedicated to supporting professional dancers at every career stage and across all genres. The organization provides comprehensive support including retraining grants (£1,250-£4,000 for independent dancers, up to £15,000 for partner company dancers), career exploration grants, free coaching sessions, mentoring programs, and professional development workshops. In 2023/24, DCD engaged with 1,662 dancers, awarded 75 grants, delivered 384 coaching sessions, and conducted 191 one-to-one advice surgeries. Between April 2018-April 2022, DCD awarded £246,392 to 166 independent dancers via retraining grants. The charity emphasizes creating “a bespoke programme of support for every individual” and works in partnership with six major UK dance companies: Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Northern Ballet, Rambert, Scottish Ballet, and The Royal Ballet.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Retraining Grants (Independent Dancer Fund): Up to £4,000

  • For freelance and independent dancers retraining for new careers
  • Covers course fees, training, equipment, books, materials, maintenance, travel, and childcare costs
  • Application method: Online portal (rolling basis)
  • Requires Individual Career Consultation at least two weeks before submission
  • Awards valid for 12 months with possible 12-month extension

Retraining Grants (Partner Company Fund): £1,250 - £15,000

  • For dancers employed by or formerly employed by DCD's six partner companies
  • Same cost coverage as Independent Dancer Fund
  • Application method: Online portal (rolling basis)

Career Exploration Grants: Up to £1,250

  • For short courses to explore potential new career fields
  • Apply at least 4 weeks before course start date
  • Rolling basis review
  • Only one Career Exploration Grant per dancer
  • Cannot apply after receiving a Retraining Grant

Priority Areas

  • Career transitions into new fields (within or outside the creative industries)
  • Retraining and professional development for dancers
  • Support for dancers exploring career options through short courses
  • Skills development that builds on existing transferable skills from dance
  • Practical costs enabling career change within 10 years of ending performance career

What They Don't Fund

  • Retrospective costs (expenses already incurred)
  • Applications from dancers who haven't had 8 years professional dance career
  • Dancers who haven't worked minimum 5 years in the UK
  • Dancers who didn't earn income as a dancer for minimum 16 weeks per year on average
  • Grant requests beyond the £4,000 total lifetime cap across all DCD programs (independent dancers)
  • Applications more than 10 years after ending professional performance career
  • Applications within 12 months of a previous DCD grant
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Governance and Leadership

Chair: Nancy Glynn (appointed January 2023) - Former ballet soloist with The Royal Ballet of Flanders, business owner, and executive coach with a 10-year dance career

Executive Director: Vanessa Lefrançois (appointed July 2023) - Former freelance choreographer and director with 15 years international experience; previously worked as arts and cultural sector consultant. Lefrançois states: "The trials and tribulations of the past few years has highlighted the importance of this pioneering charity, dedicated to guiding dancers through periods of uncertainty, challenge and transition. As the dance sector continues to reinvent and transform itself, I recognise DCD's resolve to be agile, remain relevant and responsive to dancers' evolving needs and ambitions."

Board of Trustees (all unpaid):

  • Joce Giles - Director of Learning & Engagement at Sadler's Wells
  • Adam Adnyana - Assistant General Secretary for Live Performance at Equity
  • Ida Levine - Policy Lead Expert, Non-Executive Director at UK Impact Investing Institute; trustee at Royal Academy of Dance
  • Judy - Chartered accountant with 25+ years' voluntary sector experience
  • Sarah - Previously involved in fundraising for The Royal Ballet School

The charity has 10 trustees total and does not work with professional fundraisers or commercial participators.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Book Individual Career Consultation

  • Email dancers@thedcd.org.uk with performance history CV
  • Must be completed at least one week before submission (Retraining Grants) or two weeks (Career Exploration Grants)
  • Consultation is free and mandatory

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

  • Performance history CV demonstrating professional career
  • Completed application questions (written or audio format accepted)
  • Budget spreadsheet (Excel format only)
  • Professional reference (application cannot be considered without this)

Step 3: Submit via Online Portal

  • Create account at portal.thedcd.org.uk
  • Career Exploration Grants: submit at least 4 weeks before course start
  • Retraining Grants: reviewed on rolling basis
  • Applications accepted year-round

Decision Timeline

Career Exploration Grants:

  • Applications reviewed within 2 weeks of submission
  • Applicants informed of outcome within 4 weeks
  • Final decisions made at Executive Director's discretion

Retraining Grants:

  • Reviewed by Grants Committee
  • No specific timeline published, but reviewed on rolling basis
  • Email notification of outcome sent to applicants
  • If awarded, Funding Agreement sent for signature

Post-Award:

  • Funding must be used within 12 months of approval
  • Course providers invoiced directly
  • Post-course report required from grant recipients

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages not publicly available. However:

  • 75 grants awarded in 2023/24 from 1,662 dancer engagements
  • Fixed annual budget makes process competitive
  • Funding not guaranteed under any circumstances
  • Process described as “competitive”

Reapplication Policy

Yes, with restrictions:

  • Must wait minimum 12 months between applications
  • Total lifetime cap of £4,000 across all DCD grant programs (independent dancers)
  • All awards must be made within 10 years of ending professional performance career
  • Can receive second grant if total hasn't exceeded £4,000
  • Cannot apply for Career Exploration Grant after receiving a Retraining Grant

Application Success Factors

What DCD Looks For

DCD requires strong evidence of:

  1. Timing: Why now is the right time to retrain
  2. Course Appropriateness: Why the specific course/provider is suitable
  3. Career Research: Demonstration of research into why the career path is appropriate
  4. Commitment: Evidence of commitment to studying/requalifying
  5. Skills Transfer: How existing skills will be utilized to succeed in new career
  6. Viability: How the grant will enable skill development and establish a viable career
  7. Budget Realism: Realistic budget including how any shortfall will be funded
  8. Professional Reference: Strong reference from someone who can vouch for applicant

Advice from DCD Leadership

Kevin Muscat (Designer and Founder of Muscat Bridal, DCD-supported dancer): "Think about what really inspires you….don't be afraid to ask for advice."

Vanessa Lefrançois (Executive Director) emphasizes that “dancers have become really good at reinventing themselves” and career transition is “not a taboo topic anymore.” She notes DCD's commitment to being "agile, remain relevant and responsive to dancers' evolving needs and ambitions."

Dancer Testimonial: "Dancers' Career Development have been extremely supportive throughout my retraining. I think this organisation literally saves lives."

Career Examples

DCD has supported dancers transitioning into diverse careers including:

  • Medicine
  • Photography and film
  • Management
  • Fashion design (e.g., Kevin Muscat - Muscat Bridal)
  • Floristry
  • Teaching at dance schools
  • Portfolio careers combining multiple income streams

Process Tips

  • Mandatory consultation is critical: Don't skip the Individual Career Consultation - it's a prerequisite and helps shape your application
  • Reference is essential: Your application cannot be considered without a professional reference
  • Budget must be realistic: Show you've thought through all costs and how any funding gap will be covered
  • Demonstrate research: Show genuine exploration of your chosen career path
  • Evidence of commitment: Make clear your dedication to seeing the retraining through
  • Apply early: For Career Exploration Grants, apply at least 4 weeks before course start
  • Use available support: Take advantage of free coaching, mentoring, and workshops alongside grant applications

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Mandatory pre-application consultation - The Individual Career Consultation is not optional; book it at least 1-2 weeks before submission and use it strategically to strengthen your application
  • Lifetime funding cap - Independent dancers can only receive up to £4,000 total across all DCD programs over their lifetime, so plan strategically if you might need multiple grants
  • 10-year eligibility window - You must apply within 10 years of ending your professional performance career; don't wait too long
  • Reference is make-or-break - Applications cannot be considered without a professional reference; secure this early
  • Focus on viability and commitment - DCD wants to see thorough career research, realistic budgets, and genuine commitment to your new path
  • All genres welcome - This is explicitly for dancers from all genres (ballet, contemporary, commercial, etc.), not just classical dancers
  • Rolling applications mean flexibility - You can apply when the timing is right for you, but Career Exploration Grants need 4 weeks lead time
  • Comprehensive support available - Beyond grants, access free coaching (384 sessions delivered in 2023/24), mentoring, and workshops to strengthen your transition

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References