I am a disabled dancer, facilitator, and advocate dedicated to fostering environments where people of all abilities can thrive. My work is rooted in seamlessly integrating accessibility into the creative process, eliminating the need for retrofitted solutions and ensuring inclusivity is central to artistic expression.
In 2002, I founded Silverbirch Dance Company and served as its Artistic Director until 2017, focusing on engaging hard-to-reach communities and nurturing inclusive talent. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of performing and collaborating with esteemed organisations such as Stopgap Dance Company, Candoco, The Marc Brew Company, Lila Dance, Scottish Ballet, and Ballet Cymru. These collaborations have shaped my artistry and enriched my expertise in teaching, performance, and choreography.
A defining moment in my journey was co-directing Dance Unstuck, a project in collaboration with Jürg Koch, Ballet Cymru, and G-Dance. This initiative explored Universal Design within ballet, reimagining traditional techniques to create tailored pathways for dancers. It underscored how Universal Design can empower disabled dancers while enriching the experiences of non-disabled participants. This transformative project continues to inspire dialogues on dismantling barriers within traditional dance forms, profoundly influencing my approach to accessibility.
Since 2016, I have balanced my professional practice with family life and managing a complex neurological condition. These experiences have deepened my commitment to accessibility, grounding my work in frameworks such as radical access, access magic, and crip theory. These innovative approaches challenge conventional notions of “reasonable adjustments” and amplify disabled voices as drivers of creative innovation.
As a trainer, facilitator, and mentor, I collaborate with artists, educators, and organisations to embed inclusive practices across their work. I am honoured to co-chair Stopgap Dance Company, serve as a parent governor advocating for inclusive education, and contribute to a number of advisory and steering groups. Through these roles, I champion disabled leadership and strive to equip the next generation of inclusive artists to flourish.