About All England Dance

All England Dance celebrates dancers aged from three to 21 years. Performers qualify through a network of nationwide nominated festivals to participate in one of the five Regional Finals in May.

Our History & Misson Statement

We were founded in 1923 and since that time we have gained a reputation for excellence.

AED an independent charity, is dedicated to fostering excellence by championing dance and performance among young people, empowering them for personal growth and self-expression through competitive platforms.

We recognise and cultivate extraordinary talent while ensuring that the enriching influence of dance is within reach of every young person, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

Our Values

Nuture

Nurturing performers through kindness and expertise is about creating a supportive, skillful, and emotionally considerate environment that not only enhances their dance abilities but also fosters their overall well-being and growth as individuals and artists.

Extension Programme

  • Bringing profound transformative power of dance to all.

 

Access

We offer inclusive dance programs nationwide, promoting equal opportunities for every child regardless of background or location. Our competitions, workshops, and events focus on positive impact and continual learning. We foster diversity, respect, and advocate the transformative power of dance in personal and cultural enrichment. We provide sincere feedback, uphold respectful communication, and strive to create a welcoming environment for all participants.

AED Scholarships

  • Nationwide competitions.
  • Fostering confidence, resilience, empathy, and a drive for personal excellence through competitive spirit.
  • Awards & Bursaries.

 

Excellence

The organisation is committed to nurturing and developing the talents of exceptionally gifted individuals in the field of dance. This could involve providing advanced training, mentorship, and financial support through scholarships and bursaries to help these individuals reach their full potential. By prioritising excellence, the organisation aims to contribute to the growth and elevation of dance as an art form.

UKYD Series

  • Showcasing the nation’s most talented young performers.
  • Providing access to top industry professionals in the field.

 

Trustees

Jacquie Brunjes

Chair

Gavin Sampson

Chair of the Finance Committee

Christine Wagstaff

Senior Independent Director

Brenda Garratt-Glassman

Dr Nathan James

Linda Lear

Jenni Lewin Turner

Nicky Lewis

Sue Passmore

Carol Porter

Jill Redford

Ariane Simard

Claire Singers

Kris Taylor

Dr Sue Waldock

Director of Operations

Jo Wagstaff

 

Board Of Regional Directors

Chair: Jo Wagstaff

Elaine Bailey, Emma Barnard, Lynne Casey, Louise Cooper, Nicky Lewis, Judy Sawyer, Lorraine Thomas

Senior Independant Director: Christine Wagstaff

 

Subsidiary Boards

Nominations Committee: Christine Wagstaff, Dr Sue Waldock

Finance Committee: Gavin Samson, Christine Wagstaff, Kris Taylor

Extension Programme: Brenda Garret Glassman, Sue Passmore

Scholarships & Bursaries: Christine Wagstaff, Dr Sue Waldock, Carol Porter

Artistic Committee: Dr Nathan James & adjudicators

Safeguarding & Risk: Linda Lear, Kris Taylor

People: Dr Sue Waldock, Jill Redfern

EDI and Development Legacies Trusts Foundations: Jenni Lewin Turner

Honorary Life Members

Jill Baird, Rita Deller, Judy Deverill, Yvonne Gout, John Headford, Vicky Kemp, Nick Lear, Patricia Lupino Thompson, Valerie Marshall, Jon Massey, Lesley Sewell, Mick Sewell, Mollie Tanner, Beryl Whyatt, Paul Whyatt.

 

Teachers Committee

Chair and Midlands & North: Helen Leek

East: Sophia Melvin

West: Louise Knapman

South: Louise Cleghorn

South East: Zoe Pennington

Home Counties: Melanie Dudman

 

Artistic Committee

Chair: Dr Nathan James

Jill Baldock, Karen Blackburn, Jodie Clark, Jill Redford.

Scholarship

 

Applications for the All-England Dance Scholarship are invited from any dancer who has performed at All England Dance Regional or National Finals in the past and who has been accepted for further training at a Conservatoire UK or on a CDMT accredited course, due to commence in autumn 2024.

Please see links below for further information on CDMT Accredited courses and Conservatoires UK:

The scholarship is worth £3,000 per annum for a three- year course and is subject to an audition on Wednesday 26th June 2024. As the scholarship is means tested, candidates will be invited to audition once application forms have been reviewed.

The audition will compromise of one ballet and one jazz class. Candidates pursuing a Musical Theatre Course should prepare a song. An interview by a Panel of the AED Board will follow.

Any dancer wishing to apply for the scholarship should contact Jo Wagstaff via email to request an application form.

Important dates:

  • Application forms should be returned by: 10th May 2024
  • Candidates will be notified by: 24th May 2024
  • Audition and Interview: 26th June 2023, Performers College, Birmingham, B5 5SR

Supporting
Charities & Organisations

We are very proud to work with and support the following charities and organisations.

Get Into Theatre is the essential website to help you find all the information and opportunities you need to pursue a successful career in theatre in the UK. From backstage to performing, training to apprenticeships, you will find up-to-date theatre jobs information and advice. We believe that all young people – no matter who you are – should have the same chance to have a career in theatre. Many people do not know about all the job options in theatre or the different ways to make a start in a theatre career.

The TIRED Movement was founded in 2020 as a social enterprise (not for profit) to raise awareness about racial injustice within the industry and the importance of representation in dance education. The movement has gained great momentum and support from the dance community and has made great strides towards implementing change across all sectors.

The more voices we hear, the louder we become