Dance Development Officer - Sarah Stuart

'I was appointed as Dance Development Officer (DDO) for East Renfrewshire Council in November 2004. The post was initially funded by the Scottish Arts Council and is now funded by the local authority.

My remit is to support and develop dance activity within East Renfrewshire for children and young people from 3 to 18 years of age

East Renfrewshire has 24 primary schools, 7 high schools and 1 special needs school.  This is a very workable area, which has enabled me to have regular contact with all schools.  This has helped to strengthen relationships with both pupils and schools.

Currently all Primary 4, 5 and 6 pupils in the region receive a block of dance with numerous after school clubs and dance festivals.

All pupils participate with great enthusiasm and there are many very talented dancers in the area.  The following projects are a flavour of what has been happening:

• ‘Feet First’ a boys only dance programme
• Scottish Ballet and Scottish Dance Theatre workshops followed by Theatre performance visits
• Arts Across the Curriculum dance sessions
• Rumble in the Jungle nursery project combining dance and music
• Integrated special needs dance project
• A Dance for Camera film project

The images shown were taken at a 'Day of Dance', which formed part of an ongoing extensive girls after school dance programme.  The day included classes in Salsa, Capoeira and Contemporary as well as offering pupils the opportunity to perform.  The day was a great success with 50 participants working extremely hard.

Previously a freelance dance teacher I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to lay foundations in one area.  The role of the DDO is vital to provide a point of contact for dance. 

I am able to liaise and link with professional companies, tutors and schools and unlike a general Arts Officer I am able to devote a 100% of my attention to dance.

Dance provides a positive, enriching, creative and physical arts subject that should not be overlooked or marginalised.  You only have to see the smile on the faces of children dancing to realise it deserves all the support it can get!'