Dance Base Board Member
Job Pack
Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of Directors at Dance Base, Edinburgh.
Please find a job description and application form enclosed.
To apply for the post, please submit a CV and covering letter, marking the envelope
with the code DB-BD15 and send it to:
Stef Skinner
Finance and Admin Officer
Dance Base
14-16 Grassmarket
Edinburgh
EH1 2JU
OR
Send by e-mail to:stef@dancebase.co.uk
The closing date for applications is 17.00 on 6 March 2015.
We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in Dance Base
Dance Base is an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all
sectors of the community.
History
Dance Base, a National Centre for Dance, is the home of dance in Scotland. Since 1994,
under the Artistic Directorship of Morag Deyes MBE, Dance Base has continued to thrive
and has welcomed over 1 million people through its doors. Annually we work with hundreds
of professional dancers; bring dancers and choreographers from across the world to present
their work at our critically-acclaimed Fringe programme; and support companies to tour work
nationally and internationally.
Located in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket, the £6.4m centre caters for dancers of all ages
and abilities in state-of-the-art facilities, providing an accessible programme of activities to a
diverse public who can enjoy a sociable way of keeping physically fit and developing new
creative skills. Our four world-class studios provide an inspirational environment in which to
create and participate.
The building was opened by our Royal Patron, Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay KT, KG in
2001. One month later, our Artistic Patron, the internationally renowned choreographer Mark
Morris, celebrated Dance Base by creating and dedicating a new work performed by his
company at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh.
The Vision
Our vision is to support new, emerging and established dancers and choreographers across
a range of styles. We respond to the changing needs of the professional dance community,
cultivating awareness of choreographic trends and teaching styles. We are unfailing in our
commitment to community engagement and widening participation – we believe that dance
is for everyone, and everyone can dance. And we provide a hub that connects the very best
creative talent locally, nationally and internationally and gets more people dancing.
Strategic aims and objectives
Dance Base’s strategic aims and objectives are to:
 Provide support for new, emerging and established dance artists, dancers and
choreographers across a range of styles, ensuring that they reach their full potential
by giving them the opportunity to develop original, ground breaking work
 Commission, produce and present exceptional choreography and dance
performances across a wide range of dance forms
 Strengthen our connection with audiences and participants and develop new dance
audiences for the future; increase dance provision for the community in Edinburgh
 Increase access and open up the enjoyment of dance to the whole Scottish
community
 Ensure that all activities take place within a safe, secure and appropriate
environment and the finances are sourced and managed in an efficient, transparent
and professional manner.
Achieving success in these areas will enable us to enhance our reputation as a National
Centre of Dance, both within the professional and participatory dance communities. We will
be recognised as a centre of excellence within the dance community and the sector in
Scotland, Europe and beyond.
We will continue to deliver, develop, expand and enhance:
 highly professional programmes of work, including: festivals, residencies, training for
young graduates, professional technique classes, production and management
support and performance opportunities; and
 a diverse range of participatory programmes, comprising courses and classes for all
communities, and a series of distinct projects happening inside and outside the
venue aimed at inspiring and engaging those people who may not otherwise have
the opportunity to take part in dance activities.
Our values of artistic excellence, creativity, inclusivity, responsibility and participation
determine what we do and how we do it.
Where we are now
Dance Base is a special place. Over the past 20 years it has established a reputation for
artistic excellence, supporting and developing new, emerging and established dancers,
dance artists and choreographers across a range of styles. Crucially, it has committed to
widening access and participation, providing diverse, inclusive and highly-valued dance
programme experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Currently, Dance Base operates across two interconnected programmes of work under the
leadership of Chief Executive, Jenny Langlands and Artistic Director Morag Deyes MBE.
The Professional Programme
Dance Base has delivered a strong professional programme aimed at supporting and
developing the professional dance community in Scotland, as well as nurturing new and
emerging talent. This has six elements:
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Residency programme: Two studios are dedicated for the exclusive use of dance
professionals throughout the year. The studios are used from 9.00 until 17.00 each
day, to create new work, either alone or with a company. Professional dancers also
deliver and attend professional classes.
Dancers Emerging Bursary Scheme: A ground-breaking initiative which
offers non-financial bursaries to four graduate dancers per annum. These
young graduates are supported with training, guidance and are provided with
an essential bridge between college or conservatoire and the challenging
professional life of a full time dancer/choreographer. The recipients of these
awards are mentored by a carefully-selected and experienced dance
practitioner who can meet their development needs.
The Edinburgh Fringe programme: Brings together dance artists from
across the world, giving Scottish artists the opportunity to perform their work
alongside international artists and to engage with new audiences.
Showcases: Deliver intimate events, giving dance artists and companies the
opportunity to present work-in-progress to audiences of peers and industry
professionals.
International mentoring: Offers mentoring support to dance artists,
choreographers and companies on the international circuit.
Catalyst: Offers a unique resource for the professional dance community in
Scotland, contributing vital production and project management skills to
smaller companies and emergent artists. Catalyst works strategically with
artists over a longer period of time, contributing to the on-going development
of their work and vision, encouraging trusting relationships that develop into
lasting collaborations. By working closely with companies, producing and
presenting partners and funders, Catalyst offers an integrated support
structure that matches existing and new audiences for dance with Scottish
choreographic talent.
Participation Programme
This consists of two key areas:
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The Community classes programme: Offers more than 100 weekly classes per
week, over three terms, to members of the public. Classes and speciallyprogrammed workshops are scheduled for all levels, from absolute beginner to
advanced participants, and for all ages from babies to senior citizens. Classes are
run either as developmental courses or drop-in sessions and are delivered by
experienced professional teachers in our world-class studios at accessible prices.
Approximately 1,000 people access these classes every week.
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The Education and Outreach programme: Expands links into the community by
providing dance experiences that stimulate creativity, learning, health and wellbeing,
for those unable to come to the centre as a result of physical, financial or social
barriers.
Over the past 12 months, we have involved over 800 participants through the
education and outreach programmes. The core overheads needed to manage this
work are funded by a grant from the City of Edinburgh Council. This enables us to
work with people with additional support needs throughout the city in mainstream
schools, special schools, community settings and leisure centres. These projects are
a hugely important component of our dance offering and we are strongly committed
to maintaining and developing this aspect of our work.
The extent and diversity of the projects and activities undertaken in the education
and outreach programmes rely heavily on income received from individual donors,
trusts and foundations and fundraising initiatives and events. We also operate
through partnerships with statutory bodies, social enterprises and third-sector
organisations.
Some of our current projects are:
o
Everybody Dance Now: Is a series of dance and movement classes for
disabled children within special schools in Edinburgh. Each term we work with
four different school groups, delivering a bespoke programme of dance,
movement and music tailored to the needs of the school and the participants.
o
Great Feats: Is an intensive programme of dance and education that raises
the aspirations of at-risk young people. This includes weekly classes,
performances, attending professional rehearsals, attending theatre
performances and learning about leading a healthy lifestyle.
o
Seated Swing: Dance keeps older people active and alert, both physically
and mentally, and enhances their emotional and social wellbeing. For those
older adults with mobility difficulties, we take dance to them. Our 1920s-style
Seated Swing classes are fun and energising and are specially designed to
get toes tapping and hands clapping regardless of age or ability. We are
currently working in three centres around Edinburgh.
Board of Directors Role Description
The Board of Directors is responsible for agreeing the strategic vision, mission and purpose
of Dance Base and for guiding the organisation towards achieving its goals through good
governance.
Chaired by Ed Crozier, the Board governs the organisation and delegates operational
responsibility to its Chief Executive. The Chief Executive has the key task of putting the
Board’s strategies and policies into action and achieving results. However, the ultimate
responsibility for every aspect of the company’s operation lies with the Board of Directors.
The Board is required to meet together on a regular basis to consider and agree:
 The organisation’s strategy, which includes; vision, mission, aims and objectives.
 The delivery of our three-year business plan.
 Financial performance against targets.
 Management and employment performance against targets.
 Changes to the external environment in which the business operates that may affect
the organisation.
Individually and collectively, Board members must ensure that the Board carries out
its role. This requires individual members to :
 Attend meetings of the Board of Directors and Finance Sub-committee meetings.
 Prepare for these meetings by reading relevant papers in advance.
 Probe areas of concern.
 Contribute to discussion and decision-making and share collective responsibility for
the Board’s decisions.
 Attend Board development events and keep up-to-date with subjects relevant to the
Board and the organisation.
 Contribute, when required, to the work of working groups, or sub committees.
 Represent the Board and promote the organisation at meetings and events when
required.
In addition, Board members are required to act as advocates for Dance Base, promoting
Dance Base and its activities and needs to enhance the company’s profile and assist with
fundraising for the company.
Terms of office
Board meetings usually take place five times each year and last two hours in length,
depending on the business being discussed. Sub-committee meetings may take place
between or prior to each full Board meeting.
Board members will be invited to serve an initial term of office of 3 years, which may be
renewed for a maximum of one further 3-year term.
Desired attributes of a Board Member
 An enthusiasm for the work of Dance Base
 A commitment to carry out the duties of a Board Member.
 To be a respected member of the community with good business, artistic or related
connections.
 To have financial and/or accountancy professional qualification and expertise.
 The ability to work as a member of a team and a willingness to state personal
convictions and, equally, to accept a majority decision and be tolerant of the views of
other people.
 A willingness to deal openly with staff and colleague Board Members
 A preparedness to offer personal and business skills and experience to support the
work of the staff when required
 To act as a champion for Dance Base