Trusts and Foundations

Dance City’s mission is to make life-affirming dance experiences possible for everyone in the North East. We believe in the power of dance to strengthen communities and bring joy to audiences and participants alike.   

We work with our funders, whether you are a family trust or a major foundation, to change lives through dance.  

If you would like to discover more about Dance City’s work please contact Rachel Fenton at fundraising@dancecity.co.uk to arrange a call or in-person meeting.   

Our Impact

Eileen’s Story

Over the last five years I’ve had a lot of bereavements, I’ve lost my stepdaughter and my mother-in-law, and my husband died recently.  We’d both just retired and had plans for what we were going to do together.  We only had six weeks of retirement and then he got ill.  Suddenly all the plans that we’d had were taken away and I felt as though I had no life.  

Thankfully, I my neighbour invited me to go to Dance City’s Over 55s dance group at Queen’s Hall. It’s amazing - the group is really supportive. We talk as well as dance and you realise that other people have similar stories to you.   

When you get older you start to feel invisible, but dancing makes you feel confident.    

Eileen, Boundless member

Alex’s Story

Growing up in Sunderland, Alex Thirkle starting dancing as a teenager when he got into  hip hop and house dance. He had never thought of studying dance formally until he was  awarded a place to study at Dance City with the help of a bursary.  

I found about the Centre for Advanced Training through my secondary school. They told me about a workshop where people would be picked to audition for the scheme. Although I didn’t even know what contemporary dance was at this point, I took part anyway, and it ended up being successful! 

Before the CAT scheme I had no knowledge of classical or contemporary dance whatsoever. Nevertheless, I felt really comfortable, even in the audition for the CAT because the environment was so nurturing and friendly.    

The CAT taught me a lot technically as a dancer, and I gained skills which apply beyond dance -  like having a determined mindset; being organised; and being creative. It’s important to note how you acquire all of these skills whilst having a good time too – they create the most incredible environment to meet new people and learn new things. 

Alex Thirkle, Dance City Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) graduate. 

Alex went on to study for a dance degree at the prestigious Rambert School. While still in training, he was an apprentice with Humanhood Dance Company, and immediately began working with Russell Maliphant Dance Company, touring internationally; and in 2023 joined Tavaziva Dance to tour ‘Boy’s Khaya’. 

Alex’s other performance and film work includes ‘Playscape’ by FKA twigs and Juliano Nunes; ‘Family’ by Sharon Eyal; and a London College of Fashion (LCF) collaboration with Alexander Whitley Dance Company. Alex has also danced in music videos by artists such as Ellie Goulding and Koreless. 

Alex is keen to keep learning and developing as a dancer:    

In the future I just want to keep dancing and see where it takes me.