ABOUT
DANCE AHEAD CIC
Community-centred dance theatre across the North
We create inclusive movement and theatre experiences that build connection, belonging and creative confidence. Through participatory sessions, collaborative performance and embodied exploration, we bring people together to move, create and share.
Based in Carlisle and working across Cumbria & the North of England, Dance Ahead CIC supports adults of all backgrounds to engage with dance theatre in welcoming, accessible environments.
What We Do
Participatory movement sessions
Community curtain-raiser and performance projects
Site-responsive and immersive theatre experiences
Educational workshops & creative projects
Shared cultural experiences and theatre visits
DANCE AHEAD CIC
CURRENT FOCUS
THE HUMAN PLAYGROUND
Launching July 2026, The Human Playground is a 12-month community movement and theatre programme in Carlisle offering weekly pay-what-you-can sessions, creative intensives and public site-responsive performances.
Rooted in connection, voice and belonging, the project builds on recent community curtain-raiser work and responds to participant demand for continuity.
In a world that can often feel fast-paced and disconnected, The Human Playground offers something different — a welcoming space where curiosity, creativity and connection can quietly grow.
Developed through Dance Ahead CIC, the project brings people together through playful, shared movement experiences that invite imagination, presence and collective exploration.
Following a powerful initial project in Gilsland, we are now developing this work further, beginning in Carlisle.
We’ve launched a Crowdfunder to support the next stage of this journey.
PICNIC PLAYHOUSE
A creative theatre workshop for children and young people aged 7–18
Picnic Playhouse is a joyful, imaginative workshop (various durations available) of storytelling, performance, costume-making, games, and creative play — designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and help young people connect with their creativity.
Dates available to book in your school / community group / youth provision
CONTACT US FOR INFO
LIVE WELL – MOVEMENT, SINGING & MUSICAL ACTIVITIES, CARLISLE
For those living with dementia.
Connect with others in your community and engage with singing, movement and chat with Zoe, followed by refreshments. Stay socially active and healthy! Kindly supported by The Hadfield Trust, Age UK North Cumbria and Rotary in Carlisle.
FREE classes run monthly, every second Tuesday of the month.
Tuesdays (monthly) | 13:00 – 15:00 | Currock Community Centre, Carlisle
For more details email: info@currockcc.co.uk or call: 01128 591868
CTD CURTAIN RAISER PROJECT – WOMEN’S CLASSES IN CARLISLE
25th February| 19:00 – 21:00 | Studio MB1050 | University of Cumbria, Brampton Road Campus, Carlisle
4th March| 19:00 – 21:00 | Studio MB1050 | University of Cumbria, Brampton Road Campus, Carlisle
11th March| 19:00 – 21:00 | Gilsland Village Hall
CURTAIN RAISER PERFORMANCE, GILSLAND
14th March | 19:30 | TRACING BACKTALK by MEZZEE (curtain raiser) then KIZLAR (by CTD Company)|Gilsland Village Hall
BOOK HERE
CLASSES IN KENDAL
18th March | 18:45 – 19:45 | Get Moving | Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
25th March | 18:45 – 19:45 | Get Moving | Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
BOOK HERE
A chance to connect with our bodies internally, externally, individually and collectively. Drawing from an eclectic range of approaches to contemporary dance, improvisation and theatre, along with the people in the room, the sessions aim to inspire curiosity and encourage freedom of expression.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
About Dance Ahead
For me Zoë’s class was a kinesthetic exploration and celebration. Playing with the grammar and punctuation of the body; discovering the nuances of our body language. In a safe joyful space.
Catriona Messenger / DADT Participant
Audience Member / The Glass House
Audience Member TBTL / Sorry for your Loss
It was fabulous. I enjoyed it SO much. Everything about It was inspirational. Including watching a beautiful 88 year old lady tap dance. It’s what I have been looking for for years. A place where I can dare to dance, learn to dance, use it as expression, learn from others, be where I am at with dance when it wasn’t part of my younger life and is now something new and emerging and all with someone who is talented, open and encouraging.
It was a privilege and a joy to be with you. I am SO glad you are back in Cumbria.
Amanda Mudge / DADT Participant
Engaging with #HiddenSpaces15 is like being taken to a dreamlike realm where one feels at the same time alien and yet simultaneously welcome.
Adam Hughes / Reviewer
Audience Member TBTL / Sorry for your Loss
Very striking – fab dark, oppressive atmosphere created by the actors – loved the attention to detail in the costume and props! Great story-telling and uneasy moments – kept us on our toes. Excellent dance and music too – Thanks for an unpredictable,freaky treat!!
Audience Feedback / #HiddenSpaces15
Thoroughly enjoyable – The interactivity made the piece.
Audience Feedback / #HiddenSpaces15
Very intriguing – amazing space and fantastic use of it – very DV8!!! Loved how the music felt almost film-like – a soundscape, not a track starts here, finishes there – everything felt continuous. I could see the process had been intense – wish I could have been a part of it!! Fabulous lift sections – esp. café section – wanted to join in! The interaction with the audience was good but could have taken more.
Audience Feedback / #HiddenSpaces15
It made me really upset about the plight of women then and now and that line between sanity and insanity brought on by a hopeless situation! It really disturbed and made me feel sick. Very powerful!
Audience Feedback / #HiddenSpaces15
OUR WORK
Sharing stories through movement : Building belonging together