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
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Participatory movement sessions
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Community curtain-raiser and performance projects
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Site-responsive and immersive theatre experiences
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Educational workshops & creative projects
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Shared cultural experiences and theatre visits
DANCE AHEAD CIC
CURRENT FOCUS
CURRENT FOCUS
A SUMMER OF CREATIVITY, CONNECTION AND CELEBRATION
As Dance Ahead CIC approaches its first anniversary, we’re moving through a lively season of community activity, playful movement and creative collaboration across Carlisle.
From family-friendly environmental activities at Carlisle Open-Air Markets to The Human Playground and our first anniversary celebration, there are plenty of ways to discover our work, take part and connect with us this summer.
WOODLAND WONDERS
Imagination, nature and community care
Woodland Wonders is a new community project inviting children and their grown-ups to imagine, create and care for a kinder, greener Carlisle.
Participants become Woodland Wonderers: curious and caring members of the community who notice the world around them and discover how small actions can make a positive difference.
Following our community litter pick and creative story trail at Kingmoor North Nature Reserve, Woodland Wonders continues at Carlisle Open-Air Markets throughout the school summer holidays.
Every Friday | 24 July–28 August | 9am–4pm
Carlisle Open-Air Markets | Free and drop-in
THE HUMAN PLAYGROUND · 18+
Play. Connect. Move.
The Human Playground is Dance Ahead CIC’s developing programme of playful movement, theatre and shared creative exploration for adults.
In a world that can often feel fast-paced and disconnected, it offers something different: a welcoming space where curiosity, creativity and connection can grow through movement, imagination and responsive group play.
“The memory and repetition games stimulated both my brain and my body.”
— Participant, Carlisle
Our next session is a special Anniversary Edition, responding to the atmosphere and possibilities of Crown Lane Cellar.
Participants will also have the option to contribute to a relaxed performance sharing during our anniversary celebration the following evening.
Tuesday 4 August | 3.30–6pm
Crown Lane Cellar, Carlisle | £10 | Limited places
The participation fee includes entry to Dance Ahead CIC’s anniversary celebration on Wednesday 5 August.
We’ve also launched a Crowdfunder to support the next stage of The Human Playground and create more accessible opportunities for people to move, play and connect.
CELEBRATING ONE YEAR AS A CIC
An evening to gather, reflect and look ahead
On Wednesday 5 August, we’ll celebrate Dance Ahead’s first year as a Community Interest Company with friends, collaborators, participants and supporters.
Join us at Crown Lane Cellar for an informal evening of welcome drinks, creative sharings, conversation and celebration as we reflect on what has grown during our first year and look towards what comes next.
Wednesday 5 August | From 7pm
Crown Lane Cellar, Carlisle
£12 general admission | £6 Friends of Dance Ahead CIC
CULTURAL ACTIVATION PORTFOLIO
Bring Dance Ahead to your space
Are you planning a festival, school project, community programme, town-centre event or creative activation?
Our Cultural Activation Portfolio introduces our current performances, workshops, walkabout characters and place-responsive projects, with examples of how we can help animate spaces and bring people together.
To request a copy, email info@danceahead.co.uk with Cultural Activation Portfolio in the subject line.
MORE WAYS TO MOVE, CREATE AND CONNECT
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Creative workshops for children and young people aged 5–18
Drawing on twenty years of experience in education, we offer joyful and imaginative workshops combining storytelling, movement, performance games and creative play.
Sessions can be adapted for schools, community groups, festivals and youth settings, helping participants build confidence, spark curiosity and connect with their creativity.
Dates are available for schools, community groups and youth organisations.
LIVE WELL
Movement, singing and connection for people living with dementia
Join Zoë for a welcoming afternoon of singing, movement, conversation and refreshments at Currock Community Centre.
These free monthly sessions support social connection, creativity and wellbeing and are kindly supported by The Hadfield Trust, Age UK North Cumbria and Rotary in Carlisle.
Second Tuesday of each month | 1–3pm
Currock Community Centre, Carlisle
For further details, email info@currockcc.co.uk or call 01228 591868.
GET MOVING · KENDAL
Zoë also contributes to Get Moving, a programme of welcoming adult dance sessions led by a range of artists in Kendal.
New dates will be announced later in the summer…
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