One Dance UK announces shortlisted nominees for its first-ever Dance Teaching Awards

The shortlisted nominees were carefully chosen by a selection panel made up of industry professionals brought together to represent a broad range of education knowledge and expertise. The selection panel of Geoff Barton, Althea Efunshile (CBE), Linda Jasper (MBE), Carolyn Lappin and Piali Ray (OBE) said:

We are very proud to have been asked to select the finalists in this ground-breaking first year of the One Dance UK Awards. We were overwhelmed by both the quantity and quality of the 886 nominations. They demonstrate just how important dance is in our schools and how keen the profession is to celebrate the many individuals and organisations who are using dance to transform the lives of young people. We are delighted to be able to recognise so many amazing people doing so much to communicate the inspiring power and relevance of dance across the UK.

Claire Somerville, Head of Children & Young People’s Dance at One Dance UK added:

I’m delighted by the level of interest we have had in the Awards and see them as a key way for us to champion dance education and participation, particularly in challenging times for dance provision in school. The Awards have provided a wonderful opportunity for people to express their gratitude for the dance teachers, leaders and organisations that dedicate their time, energy and expertise into furthering opportunities for young people and we’re looking forward to celebrating with all the shortlisted nominees in July.

The winners of the One Dance UK Dance Teaching Awards will be announced at an afternoon tea and ceremony on Sunday 16 July at Birmingham Hippodrome on the final day of U.Dance Festival 2017.

The three shortlisted nominees for each of the nine awards are: