Dance company welcomes new board leadership

Candoco Dance Company has announced that SHARON WATSON will head up its board as chair, joined by current trustee PATRICK MCGEOUGH, who has been appointed vice chair.

Watson succeeds CHARLOTTE WAELDE, who has served as interim chair over the past two years.

Currently the principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Watson was artistic director at Phoenix Dance Theatre from 2009 to 2020, having previously toured and choreographed with the company in the 1980s and 1990s.

She is a trustee of Factory International and a former trustee of Leeds 2023.

McGeough has a background working in the exercise, movement and dance sectors and sits on several boards, including as chair of the Herts Disability Sports Foundation and trustee of Brighton Marina Studios.

The leadership change follows the appointment of three new trustees in December: BEN EVANS, SARAH HOWARD and TYRON WOOLFE.

Watson said she has long been “inspired” by Candoco’s “commitment to expanding the perceptions of what dance can be”.

“I believe deeply in the power of diversity in the arts to transform lives and enact meaningful change throughout society,” said Watson.

“I’m excited to be part of Candoco’s journey to ensure dance and disability remains at the forefront of the arts agenda and support a company that works hard to authentically inspire openness and inclusion in all they do.”