TRUSTEES
Chair
Elsa Urmston
Trustees
Frances Maynard
Treasurer
Lyann Kennedy
Secretary
Gemma Wright
CEO and Founder
Elsa Urmston
Dr Elsa Urmston (she/her) is a UK-based independent dance educator and researcher with interests in vocational education, community practice, dance science, and the impact of arts participation. She completed her PhD in Education at the University of Exeter, focusing on the implications of periodisation for dance education. Elsa is an artist-in-residence at Copperdot Studio, Norwich and teaches at numerous Higher Education Institutions including London Contemporary Dance School, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance and University of Chichester. She also consults on educational change, having written several dance HE degree programmes, and recently supported London Contemporary Dance School’s adoption of periodisation as part of their curriculum development. She continues to advise on the embedding of dance science education throughout their offer, whilst contributing to longitudinal research focussing on students’ health and wellbeing, and facilitating the teachers’ learning exchange programme at the School. In this role and beyond, Elsa mentors early-and mid-career dance artists, particularly those for whom teaching and dance education are part of their wider portfolio of work. Much of Elsa’s work is also as a researcher-evaluator, exploring dance participation and its impact on people’s lives from social, psychological and health perspectives with companies such as Made by Katie Green, English National Ballet and Dance Umbrella. She is currently evaluating the lasting impact of the Royal Ballet and Opera’s Cultural Champions programme. Previous leadership roles include serving as Chair of the Dance Educators’ Committee (IADMS), Expert Panel Member for One Dance UK Children and Young People programmes and External Examiner for national and international undergraduate and postgraduate dance programmes. She is currently Chair of Dance Network Association, a dance for health organisation based in Essex.
Email:
Board enquiries: elsa@dancenetworkassociation.org.uk
Personal: elsa.urmston@gmail.com
Twitter: @dancescigirl
Frances Maynard
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I retired from my long career in accountancy and moved from Essex to Suffolk in 2000. I soon found my experience was useful and returned to work on a part-time self-employed basis; this continued until I was 76, when mobility problems forced me to return to Essex to be nearer my family.
During my time in Suffolk, I spent some years as Treasurer and Trustee of The Disability Advice Service of East Suffolk on a voluntary basis, this included dealing with The Charity Commission. I was also Treasurer at my Golf Club and Saxmundham Bowls Club, each position held for over ten years.
Since returning to Essex in 2013 I have taken on the Treasurership of Galleywood Short Mat Bowls Club and the bridge club I attend and continue to act in that capacity for both organisations. I also spent some time volunteering for the Helen Rollason Cancer Care charity, working in their Danbury shop, until it became too much for me.
I also act on an advisory basis for a block of flats, calculating the maintenance changes for the residents and preparing accounts and statutory documents and filing with Companies House.
My mobility is reduced, but I still take part in Short Mat Bowls; my other hobbies include running a Creative Writing Group, which I set up over seven years ago.
I am happy for you to contact me if you need any further information.
Email: francesmaynard@talktalk.net
Lyann Kennedy
​Lyann wanted to be involved with a dynamic and inspirational charity who, with a can-do attitude, are shaping the way dance and movement is seen into this new decade. She has been a consistent member of dna since we opened in 2015 with various hats to her name, and now sits on the board as our Secretary.
Lyann has worked in community settings for over 18 years within housing, education & training and arts organisations, project managing & facilitating training programmes for socially excluded, unemployed and disabled people across East London and Essex.
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Never wanting to be on stage, Lyann was a founding member of Chain Reaction Youth & Community Theatre, producing and eventually performing in and choreographing many shows over 10 years. Knowing how much confidence the arts brought her personally, Lyann believes in bringing creativity to all, enabling everyone to develop and grow into their ambitions and dreams.
Away from work Lyann enjoys everything the outdoors has to offer, is often found walking, running or horse-riding out in the fresh air.