Candoco Dance Company Appoints New Chair and Vice Chair of Board of Trustees

Candoco Dance Company is delighted to announce the appointment of Sharon Watson MBE DL as its new Chair. Sharon’s remarkable career in the dance sector, including her Artistic Direction of Phoenix Dance Theatre and her current role as Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, brings a wealth of strategic insight, artistic vision, and dedication to inclusivity.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Candoco as the company develops an ambitious ten-year strategy to place disabled artists at the centre of the dance landscape. A key focus is on talent development, commissioning new work, and amplifying the voices of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, ensuring their stories are celebrated on national and international stages.

With Sharon Watson's guidance, Candoco will continue to innovate and inspire dancers and audiences, strengthening its position as a leading force in inclusive dance. Her expertise and clarity of purpose will be invaluable, as the company furthers its mission to champion disabled talent, dismantling systemic barriers, and creating liberatory spaces for artists and audiences alike.

In addition to Sharon Watson joining as Chair, current Board Member Patrick McGeough has been appointed Vice Chair. Patrick’s background includes working within the exercise, movement, and dance sectors, and he brings extensive knowledge and lived experience as a participant, instructor, and CEO in the field. In recent years, he has supported a variety of charitable organisations, helping them develop strong governance, enhance engagement, and promote inclusion.

The new appointments follow the recent premiere of ‘Over and Over (and over again)’, a major new Candoco commission developed in collaboration with the internationally renowned Dan Daw Creative Projects. Having been performed at DanceEast in Ipswich and the Attenborough Centre in Brighton, Candoco is set to tour ‘Over and Over (and over again)’ internationally before returning to the UK for its
London premiere at Sadler's Wells East in July.

Sharon Watson commented: “I’m incredibly honoured to be asked to be Chair of Candoco Dance Company. I’ve always been inspired by the company’s continued 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. 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.”

The Board of Trustees also shared their enthusiasm for Sharon Watson's appointment:

Stuart Waters, Candoco Dance Company Board Member, says: “As a disabled dance leader I was excited to be welcomed into the Candoco team. Charlotte Waelde has been an incredible holding force for the new Board Members as we navigated sector change, and we have all learned a great deal from her. As a Northern School of Contemporary Dance alumnus I am excited by Sharon Watson's appointment. I've followed her career since the mid 90s and also had the joy to work with her, so I am very excited to see how she weaves her historical and intersectional perspectives into the board and Candoco's vision. It's an exciting time for Candoco.”

Sharon is following in the footsteps of Charlotte Waelde, who has served as Interim Chair over the past two years and has generously dedicated her time and expertise to steering Candoco through a period of transition, laying the groundwork for the company's next chapter.

Sarah-Mace Dennis, Candoco Dance Company Board Member, says: “Charlotte Waelde’s commitment, leadership and understanding of governance was vital in creating a space where we, as a majority disabled board, could work collectively to make decisions that align with Candoco’s vision and future ambitions. We are beyond excited to welcome Sharon Watson’s as our new Chair. We have no doubt that her energy and industry expertise will introduce us to exciting approaches for continuing to work together to build inclusive and intersectional creative futures.”

Melanie Precious, Executive Director of Candoco Dance Company, says: “Sharon Watson's arrival comes at a moment of renewed focus and ambition for the company. With her leadership, we are poised to build on Candoco's extraordinary 30-year legacy and drive forward our bold vision for the next decade. We remain committed to increasing visibility and opportunities for disabled artists and fostering a truly inclusive dance world.”

Sharon Watson’s appointment follows the recent appointment of three new Trustees in December:

Ben Evans: Ben is a disabled arts manager and accessible cultural policy consultant with a long track record of working internationally. Ben spent 12 years working for the British Council, including as European Head of Arts & Disability.

Sarah Howard: Sarah’s career has spanned three decades across the world of theatre and dance, including Sadler’s Wells, Park Theatre, Unlimited, 2012 Cultural Olympiad and Candoco - managing its education programme from 2000 to 2006.

Tyron Woolfe: Tyron is an avid fan of the Arts, he is Deaf and has worked previously as Executive Director (maternity cover) at Deafinitely Theatre.