Funding to build Touch Compass

16 September 2009
Touch Compass Dance Trust, which develops aspiring disabled dancers for integrated performance events, has received Sector Investments funding from Creative New Zealand.

Artistic Director Catherine Chappell says the funding will enable the company to expand and deliver more integrated dance programmes, and ensure more professional development for its dancers.

"This funding will allow us to kick start numerous projects and ensure they come to fruition,” Catherine says. “Primarily, it will enable us to build and strengthen the company's infrastructure. For the first time, we will have a dedicated team of people absolutely focussed on developing, driving and growing our programmes and performances.

"The newly created role of general manager means as artistic director I can get on with developing our artistic direction and the creative edge that the company is renowned for."

With a background in tourism and corporate communications, and most recently Private Secretary Tourism in the Prime Minister’s Office, Karen Fraser Payne takes up the role of general manager. 

Susie Tate will lead Encompass, the dance education component of the company. Trained as a dancer, Susie was the director of the foundation course in dance for disabled students in Britain’s Candoco dance company.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to build sustainable programmes and dancer capability,” Susie says. “In the short time I have been with the company, there have been endless enquires for more workshops, more professional development and more long-term programmes. The enthusiasm and interest is overwhelming.

“In particular, there are no regular dance training opportunities for aspiring dancers who have a disability. It means that we can actually create an even playing field for them by offering an extended programme and the chance to train with national and international choreographers."