DNA was founded in 2015 by Gemma Wright, our Chair of Trustees and CEO, inspired by her own experiences with the profound impact of dance on health and social connection. Gemma saw her elders facing isolation and recognised the lack of professional pathways and support networks within the dance industry to address such needs. Her vision was simple yet powerful: to use dance to connect people, particularly older adults, helping to reduce isolation and improve overall well-being and to support people to be mentored and trained to deliver such work. Driven by her love for dance and its health benefits, Gemma established DNA to address a gap in Essex for a dedicated "Dance for Health" organisation.

 

Since its inception, DNA has partnered with health sector professionals to deliver a person-centred dance programme, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being. This unique service has grown with support from county and district council grants and has earned recognition through nominations in the One Dance UK awards. Over the years, DNA has raised an impressive £900,000 to fund dance programmes throughout Essex and Barking and Dagenham, reaching around 30,000 people annually with a wide range of dance offerings for people of all ages and abilities.

 

The pandemic presented significant challenges for DNA. As a project-funded organisation, we had to pause operations, furlough staff and see our freelance team dissipate. Many community projects across Essex and several London boroughs were put on hold, and we continue to work towards restoring and adapting these services to meet evolving community needs. Recognising the need for a more sustainable model, DNA transitioned from a Community Interest Company to a registered charity in 2023, securing a dedicated board of trustees who bring lived experience and a shared commitment to our mission.

 

Under the ‘Dance for Health’ banner, DNA offers programmes that support older adults, people with a variety of health conditions, families, young people, and communities. In 2022, we rebranded this work as "Dancing for Joy." Despite the challenges of recent years, DNA now operates in Colchester, Chelmsford, Brentwood and Braintree, where these programmes continue to make a meaningful impact. Alongside ‘Dancing for Joy,’ DNA also provides accessible dance education and training to teachers, staff, and artists, with initiatives designed to inspire and engage people in dance. Our programmes aim to democratise dance, creating “Dance for All” across the county.

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DNA is governed by a committed board of trustees with relevant lived experience, including Gemma Wright (Chair), Elsa Urmston (Vice Chair), and Frances Maynard, Lyann Kennedy (Secretary). The trustees meet quarterly to provide guidance and ensure DNA’s programmes align with our mission and values. Gemma Wright leads day-to-day operations with 17 years of experience in arts management and a respected network across Essex's health, education, and cultural sectors. DNA’s core team includes Karen Pratt, our Dancing for Joy Programme Manager; Katie Harwood, Freelance Participant Relationship Officer; and Steph Townsend, Freelance Projects Manager for Dancing for Schools and Social Communications. We also engage a vibrant group of 10 freelance artists and 2-5 volunteers to support various projects.

 

At DNA, we prioritise the well-being of our staff and freelancers, recognising that their health and satisfaction directly impact our effectiveness. We foster a supportive environment, offering opportunities for growth and creativity to ensure our team is motivated, well-compensated, and equipped to deliver high-quality programmes across Essex. Though small, DNA is a formidable presence in the dance for the health sector, setting a standard in creativity, community engagement, and staff well-being.