DanceWest unveils leadership changes as founder steps down

JULIA FITZELLE has been announced as the new director of DanceWest, following the departure of its founder and chief executive, ROSIE WHITNEY-FISH, who leaves after a decade in the role to pursue freelance producer opportunities.

The west London company’s chair since its launch, ANYA TODD, has also stepped down, and several trustee appointments have been made, including Whitney-Fish.

Joining the board are deputy editor of Harper’s Bazaar FRANCES HEDGES; social media and brand strategist at Do It Now Now IDA OSSONEMANE; head of employee engagement at 1E GIORGIO CHRISTOU; higher education and arts consultant LESLEY MAIN and managing legal counsel at NatWest Group LISA ARDLEY-PRICE.

An arts and education leader, Fitzelle worked as a secondary school teacher in London schools for 15 years before moving into the arts sector. She has held posts as head of learning & participation at Rambert, senior team member of Rambert Grades and cultural education partnership manager for Ealing Council.

Fitzelle said: “DanceWest has long been a beacon of creativity and community engagement, and I am excited to build upon this legacy. This role comes with great responsibility to everyone in the DanceWest community. Rosie’s vision has been instrumental in shaping this organisation, and I am eager to uphold that legacy while embracing new ideas and opportunities.”

Whitney-Fish added: “Founding DanceWest has been the greatest privilege of my career. Over the past decade, we’ve built an organisation that truly places community and creativity at its heart, bringing the transformative power of dance to people of all ages and abilities.

“Personally, this journey has been transformational, one of pure grit, determination and hard work, and as I step into my new role as a trustee, I am excited to continue supporting DanceWest while focusing on my freelance career.”