Background and History
Dance United Yorkshire (DUY) was established in 2011 as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2019. Over the years, DUY has flourished in its work with marginalised communities and been included in Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of Organisations since 2015.
DUY has evolved from a community-focused initiative into a nationally recognised leader in socially engaged dance practice. Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Helen Linsell and Executive Director Duncan Bedson, DUY has been at the forefront of creating transformative opportunities for those often excluded from the arts. Their dedication to excellence and innovation has shaped DUY’s unique philosophy, empowering participants and practitioners to use dance as a powerful tool for social change.
Helen and Duncan’s deep commitment to the region and their strategic vision have been instrumental in expanding DUY's influence across Yorkshire and beyond. Together, they have forged strong partnerships with leading organisations, innovated and curated impactful projects, and mentored the next generation of socially engaged dance artists. As DUY continues to grow, its leadership ensures that the organisation remains a catalyst for positive and sustainable change, bringing the transformative power of dance to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
Where We Work
DUY’s work is deeply embedded in the heart of Bradford, where we lead initiatives that engage with the city’s richly diverse communities. Our projects have seen collaborations with a wide range of artists, including acclaimed choreographers such as Lea Anderson and Gary Clarke and the renowned Protein Dance Company. These partnerships have enriched our work, bringing fresh, dynamic perspectives to the communities we serve.
But our reach doesn’t stop there. DUY has also expanded internationally, forging collaborations in the sunny climes of Aruba and Jamaica—naturally, Helen led the charge in these tropical partnerships. Meanwhile, Duncan bravely took on the slightly less sun-soaked projects in Aberdeen and Wrexham, proving that our commitment to dance knows no geographical or meteorological boundaries. Whether in the Caribbean or the cooler corners of the UK, our dedication to using dance as a force for social change remains undiminished, ensuring that our impact is felt far and wide.
This global perspective is deeply rooted in our origins, which stretch back to an entirely different continent and a powerful story of transformation in Africa...
A Radical Journey: From Ethiopia to Yorkshire
DUY’s story begins in Ethiopia. In 1995, TV producer Andrew Coggins was deeply moved by the plight of street children while working on the BBC film project "10 Years after Live Aid." Determined to make a difference, he was inspired by an aid agency executive’s advice to empower young people with the tools to tell their own stories, leading him to turn to the arts.
He collaborated with:
Dr Carmela Abate: Paediatrician and founder of the NGO Ethiopian Gemini Trust.
Royston Maldoom: International choreographer and contemporary dance innovator.
Mags Byrne: International dance artist and choreographer.
Together, they envisioned a dance company for street and working children, using rigorous artistic and technical disciplines to unlock their potential. The result was the Adugna Dance Theatre Company, formed by eighteen young people who, over five years, transformed into professional dancers, choreographers, and teachers. Adugna graduates have performed globally and advocated for social health and justice, continuing their legacy through the Destino Dance Company.
Witnessing the success of the Adugna project firsthand, international policing consultant Blair Davies took the radical step of integrating Adugna’s skills into Ethiopia’s national police training programmes to challenge the policing culture. The outcomes confirmed the profound impact that the arts can have on social and justice contexts. When Dance United was later founded in the UK, Blair became a trustee, furthering his commitment to using dance as a tool for social change.
Dance United: Bringing the Vision to the UK
Inspired by Adugna’s success, Andrew, Mags, and Royston established Dance United (DU) in London in 2000. Initially, DU prioritised:
Working with diverse communities in Berlin alongside Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker.
Engaging disadvantaged youth in Northern Ireland.
Collaborating within the UK criminal justice system to engage with offenders.
These projects validated DU's methodology, embedding contemporary dance at the core of transformative interventions. The focus was on delivering high-quality arts performances to cultivate transferable skills, attitudes, and self-belief among marginalised individuals.
Dance United Academy: Establishing Roots in Yorkshire
In 2006, DU launched its Academy in Bradford, offering an alternative to traditional custody processes and developing artists capable of delivering DU’s unique philosophy.
Under the leadership of Helen Linsell and Duncan Bedson, the Academy solidified its reputation, working with a network of referral partners and support agencies. Evaluations by Manchester University and other respected academics consistently confirmed the outstanding impact and cost-effectiveness of DU’s interventions.
Dance United Yorkshire: Independence and Growth
In 2011, the Academy became Dance United Yorkshire (DUY), transitioning to self-governance as a Community Interest Company (CIC). By 2014, DUY was fully independent and achieved Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status in 2019. Helen and Duncan continue to lead as Artistic Director and Executive Director, with Blair Davies as a Trustee (and ex-chair 2014-2023) and Andrew Coggins as Honorary President.
And Now… As DUY moves forward, we are excited to continue transforming lives through the power of dance. Our future is bright, with upcoming projects like "Memories of the Future" and a renewed commitment to expanding our impact across Yorkshire and beyond, ensuring that our work remains at the forefront of social inclusion through dance.
