YDance (Scottish Youth Dance)
South Block,
Unit 103,
60-64 Osbourne Street,
Glasgow, G1 5QH
Telephone: 0141 552 7712
Meet the YDance Team
Carolyn Lappin
Executive DirectorCarolyn’s experience:
Carolyn has been Chief Executive at YDance (Scottish Youth Dance) since 2002. Educated at Glasgow University, she began working in the arts front of house at the Citizens’ Theatre in Glasgow, before going on to Scottish Youth Theatre where she was General Manager from 1984 until 2001, also managing the Old Athenaeum Theatre for SYT.
Carolyn has also been Administrator for Winged Horse Touring Productions, IPB Productions and Spontaneous Combustions, and was Chair of the Independent Theatre Council in Scotland from 1996 – 1998 and a member of the UK ITC Board of Directors. She is Chair of Surge, a company which develops street arts, physical theatre and circus in Scotland, and is Vice-Chair of People Dancing (Foundation for Community Dance).
Carolyn’s role at YDance:
Carolyn is responsible for the overall management of the company, and reports to the Board of Directors. Her role includes business planning, financial management, human resources, liaising with and reporting to Creative Scotland and other statutory funders, governance matters, safeguarding policy and practice and data protection.
Fun fact:
Carolyn is a fan of American Football and supports the Washington Redskins.
Contact Carolyn about:
- Funding and governance matters
Anna Kenrick
Artistic DirectorAnna’s Experience:
Anna trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance before working with the Education Team at The Place, London, Magpie Dance Company, Anjali Dance Company and teaching for many different schools and organisations across the UK as a choreographer, teacher and facilitator.
In 2002 Anna joined Ludus Dance Company where she worked as both a dancer and teacher. She performed in UK and international tours of Perfecting Eugene, Trapped and Zygote, working with choreographers Rosie Kay, Filip Van Huffel and Hanna Gillgren. She joined YDance in 2007 as Project Director for the Free to Dance project as well as a choreographer for a number of projects including Project Y where she has choregraphed 11 new works to date touring across the country.
In 2011 Anna was appointed as Artistic Director of YDance and has gone on to create and choreograph new works for the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland – A Million Eyes on You (2012), If I Told You (2014), Stuck in My Throat (2015), Maelstrom (2016) Di-ver-gent (2018), For Those Who Wait (2019) and Beneath Words (2020). All these pieces have toured nationally across the UK and internationally to Australia, Belgium, India, Ireland and France. She has co-choregraphed pieces across the world in Australia, Belgium and France with Filip Van Huffel, Josette Baiz, Jayden Hicks and Ruth Osbourne for international exchange projects.
Anna has been commissioned to create outdoor and indoor pieces for the cultural programmes for the 2012 Olympics, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships as well as directing and programming the first ever Commonwealth Youth Dance Festival in 2014. In 2018 Anna choregraphed and directed a large scale intergenerational project, “Generation Dance Festival” in partnership with Scottish Ballet and choregraphed a collaborative production “Tell Us Who We Are” with the National Youth Choir of Scotland, National Youth Orchestras of Scotland and Scottish Youth Theatre.
Anna is a trained life coach and has been a mentor for the Federation of Scottish Theatre for 7 years.
Anna’s role at YDance:
Anna drives and leads all the strategic development of the artistic programme for YDance. From idea creation to project delivery, Anna works with her fantastic team of dance artists to ensure Scotland has a range of dance projects in different communities and settings to allow children and young people from a range of backgrounds to experience dance. She is a trainer, facilitator, choreographer, manager, teacher, artist and instigator.
Anna’s fun fact:
She hates Turkish Delight and can sing all the songs from Miss Saigon!
Contact Anna about:
- How dance can support your organisation and young people
- Strategic development
- Project ideas and development
- The National Youth Dance Company of Scotland
- Hothouse
- Project Y
- Destinations
- Working as a choreographer or teacher for YDance
Linzi McLagan
Head of EducationLinzi’s experience:
Linzi McLagan first gained contemporary dance experience at 12 years old. She performed and participated in creative community projects throughout Dundee before going on to study at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance, where she achieved a Higher National Diploma in Contemporary Dance Performance.
After graduation she joined the community initiatives team at Dundee College, where she received a Teaching and Leadership mentorship with Catherine Cassidy. Linzi then went on to work as a Lecturer at Dundee College and spent four years there teaching contemporary technique, choreography and movement science at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance. Within this time Linzi achieved a Higher Diploma: Exercise Physiology, an Advanced Diploma: Teaching in Further Education, her 3rd module in Polestar Pilates Matt work, an MSc in Dance Science and Education at the University of Edinburgh and acquired her Postgraduate: Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) at the University of Dundee.
Linzi has worked extensively throughout Scotland as a Community Dance Artist, Dance Development Officer (educational remit) and a Dance Educationalist in Early Years, Primary, secondary and Further Education settings. Linzi has a passion for working within the Dance Education sector producing innovative projects across Scotland and is delighted to be part of theYDance team!
Linzi’s role at YDance:
Linzi is principally responsible for the Education strand of the company’s work which includes strategic planning, management and delivery of YDance education projects and events. Her role aims to promote the delivery of dance within the formal education sector and influence the future development of dance within the Scottish curriculum.
Fun fact:
Her favourite place to hang out is in a library.
Contact Linzi about:
- Support in the delivery of Primary, BGE and SQA dance in schools
- CLPL training, educational resources and guidance for teachers to enable and inspire young people to increase their skill base and provide more dance in schools.
Kelly Shearer
Head of ParticipationKelly's Experience:
Kelly started dancing at 12 years old and discovered a love for contemporary and urban styles while attending Knightswood Secondary School. She went on to study at Anniesland College (now Dance Studio Scotland) and graduated in 2004. Kelly has worked in the Scottish dance sector for over 17 years and has been at YDance for 13 of those. She has travelled to, and taught in every local authority in Scotland, as well as Germany, Holland, Spain and India, working with a variety of different dancers and choreographers.
Kelly's role at YDance:
Kelly heads up the Participation strand of the company’s work and is responsible for the development of projects which are delivered in various contexts in community settings. These projects are often delivered in partnership with local authorities and local organisations that work with young people. Kelly teaches on specific projects including work in HMYOI Polmont and for our inclusive youth dance company Horizons Glasgow. Kelly manages the delivery of Sports Leaders (Dance Leadership Awards), Arts Award and SQA qualifications (excluding National Qualifications in dance). She is also the SQA Coordinator for YDance.
Fun fact:
Kelly once danced with street-dance crew Diversity while attending Urban Dance Camp in Germany in 2013.
Contact Kelly about:
- Providing dance to your youth group or organisation
- Information about our Horizons Glasgow, Aberdeen and Stirling youth dance companies
- Working in partnership for long or short term projects
- Freelance dance artist opportunities
- Information about the delivery of Sports Leaders UK (Dance Leadership), Arts Award and SQA qualifications (excluding National Qualifications in dance)
kelly@ydance.org
Lauren Ferguson
Projects CoordinatorLauren’s experience:
Lauren studied Administration at Notre Dame High School and went on to graduate from North Glasgow College with an NQ in Office Skills. She then attended Glasgow Central College of Commerce in 2005/2006 studying HNC in Business Administration.
Lauren has been a member of the YDance team since 2004, working as the Administration Assistant. However, after the birth of her second son took a year out to focus on her family. She later returned in 2014 and was appointed Project Coordinator in July 2016.
Lauren’s role at YDance:
Lauren works alongside the Artistic Team to coordinate the logistics of YDance’s various projects. Her role encompasses work across each strand of the organisation, from Talent to Access & Participation to Education.
Fun fact:
Lauren has worked in YDance since she was 16, making this her only job since leaving school.
Contact Lauren about:
- Applications and logistics
- The National Youth Dance Company of Scotland
- Project Y
- Hothouse Level 1 & 2
- Open class bookings
- Dance floor hire
Denise McLeod
Office AdministratorDenise’s experience:
On leaving school Denise studied Administration at Langside College. From there she went on to work for a landscape architect before moving on to GEAR ITeC which in due course changed from a training company to a Sage and IT support organisation with a name change to Informa Tech where she worked for 19 years. She then switched to M&D’s, Scotland’s theme park, before settling at YDance as Administration Officer in 2005.
Denise’s role at YDance:
Denise’s main role at YDance is to produce management accounts and salaries on a monthly basis using Sage software. She also looks after the day to day running of the office as well as the office equipment.
Fun fact:
Denise loves Zumba even though she has two left feet!
Contact Denise about:
- General Enquires
- Anything relating to IT or office equipment.
Alison Mussett
Fundraising OfficerAlison’s experience:
Alison studied BA (Hons) Communication Studies at Sunderland University. She has worked in the arts in Scotland for over 20 years with companies including Glasgow Jazz Festival, Assembly Theatre, Traverse Theatre, Dundee Rep Theatre, Glasgow Theatre Royal, Theatre Workshop, Benchtours, Anatomy Performance Company and many more. Alison is a trustee of The Occasion theatre company. She started work at YDance in 2016.
Alison’s role at YDance:
Alison raises money to support the work that YDance does through applying to trusts and foundations, working with sponsors and individual givers.
Fun fact:
Alison’s sister is a best-selling author.
Contact Alison about:
- Contact Alison if you would like to find about how you can support the work of YDance.
alison@ydance.org
Kirsty Rough
Marketing ManagerKirsty’s experience:
Kirsty graduated from the University of Teesside with a BA Hons Degree in Tourism Management. From there she went on to study a Professional Diploma in Marketing and a Diploma in Digital Marketing, both with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) of which she is an Associate Member.
Kirsty has worked in various marketing roles in a number of industries including publishing, finance, travel and theatre, and has lived and worked in Australia and Canada. Prior to her move to YDance in January 2017, she worked as Marketing Officer at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Essex. Kirsty is also Marketing Officer for Glasgow based theatre company, The Occasion.
Kirsty’s role at YDance:
Kirsty manages all aspects of YDance’s marketing, from the overall marketing strategy and project promotions, to design and digital channel management. She works across all three strands of the organisation – Talent Development, Participation and Education – working closely with the senior management team.
Fun fact:
Kirsty once appeared on TV with Tom Hiddleston.
Contact Kirsty about:
- All things marketing related
- Press enquiries
kirsty@ydance.org
Emily Tryon
Digital MarketingEmily's experience:
Emily graduated from the University of Leeds in 2006 with a BA(hons) in Film, Theatre and Television. In 2007 Emily set up her own production company and began working with small businesses whilst developing a Music Promotion and events Business. After moving to Scotland in 2009, Emily continued to work closely with small businesses helping them develop an online presence through promotional films, digital content and copy.
Emily has produced films which have screened at Cannes, is the voice and creative behind Tot's Bots's Nappy's digital marketing in the Scottish baby box and has a proven track record of growing businesses through digital marketing.
Emily's role at YDance:
Emily manages all aspects of YDance’s marketing, from the overall marketing strategy and project promotions, to design and digital channel management. She works across all three strands of the organisation – Talent Development, Participation and Education – working closely with the senior management team.
Fun fact:
Emily worked in the music industry during her time at uni and was a DJ
Contact Emily about:
- All things marketing related
- Press enquiries
emily@ydance.org
Gillian Montgomery
Senior Dance ArtistGillian's experience:
Gillian studied Dance at Anniesland College achieving an HND before going on to complete a BA in Dance at Edinburgh’s Telford College. She worked as a Freelance Dance Artist for several years before joining YDance full time for the Dance in Schools Initiative team towards the end of 2007.
In 2009 Gillian took 3-month sabbatical to study at Broadway Dance Centre in New York, along with attending many other professional development programmes such as Urban Dance Camp in 2013.
Gillian's role at YDance
Gillian has worked on many different projects throughout her time at YDance – Dance in Schools Initiative, Free to Dance, YDance Active, Project Y, Take the Lead and many more. She is also NYDCS rehearsal director.
Fun fact:
Gillian is an adrenalin junkie and has bungee jumped, sky dived and swam with sharks.
gillian@ydance.org
Aimee Friel
Dance ArtistAimee’s experience:
In 2017, Aimee graduated from Dance Studio Scotland, securing A grades for both HND and HNC Dance Artist Qualifications. A highlight of Aimee’s college experience was when her HND graded unit piece of choreography was selected to be performed in the department’s end of year showcase at the Mitchell Theatre. During her final year Aimee visited New York City where she learned from some of the industry’s leading professional dancers at Broadway Dance Center and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
While studying at college, Aimee’s experience and interest as a community dance artist developed immensely. She began teaching for private dance schools and primary schools. She then became more versatile through her work with the Scottish Ballet Elders Company, South Lanarkshire Council and Tomorrow’s Women.
In 2018, Aimee graduated from Edinburgh College with a First-class BA (hons) Degree in Dance. Immediately after graduating, she secured a full-time position with YDance as a Trainee Dance Artist. This experience developed Aimee into the well-rounded practitioner that she is today and earned her a permanent position with the organisation.
Aimee’s role at YDance:
Aimee works mainly across the Participation strand at YDance. She teaches a range of young people, some of which include: young offenders at HMYOI Polmont, young parents and their babies, and primary/secondary school pupils.
Fun fact:
Aimee has an identical twin sister!
aimee@ydance.org
Taylor Han
Dance ArtistTaylor’s experience:
Taylor graduated from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2018 with a First Class BA(Hons) in Contemporary Dance. After graduating she studied at London Contemporary Dance School and worked with EDGE Dance Company as part of her MA in Contemporary Dance with whom she toured across the UK and to Austria, Finland and Portugal. Whilst studying Taylor was also part of the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland and had the opportunity to tour with them across the UK and internationally to places including Belgium and India.
Taylor now works as a freelance dance artist as well as working as a dance artist for YDance. She is a practicing artist and is creating her own Creative Scotland funded work called 'With Catastrophic Consequences' in which she is the lead dance artist and works as performer and choreographer. She also works professionally as a performer for other companies; most recently she has toured with Rob Heaslip’s 'Strawboys', performed in dance film 'A Maze in Equinox' with Slanjayvah Dance, and performed with Roisin O’Brien Dance with a 'Falling Ballet' and The Yonis at Hidden Door Festival in Edinburgh. She currently works with Scottish Dance Theatre’s Young Company in Dundee and will be choreographing on the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance BA Students for their final year show in 2022.
Taylor’s role at YDance:
Taylor works with Horizons Dance Company within the participation strand of YDance. She is taking part in CPD and mentoring to further herself as an artist within YDance to branch out into other projects throughout the company.
Fun fact:
One of Taylor’s favourite performances ever was in Kolkata, India with NYDCS. It was monsoon season and it started raining as they danced - by the end of the performance everyone was covered head to toe in mud!
taylor@ydance.org
Jessica Ho
Dance ArtistJessica’s experience:
Jessica graduated in 2015 from The Scottish School of Contemporary Dance with BA Hons Degree in Dance, during which she was also a part of the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland.
After graduating Jessica worked freelance for several organisations including as a dance tutor for South Lanarkshire Council, an assistant for Indepen-dance, and on projects such as Jump In and Catalyst with YDance. Since starting her role at YDance, Jessica has gained experience working inclusively with several different groups.
Jessica’s role at YDance:
Jessica works on the participation strand of the company, after working mainly on the education strand. She gets to work with a range of young people in community settings and alternative education units. Jessica also choreographs Horizons Glasgow, working with the inclusive dance company to create new dance pieces.
Fun fact:
Jessica has a love for party planning and cake. On her birthday in 2019 she had five different cakes within the week!
jessica@ydance.org
Lorraine Miller
Dance Artist in EducationLorraine’s experience:
Lorraine trained at the Dance School of Scotland and went on to graduate with her Diploma from Laine Theatre Arts. During her time she achieved Associate Teaching Qualifications with Distinction in ballet, modern and tap.
In her career as a professional dancer, Lorraine performed in a wide variety of musical theatre shows, including Sesame Strasse the Musical (German Tour), Aladdin (King’s Theatre), First You Dream Showcase, Sleeping Beauty and gained a broad experience of commercial dance work, such as L’Oreal Hair Show, Cabaret Charity shows and various trade shows.
Lorraine is an experienced choreographer and was employed as such by the BBC. She is routinely invited to choreograph for the Dance School of Scotland annual showcase. In the early years of Lorraine’s freelance teaching career, she was employed as dance artist at Laine Theatre Arts, the Royal Academy of Dance and various private schools and colleges throughout Britain. She was also part of Scottish Ballet Junior Associates faculty for 6 years, where she enjoyed leading the Edinburgh branch.
Lorraine has been a permanent faculty member of the Dance School of Scotland for 15 years. She is responsible for delivery of all SQA National Qualifications, ISTD Modern, Jazz Style and Gyrotonic instruction.
Lorraine has recently graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a Post Graduate Diploma in Dance Education
Lorraine’s role at YDance:
Lorraine is a dance artist on the ‘Step It Up’ team within the education strand. She is responsible for collaborating with teachers to develop the integration of dance in the primary curriculum.
Fun fact:
Lorraine is addicted to outdoor sports having biked and walked through the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
lorraine@ydance.org
Gillian McKechnie
Dance Artist in EducationGillian’s experience:
Gillian spent four years studying at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance in Dundee before going on to complete a year-long internship at Citymoves Dance Agency in Aberdeen. She is currently studying her Masters in Education (MEd) at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Over the last 7 years, Gillian has worked freelance within the Scottish dance sector for a range of organisations and has gained experience in a variety of contexts. She has a strong interest in dance within education settings at Early Years and Primary level. Her work within the community has predominately focused on inclusive dance and dance classes for mature dancers.
Gillian is an advocate for talent development and the pathways into dance for young adolescents. She has been the Artistic Director of Fusion Youth Dance Company for 6 years, where she has helped support and develop the youth dance programme at Citymoves Dance Agency.
Gillian’s role at YDance:
Gillian is a dance artist on the ‘Step It Up’ team within the education strand. She is responsible for collaborating with teachers to develop the integration of dance in the primary curriculum.
Fun fact:
Gillian has watched every single episode of Friends from start to finish, twice.
gillianm@ydance.org
Laura Harrison
Marketing and Admin AssistantLaura's experience:
Laura left school after sixth year and completed a Modern Apprenticeship in Community Arts Management with Edinburgh City Council before joining the Commonwealth Youth Circus as a performer. She then went on to volunteer at Circusplaneet, a community circus organisation in Gent, Belgium for 3 months before returning home to save up for University. She studied Dance Led Community Practices at Manchester Metropolitan University however sadly the course was cut short. She then moved to Glasgow and spent the next 4 years working as a playworker at Baltic Street Adventure Playground and gaining her HNC in Working with Communities. Alongside this, Laura began working in social media marketing for a friends’ successful start-up business. Laura could see a lot of crossovers between community work and marketing and enjoys the creative side of creating content and providing people with what they want to see.
Laura’s role at YDance:
Laura is YDance’s Marketing and Administration Assistant and is working alongside Denise, Lauren, Kirsty and Emily to keep things running smoothly and assisting in the creation of social media content.
Fun fact:
Laura hasn’t left the circus yet! She regularly takes on extra work as a stiltwalker and handbalancer.laura@ydance.org