Gillian’s Role
My role on CashBack on Track is as a dance artist, which gives me the amazing opportunity to work across Scotland in a wide range of community and secure settings. Through dance, I aim to create a safe, creative, and inspiring space where young people can express themselves freely, develop new skills, and build confidence both in and beyond the studio.

Dance has such a powerful way of bringing people together, it allows young people to connect, communicate, and celebrate what makes them unique. In my sessions, I focus on encouraging creativity, teamwork, and personal growth, while always making sure that everyone feels supported and valued. No two days are ever the same, and that variety keeps me motivated and inspired.

What She Enjoys Most
One of the best parts of my job is the incredible young people I get to meet along the way. Every group has its own energy, stories, and sense of humour, which makes every session special. I love seeing how dance can break down barriers, even when someone is shy or unsure at first, you can almost always see their confidence grow as they start moving and expressing themselves.

It’s the small moments that mean the most, when someone finally executes a move they’ve been working on, starts leading others, or simply walks away from a session smiling. Those moments remind me why I do what I do.

Highlight So Far
A real highlight for me this year was working alongside my colleague Beth to deliver an SQA Dance Leaders course at Polmont Prison over two weeks in the summer. Thirteen young people took part, and every single one of them completed the course and earned a new qualification. Watching them push through personal challenges, support one another, and take pride in their achievements was incredibly moving.

By the end of the course, the sense of community and confidence in the room was just amazing — everyone had grown so much, both as dancers and as individuals. It was a powerful reminder of how dance can create change and open up new possibilities. It’s something I’d love to be involved in again in the future!