Propel Dance CIC is the UK's first professional wheelchair dance company. Our work focuses on creating high-quality dance performance, supporting disabled dancers to work at a professional level, and increasing access to inclusive dance across both professional and community settings. Freewheelin' Community Programme Throughout the period, we continued to deliver Freewheelin', our regular community dance programme for wheelchair users, led by Artistic Director Helen Mason. Classes ran weekly across in-person and online formats, reaching approximately 10 participants per session. Over the course of the year, participants took part in two competition showcases, providing performance opportunities including at Walsall Arts Theatre and building confidence, skills and creative expression. Freewheelin' continues to function both as a community resource and as a talent pathway into professional wheelchair dance. Propel Suite: Studio Development Project In June 2025, supported by Arts Council England Project Grant funding, Propel returned to the studio for a four-week intensive development period. Working with a company of five artists, including dancers from Slovenia, Russia and Poland alongside UK-based performers, we created a new suite of short performance works responding to growing demand for our work and building a flexible touring repertoire. This international collaboration strengthened our artistic relationships across the European para dance community and expanded the range and ambition of our performance offering. We also led workshops and performed at Northfield Beach, an appearance at the University of Manchester’s Disability Pride event and made guest appearances at fellow artist Steph Sandy’s DYCP sharing.. Soft Armour: Warwick Arts Centre Made in the Midlands Commission During this period, Propel Dance was commissioned by Warwick Arts Centre as part of their Made in the Midlands scheme to create Soft Armour, a new duet work. This commission represents a significant vote of confidence in Propel's artistic practice from one of the UK's leading arts venues, and marks the beginning of an important venue partnership. The work was completed within the reporting period, with its public premiere scheduled for February 2026.

Key stakeholders consulted over the period: Disabled professional dancers (company dancers and wider network) Community participants and aspiring wheelchair dancers Specialist disability advisors and mentors Venues and commissioning partners (including Warwick Arts Centre) Funders (Arts Council England, Heart of England Foundation) Para dance sport networks and international partners Consultation methods: Informal feedback and debrief sessions with dancers during and after projects, including qualitative and quantitative data gathering to assess impact and working experience. Input from disability advisors and access consultants during creation processes. Embedded inclusive practice with regular reflection sessions and informal whatsapp groups. Ongoing dialogue with commissioning and sector partners to shape work and touring models; via meetings, email and in conversation. Continuous feedback loops with Freewheelin' community participants to shape session content and progression pathways on a weekly basis. Actions taken in response: Adapted creative processes to ensure deeper inclusion and access were embedded at every stage; this is an ongoing company-wide commitment. Developed new repertoire that responds directly to both dancer development needs and growing audience demand. Strengthened international connections through the Propel Suite project, expanding the company's artistic network and learning. Used stakeholder feedback to inform our touring repertoire strategy and the programme of work planned for 2026 and beyond.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration