Yorkshire Dance embraces big changes with a new Co-Leadership model and a brand new Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships, Jon Singleton who joins Hannah Robertshaw, Creative Director. 

Jon, brings more than 25 years’ experience in the arts and arts education sector having previously co-led as Executive Director at English National Ballet School and South East Dance in Brighton. He also served as Chief Executive of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and has had a successful career as an arts consultant.

Jon recently become a trustee of Second Hand Dance and is Chair of an advisory panel for Active IQ, a leading UK Awarding Body for the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sectors.

Jon explains: “I am delighted to join Yorkshire Dance to work alongside Creative Director, Hannah Robertshaw, in a new co-leadership role. Having recently celebrated our 40^th anniversary we are looking forward with optimism to what the future might hold for Yorkshire Dance.” 

Hannah Robertshaw, who has been at Yorkshire Dance for over 10 years, moved into the new role of Creative Director following her interim role as CEO and Artistic Director. She explains: “I am excited to embrace a co-Directorship model at Yorkshire Dance and to work collaboratively to ensure the future of the organisation. Yorkshire Dance is a special place with a strong ethos and an unshakeable commitment to supporting artists, creating opportunities for communities, bringing people together and supporting the dance ecology in Leeds and Yorkshire to flourish. I am honoured to play a part in this continued mission and look forward to continuing to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.” 

Following the departure of Wieke Eringa in 2022, the Board of Trustees considered and consulted with stakeholders on several models for leadership and felt that co-leadership was most appropriate for Yorkshire Dance. They look forward to the co-leadership by Hannah and Jon taking the organisation from strength to strength.