6 months with Springs Dance Company

Johanna Osborn, Company and Elevate Administrator

I’d known about Springs Dance Company for a number of years before I applied for the job. I had come along to one of their Adult Open Workshops and attended their Summer Course in 2014, just after graduating from university. The dancers and teachers I’d met on those occasions were so talented and welcoming, and made me realise that dance and my Christian faith didn’t need to be kept in separate boxes. Ever since then, Springs has been one of my dream places to work.

I was so excited when I got the job with Springs! I found out in the middle of February and had my first day at the end of the same month – I couldn’t wait to get started. On my first day in Lee I was able to watch the company’s Dress rehearsal of Bread of Life before they began their Lent tour. It was beautiful, and made me think about how I respond to Jesus and what it means to be united as a church. I’m so pleased it’s back again in 2018 for another tour.

 I think I started at one of the busiest times of year; with lots of Easter school workshop bookings and Bread of Life performances around the country. It was good though, and I learnt a lot about the entire booking process; from schools and churches first showing an interest in a Springs’ workshop or performance all the way to sending that final thank you email and processing their feedback.

 One of my favourite things at Springs Dance Company (so far) has been the Summer Course we held in North London in July. It was great to finally meet all the participants I had been emailing over the months beforehand and to see them all bond as a group and dance and pray together. The final performance our Company Dancers created on them, based on the story of The Good Samaritan/loving your neighbour, was incredible! You’d have never guessed some participants had no previous dance experience and had only known each other for 5 days! For many, saying goodbye at the end of the week was emotional, hopefully we’ll see them back again next year.

 My time on the Springs’ stand at Soul Survivor was also good fun. We met so many young people who are passionate about dance and got a chance to tell them about the workshops and training courses we run, as well as play a few games with them. It was also interesting meeting loads of different exhibitors from other charities and companies throughout the week.

 In August, my hours increased as our former Elevate Coordinator left the company. Now, I am Administrator for both the Company and the Training Courses we run, which means double the emails and an extra tour each year. Aside from the extra work, it’s brilliant getting to know the girls in Elevate Dance Company and Elevate Dance Foundation and it will be a huge privilege to watch their progression over the year. I always wanted to be in Elevate so it’s great that I can be a part of it now.

 Summer has finished, but already in the Office we are thinking lots about Christmas! We have loads of bookings coming in for our Advent, and arguably most popular, show Journey of the Magi. Getting all the contracts and itineraries sorted for that is certainly keeping me busy! Despite the show being in its 21st year, I have still never seen it so that is something I’m particularly looking forward to over the next couple of months as our Company dancers begin rehearsals.

The last six months have gone so quickly with Springs but there’s always lots going on and lots of exciting things planned for the future, so I hope to be here for some time yet.

Springs Dance Company is a Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England & Wales, No. 6371136.  Registered Charity No. 1136487.
Registered office address: 4 Cedars Close, Occold, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7PB