The aim of Trailblazers is to support UK-based dance artists and practitioners working in the field of Dance of the African Diaspora with a structured fellowship programme that will enhance their creative, organisational and leadership skills. It is the only such training programme in the UK and includes two strands: Trailblazers Starters - for those who are early in their professional careers and Trailblazers Champions - for those who have already been a recipient of a Starter Fellowship and wish to extend their leadership training and mentoring to benefit the field of African-influenced dance further.

Since initiating this programme in 2003, ADAD has supported 30 UK-based performers, choreographers, dance teachers and researchers working in dance styles including traditional and contemporary African/Caribbean, Jazz, Urban, and Afro-Latin. ADAD Trailblazers have gone on to set up their own companies; work in educational and community settings; and to contribute to dance research in the UK. A number of Trailblazers have achieved other awards such as the Place Prize Commission and Bonnie Bird Awards. Artists who have been supported through the programme become a part of the Trailblazers alumni network, which provides ongoing support throughout their careers.

ADAD’s evaluation of the programme in 2010-11 revealed the need to provide a progression route for those who had been through the initial Trailblazers Fellowship programme. As a result, during 2012-2013, ADAD offered its first two Trailblazers Champions Fellowships to Vicki Igbokwe, creative director of Uchenna Dance and Denise Rowe, artistic director of Tolo Ko Tolo.

Both Vicki and Denise have taken significant strides in developing their work since their initial time on the Trailblazers programme.

For example, as a result of her developing practice, Vicki was invited to be a Mass Movement Co-ordinator for the London 2012 Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies. She has attributed her success to date to the investment ADAD put into her through the Trailblazers programme:

Denise has developed a significant body of live performance and film works, and has toured extensively across the UK, with a special focus on the south west region.

In the coming year, these two Trailblazer Champions will extend their research and practice even further, and be fully supported by the Trailblazer programme.

The Trailblazers programme perpetuates excellence in dance of the African Diaspora. Whilst this family of art forms has made significant contributions to British culture, there is still very little professional development or training for practitioners. Trailblazers seeks to redress this imbalance and connect artists with opportunities to grow, develop and raise their profiles.

With applications now open for the Trailblazers Starters 2013-14 fellowships, ADAD looks forward to supporting many more artists who are contributing to the development of dance from the African Diaspora.