Navigating Leadership in Dance: Insights with Yukiko Masui
In this episode of the Lead and Create podcast, host Neus Gil Cortes, an experienced Spanish choreographer, discusses leadership in the dance industry with Yukiko Masui, a Tokyo-born choreographer based in London. Yukiko shares her journey in combining hip hop and contemporary dance, her experience with different leadership styles, and the importance of communication, empathy, and creating a balance between care and pushing physical limits in dance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of working in hierarchical and non-hierarchical environments, the intricacies of co-creating with another choreographer, and the impact of cultural backgrounds on leadership approach. Yukiko's experiences, including her time on the Equity Dance Committee and participating in the Clore Emerging Leadership Workshop, have shaped her leadership philosophy. The episode offers valuable insights into Yukiko's growth as a leader, the process of building meaningful relationships within the dance community, and the significance of self-awareness and intention in leadership roles.

If you want to develop your leadership style be sure to book for our Online Leadership Course starting 14 October. Click here

Exploring Radically Tender Dance Theatre with Rhiannon Faith

In this episode of the Lead and Create podcast, host Neus Gil Cortes, a seasoned Spanish choreographer and dramaturg, interviews the groundbreaking artist, Rhiannon Faith. The conversation highlights Rhiannon's unique approach to dance theatre, explaining some her recent projects, 'Lay Down Your Burdens' and 'The Care We See.' They delve into the concept of 'radically tender' art, discussing the importance of vulnerability, community, and care within the creative process. Rhiannon also shares insights on the parallel between motherhood and leadership, creating safe spaces for artist collaboration, and the essential support structures they use in the company, including having a therapist for cast, participants and audiences, but also the importance of the team and the collaboration with Maddy Morgan. 
The episode wraps up with Neus announcing her new online leadership course designed to empower choreographers in leadership roles.In this episode of the Lead and Create podcast, host Neus Gil Cortes, a seasoned Spanish choreographer and teacher, interviews the groundbreaking artist, Rhiannon Faith. The conversation highlights Rhiannon's unique approach to dance theater, focusing on her recent projects, 'Lay Down Your Burdens' and 'The Care We See.' They delve into the concept of 'radically tender' art, discussing the importance of vulnerability, community, and care within the creative process. Rhiannon also shares insights on the parallel between motherhood and leadership, creating safe spaces for artist collaboration, and the essential support structures they use in the company, including having a therapist for cast, participants and audiences, but also the importance of the team and the support of Maddy Morgan. 
The episode wraps up with Neus announcing her new online leadership course designed to empower choreographers in leadership roles.

00:00 Introduction to the Lead and Create Podcast00:55 Meet Rhiannon Faith: A Boundary-Breaking Artist01:57 Recent Projects and Creative Endeavors05:20 The Concept of Radically Tender Dance Theater11:58 Parallels between Motherhood and Leadership20:47 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerable Topics31:25 The Importance of Collaboration and Support47:27 Conclusion and Upcoming Leadership Course

Links:Rhiannon Faith company
Bookings are open for our online leadership course!

Reimagining Leadership with Reece McMahon and So'l Jelenke

Welcome to another episode of Lead and Create, where we delve into the transformative practices reshaping leadership in the arts. I’m thrilled to be joined by two trailblazers in the dance community: Reece McMahon and So'l Jelenke.In this episode, Reece and So'l share their journey through a groundbreaking transformation at Chisenhale Dance Space, an iconic venue in East London. Reece, who became the executive director in 2022, and So'l, a vibrant member of Chisenhale's newly established Artist Committee, discuss how Chisenhale has flipped traditional leadership models on their head to empower its artists in unprecedented ways.Reece provides insight into the evolution of Chisenhale from a member-led organisation to a new artist-centred governance model. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of reintegrating a more inclusive and equitable approach, emphasising how the shift aligns with Chisenhale's 40-year legacy of supporting marginalised voices in the arts.So'l, who joined Chisenhale post-transformation, offers a unique perspective on what it’s like to be part of this revolutionary change. She talks about her motivations for joining, the importance of community, and how Chisenhale’s commitment to anti-racism and inclusivity resonates with her personal values.We dive deep into their experiences and explore how past leadership roles have influenced their current practices. This episode promises an engaging discussion on leadership, inclusivity, and the future of artist-led initiatives.Before we dive in, don’t forget to check out our upcoming six-week online leadership course, designed to help independent choreographers build strong foundations for successful collaborations and personal growth--Book here or Sign up for our newsletter to keep in touch with other activities we do.Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Reece McMahon and So'l Jelenke as they share their experiences and insights into redefining leadership in the arts.

In this episode of Lead & Create, Neus Gil Cortes takes you through some key insights into navigating relationships as an independent choreographer. She shares a personal story about a chance encounter with Eva Martinez at the Welsh Dance Platform Festival, reflecting on how to approach relationships with programmers and overcome imposter syndrome.

Neus also explores the importance of collaboration, highlighting how critical it is to choose the right people for your projects, establish clear expectations, and set up professional boundaries—especially when working with friends. Drawing from her experience teaching at the National Center for Circus Arts, she emphasizes the value of stepping into new creative environments and the learning that comes from teaching and mentoring.

Additionally, Neus offers practical advice on how to explain your work clearly and avoid jargon, how to find mentors by shadowing emerging artists, and why building a community among choreographers is so important. To support you on your journey, she shares tips on contracts, communication, and leadership in creative spaces.

If you're looking to elevate your practice, refine your collaborations, and be part of a supportive community of creators, this episode is packed with essential guidance. Plus, Neus introduces her new WhatsApp group for choreographers, offering a safe space to ask questions and share experiences.

Tune in and get ready to deepen your understanding of what it means to lead and create as a choreographer!

Resources:
- Subscribe to our mailing list here to know when bookings for our online leadership course open.
- Get your guide to never miss a step in choosing your collaborators! Download it here
- This is the spreadsheet I've created with residencies me and other choreographers from the WhatsApp group would recommend, there are many more of course! I will keep updating it with new ones as I find others. View here
- If you want to be added to the choreographers' questions WhatsApp group email me at [email protected] 

Ever wondered how to genuinely embed accessibility into your creative practice without it feeling like an afterthought? Are you striving to create meaningful work for communities with specific access needs and looking for innovative ways to enrich their experience?In this episode, we share our journey of incorporating accessibility for deaf audiences into the creative process of NOISE—a project three years in the making. From two rounds of R&D to an interactive BBC film and a live immersive performance, we discuss how we continuously evolved our approach by listening to artists, consultants, audiences, and venues. Tune in for insights, challenges, and practical ideas on making access a core part of your creative work.

In this episode, you’ll get insights about:
- How to make accessibility an integral part of your creative process from the beginning
- Practical ideas for working with communities with specific access needs
- The importance of listening to artists, consultants, and audiences



Resources:
Towards the end of the episode I talk about a video that Stopgap has created to explain best seating for different access needs that you can find here
For Access Riders and general access information, check Unlimited's website here
To know more about the Pastoral Care Offer check Grace's website here
Sign up to our newsletter here to be the first to know when our leadership course launches.

In this episode of the "Lead & Create" podcast, we explore the emotional challenges that come with being a choreographer and artist, especially when facing criticism, rejection, and self-doubt.
Drawing insights from articles, books and conversations with other artists, we discuss how to navigate the sting of negative feedback, protect your art, and build resilience. Tune in for practical tips to understand and manage those strong emotions, like choosing whose feedback to value, and maintaining a strong connection to your artistry. Whether you're a choreographer, artist, or creative leader, this episode offers valuable advice on staying strong in your creative journey.
Links:
Sign up to our newsletter here
Susie Moore article on Business Insider here

Join Neus Gil Cortes in an insightful conversation with choreographer Becky Naumgauds. Becky shares her experiences and challenges in the dance industry, touching on themes of feminist activism, leadership, and the importance of consent. They delve into the nuances of leading diverse dance groups, learning from past leadership styles, and the personal growth that comes from embracing mistakes. A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, activism, and leadership.

00:00 Introduction to the Lead and Create Podcast
00:55 Meet Becky Namgouds: Multidisciplinary Artist
02:50 Activism in Art: Becky's Perspective
06:38 Challenging Leadership Experiences
13:05 Navigating Consent and Autonomy in Dance
17:14 The Importance of Support and Self-Care
21:08 Lessons from Rodadoras: A Choreographic Journey
30:32 East Wall Production: A Learning Experience
37:25 Reflections on Leadership and Teaching
40:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ever felt like an outsider in your own family? Or like you are a different person professionally and at home?
In this episode of Lead and Create, Neus Gil Cortes explores how family interactions can teach us essential leadership lessons as choreographers. We'll cover 11 key leadership lessons that Neus, a mother of two, takes from parenting advice, and you will be amazed at how well they serve professional interactions too! 

Share your thoughts and connect with us on Instagram @leadandcreate or send us an email. Let's continue this conversation together!

Hello everyone! In this exciting episode, we tackle a common struggle many artists face: understanding the value they bring. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, we explore how recognizing your unique contributions is key not only to securing funding but also to creating meaningful work and leading a team.We’ll dive into practical exercises and reflective questions to help you uncover what makes your artistry special and how to articulate it. Plus, there's a handy quiz linked in the notes to help you understand your leadership style and values.We’ll discuss how to define your medium, draw inspiration from other art forms, and connect deeply with your audience. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer sense of your artistic identity and purpose.Remember, your work wouldn’t exist without you – and that’s both empowering and humbling. Tune in for a packed, thought-provoking episode and start clarifying your Why today!Join us as we reflect, ask the right questions, and uncover the true value you bring as an artist.

RESOURCES:
Link to the quiz- How do you work best with others? can be found hereLink to Simon Sinek’s TED talk: Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Action can be found here

All the best with your projects!

In this episode, we dive deep into the myth of the "lone, tortured genius" in choreography and how it's time to stop justifying mistreatment on its account. 
We'll discuss a fascinating study on stress and creativity which is a collaboration from researchers in universities in Taiwan and UK, Brian Eno's concept of "scenius," and I will also share personal experiences of my dance career to strengthen the argument.Discover how the best leaders invest and inspire rather than intimidate or make dancers feel replaceable, and how creating a supportive environment can lead to greater creativity and artistic quality. 
We will also talk about the difference between being kind and being nice, for those afraid a good process might compromise their artistic vision.Join us as we challenge outdated notions and embrace a new vision of leadership in dance. And don't miss our exciting announcement about an upcoming guest speaker in our leadership training program launching next October!Tune in and let's redefine what it means to be a successful choreographer together.

Resources: Study on stress versus creativity here