Ascendance Rep was founded by Artistic Director Rachel Wesson in 1999. The company has since undertaken a range of successful performance and audience development projects across the UK, funded by the Arts Council, lottery, regional sponsors and charities.

The company has become known for its audience development projects, working extensively in site-specific venues, including Borders bookstores, cathedrals, train stations, shopping centres, city and rural art galleries, museums and libraries.

Ascendance Rep's education team has worked with over a thousand education groups across the UK from diverse backgrounds. Each programme explores company repertoire, creative techniques and the spaces in which they work, culminating in final performances at site-specific spaces and theatre venues.

The company has recently undertaken a R&D project at Skipton castle on 'A company of All Ages' which will tour to castles in 2011.

Ascendance Rep has undertaken five major UK tours, The Cathedral Tour 2008, CHAPS theatre tour 2006, CHAPS Gallery Tour 2005, The G&T Tour 2004 and the The Double Take Tour 2003, commissioning dance works by regional, national and international choreographers.

Ascendance Rep is a Company Limited by Guarantee and is a registered charity No. 1110747

Staff
Carolyn Eden: Production Manager

The Dancers
Ascendance currently work on a project basis.
The dancers for the Company of All Ages 2010:
Kate Carey
Margaret Bowers
Nicola Forshaw
Daniella Ferreira
Sarah Farrow-Jones
Gill Roncareilli
Simon Moore
Paul Wilkinson
Amy Butler
Rufus Farrow-Jones
Alexia
Eleanor

The Board
Chair Anne-Marie Quigg [www.jacksonquigg.com]
Company Secretary Janet Mitchell
Trustee Charis Charles



Ascendance Rep Support
Ascendance Rep would not be able to carry out its work without the financial support of its funders.

Leeds City Council
Heritage Lottery Fund
Community Development Foundation
West Yorkshire Grants
Arts Council England

Artistic Policy

Ascendance Rep produces high quality dance / theatre works from regional, national and international choreographers, suitable for national and international touring to a range of site-specific and theatre venues.

Artistic exploration is the drive of the company, motivated by the aspirations and creativity of the artists involved. Each project is linked by the investigation of connecting art forms; the way in which the work is presented and perceived.

The work is supported by a strong education and participatory programme which is challenging, fun and accessible. The company works with a wide range of ages and abilities undertaking dance workshops and choreographic commissions towards final performances.

It aims to work in partnership with local authorities, dance agencies, venues and other key arts organisations to help build and strengthen local arts infrastructure in the areas in which it works. Its focus is to educate its audience through the accessible projects it undertakes, with an aim to develop a wider audience and understanding for the arts.

The company seeks to support the development of young artists in the North, by actively supporting their creative and professional development.

Mission Statement

•  To engage a diverse audience through the presentation of high quality dance theatre works, presented in site-specific and theatre venues.

•  To offer supporting education opportunities for a diverse community.

•  To widen arts audiences through the strengthening of the arts infrastructure.