Neighbourhood Stories
Qdos Dance Theatre
Qdos Dance Theatre was formed in 1995 to provide a range of issue-based performances and follow up workshops that reflect the challenges prevalent to young people. Performances cover issues such as anti-social behaviour, bullying, peer pressure, sexual health and alcohol misuse. Qdos strive to create innovative work that has the ability to challenge, inform and inspire; empowering young people to make informed decisions.
Qdos commission a wide-range of freelance choreographers, directors, musicians and designers and each piece is researched and developed with issue specialists, community workers, teachers and young people.
In 2007, the company identified a need for a research and developmental period from a business, artistic and financial perspective. Phase 1 of this process aimed to develop and strengthen the infrastructure of the company and identify future funding streams. Phase 2 was aimed at developing a new programme of work for 2008, focusing on adults and young people in partnership with specialist organisations, such as Youth Offending Team (Y.O.T), Family Welfare Association and other groups that work with marginalised, disengaged adults and young people. Qdos aim to develop a program of work that is meaningful and relevant, enabling participants to gain a recognised qualification or that leads on to further training or employment. Qdos are now being supported by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and have just located to a new office in the town centre.
The development period is being facilitated by the Artistic Director, Administrator and Outreach Co-ordinator. In October 2007, the Key Fund supported Qdos Dance Theatre with a Growth Package of £30,000, to safeguard the position of Artistic Director and contribute towards the Administrator post during this development period.
These developments will ultimately allow Qdos to address the issues of moving away from grant dependency and becoming a financially sustainable organisation.
