We are looking for skilled and committed people to join our Board and support the continuation and development of our work into its next phase.
We are especially looking for creative thinkers who reflect our communities.
BOARD
Paulette Ryan - Interim Chair
Paulette’s journey with IRIE! dance theatre began when IRIE! delivered a workshop at her college in 1986. Her experience as a former student and teacher of African and Caribbean dance underpins her desire to continue to contribute to the legacy of the company, and ensure that IRIE! maintains its presence, relevance and influence on the British dance platform.
As a young black dancer, she found IRIE! inspirational; to see herself reflected in art, culture and dance theatre. She would like all young people of African and Caribbean decent to share that positive experience of their culture, and know that there is a lengthy and rich heritage. Her extensive work as a Youth Support and Development Worker adds to IRIE!’s Children and Young People's work. She is passionate about being a custodian of this dynamic artform, making it accessible to generations of young people and the community locally, nationally and internationally.
Paulette is one of a few people to hold an accredited qualification in African and Caribbean dance. Delivered by IRIE! accredited by Birkbeck College, franchised by City and Islington College. The course ran as a pilot from 1998-2001.
Sheba Montserrat
Sheba is a graduate of IRIE! dance theatre’s first formal qualification in African and Caribbean dance. Gaining her Diploma in 1999. She has been a Caribbean dance practitioner with over 20 years’ experience teaching and choreographing in all aspects of the community. She is a live show producer bringing a variety of performance genres to diverse audiences. Sheba is Caribbean culture historian, trained at the Victorian and Albert Museum in 2016, where she created and give tours around the V&A Europe Gallery. She is also a performance poet and performs live as well as creating videos for social media. She is a stand-up comedian, who writes and performs her own material for live performances.
She brings the above experiences to the development of IRIE! as well as an awareness of changes and trends in the performing industry, making sure that IRIE! dance theatre remains relevant. She has experienced intense dance training and understands the impact it can have on individuals and the wider community. She hopes that her experience will help to keep IRIE! dance theatre one of Britain’s leading African and Caribbean arts and cultural organisation.
Kadeja Braun
Kadeja Braun is a dance artist, performer, and facilitator. She is an alumna of IRIE! Having completed both her BA in Diverse Dance Styles and MA in Diasporic Dance Styles with the organisation. Her training at IRIE! laid the foundation for a versatile and reflective approach to movement that continues to guide her creative work. Alongside her formal training, Kadeja has performance experience in traditional African dance, having worked with Nii Kwartey Owoo, which has further shaped her understanding of cultural practice and performance within diasporic contexts.
During her studies, Kadeja developed a practice that views movement as a tool for intergenerational community impact. Her work uses movement to help communities engage with the environment and foster meaningful connections with both the natural world and the people around them. She has also worked with the not-for-profit dance organisation DancingStrong Movement Lab, supporting the delivery of performances, tours, and community workshops. She contributed to SPLASH! An immersive, participatory performance work that used movement and creative engagement to explore human connections with water.
As a trustee, she hopes to bring first-hand insight into IRIE!’s education programmes and a considered perspective to support the organisation’s development and growth.
Shape Our Future: Join IRIE! dance theatre’s Board of Directors
Are you a passionate individual looking to make a meaningful, lasting impact in your community?
Then IRIE! dance theatre needs you.
We are seeking dynamic, visionary individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide our strategic direction. We welcome people with a range of skills, experience and perspectives, including young people aged 18–30 who are passionate about the arts, their communities and creating positive change.
Whether you bring professional expertise, specialist skills, lived experience or a fresh perspective as a young person, your voice can make a difference. This is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience at Board level, contribute to the future of a leading dance theatre company, and help shape the opportunities available to the next generation.
If you are committed, curious and ready to make your voice heard, we want to hear from you.
About Us
IRIE! dance theatre is Britain’s leading dance theatre company working in the field of African and Caribbean dance fusion. Founded in 1985 by Beverley Glean MBE with the principal aim of heightening the profile of Black dance and dancers in Britain. The company continues to champion Dance of the African Diaspora through programme’s addressing Arts & Culture, Education & Training, and Community & Well-being.
We are currently entering a transitional phase and are seeking experienced leaders to play a critical role in shaping policies, ensuring financial stewardship, and advocating for the communities we serve.
What We Are Looking For
We welcome applicants from diverse professional backgrounds. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:
· Strategic Leadership & Governance: Executive management, organisational growth, and board experience.
· Fresh perspective, enthusiasm, and transferable core skills
· Financial Oversight: Accounting, audit, fundraising, or financial planning.
· Legal & Risk Management: Compliance, employment law, or corporate governance.
· Community Engagement & Marketing: Brand strategy, public relations, or digital engagement.
· Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion: Advocating for inclusive strategies and lived-experience perspectives.
Key Responsibilities
Ensure Compliance
Ensure the charity complies with its governing document (Articles of Association), charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations. Attend quarterly board meetings and actively participate in committee work (approx. 2-4 hours per month).
Promote the Charity’s
Purpose Act solely in the interest of the charity and its beneficiaries to fulfil, its stated strategic objectives.
Serve as an ambassador, leveraging your network to amplify IRIE!’s mission.
Manage Resources Responsibly
Exercise reasonable care and skill, safeguarding the charity’s assets, intellectual property, and financial reserves. Serve an initial 3-year term.
Ensure Accountability
Provide strategic support, oversight, and financial stewardship. Approve annual accounts, monitor organisational risk, and oversee external reporting (Charity Commission, Companies House, major funders).
Support Executive
Leadership Provide constructive oversight, challenge, and guidance to the Artistic Director/CEO and senior management team.
Why Join Us?
· Drive tangible social, creative, educational and community impact.
· Expand your professional network alongside established individuals.
· Contribute your unique skills to a collaborative, forward-thinking team.
· Develop your professional growth and skills development/networking & mentorship opportunities.
· Receive valuable governance training and development.
This is a voluntary role with expenses available to cover attendance at meetings and other related engagements.
How to Apply
Please complete this application form outlining what you would bring to the role and upload your CV.
To learn more about our work or request further information, visit www.iriedancetheatre.org or contact info@iriedancetheatre.org
Organisation: IRIE! dance theatre
Location: London SE14 6LU
Time Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours per month
Remuneration: Voluntary (Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)
Closing Date: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis