In a bold leadership shift, Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, has announced that Jeanie Scott will assume the role of Chief Executive, succeeding current Chief Executive Jim Hollington on November 15, 2024. Alongside this, Artistic Director Tony Mills has accepted an extension of his term, originally set to end in 2025, and will now continue in the role until 2029. This leadership pairing sets the stage for a renewed vision at Dance Base, as the organisation navigates the challenges of funding and the evolving needs of Scotland’s dance community.
A Fresh Leadership Era: Jeanie Scott
Jeanie Scott, a respected cultural leader with over three decades of experience, will bring her extensive knowledge and passion for the arts to Dance Base. As founder of Culture Radar, a consultancy she established in 2019, Scott has been a key figure in the UK’s cultural landscape, focusing on strategy, organisational development, and improving working conditions in the arts.
Her dedication to sustainability and fair working practices aligns with Dance Base’s mission to support Scotland’s freelance dance community, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges posed by economic uncertainty.
“I first connected with Dance Base in my teens as an early career dancer. It offered something genuinely new for the city and the country – access to some of the most exciting dance professionals working in Scotland with a vibrant and diverse dance community to belong to. And 20 years on, Dance Base is still delivering – it’s a vital ingredient in the city’s cultural offer and an essential development support for professional dance artists in Scotland.
I’m joining an organisation with strong artistic leadership, outstanding professional artists, a talented team and a vision I believe in and am passionate about – I’ll be working hard with the board and team to build its future.”
Incoming Chief Executive of Dance Base, Jeanie Scott
Scott’s work with the Scottish Government on the Fair Work Taskforce and her role on the national What Next? Leadership Group highlight her deep commitment to artists’ livelihoods and the broader cultural sector. As a Creative Scotland Clore Fellow, her leadership experience will be invaluable as Dance Base continues its mission to nurture and promote dance in Scotland.
Tony Mills: An Artistic Vision Renewed
Tony Mills, who joined Dance Base in 2021 amid the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, has quickly made his mark on Scotland’s dance scene. Over the last few years, he has worked to deepen support for dance artists and build significant partnerships both locally and internationally. Mills’ tenure has been highlighted by initiatives such as the 2024 Dance Base Festival, which brought together 33 dance companies from around the world, and the Fringe Fragments programme, which gave Scottish dance artists a global platform to showcase their work.
“Dance Base has been with me, in one way or another, throughout my entire career as a dance artist. It continues to be an incredible privilege to contribute to the future of an organisation that supports so many people to get dancing and plays a vital role in our national cultural ecology. I’m thrilled to welcome Jeanie to the organisation. I know she’ll be an incredibly valuable member of the team, as we push forward following our mission to help dance flourish and change lives in Scotland. A huge thank you goes to Jim Hollington, who has built an incredibly strong foundation for the organisation that has emerged through a very challenging time for the arts.”
Artistic Director of Dance Base, Tony Mills
With his term extended until 2029, Mills will continue to shape the artistic vision of Dance Base, ensuring a consistent, forward-thinking approach to supporting both emerging and established dancers. His leadership, coupled with Scott’s strategic expertise, promises to position Dance Base as a key player in the international dance community.
Navigating the Future: Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding Programme
One of the most pressing challenges for the incoming leadership duo will be steering the organisation through the ramifications of Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding Programme, the results of which are expected in late October. As the cultural sector in Scotland faces ongoing financial uncertainty, Scott and Mills will play critical roles in securing the resources necessary to maintain Dance Base’s extensive programmes while continuing to support the freelance dance community.
Scott’s experience in navigating funding challenges and Mills’ innovative artistic leadership provide a solid foundation as they work together to ensure Dance Base remains a nurturing home for Scottish dance artists, even in turbulent times.
Dance Base’s Mission and Impact
As Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, Dance Base has long been committed to fostering creativity and supporting dance at all levels. With four state-of-the-art studios in Edinburgh and a programme that includes over 60 weekly classes, artist residencies, international exchanges, and community projects, the organisation serves as a hub for both professional and amateur dancers.
Having been a dance school owner and instructor in years past, I can honestly attest to the power of dance to transform and uplift lives, professional dancers and recreational enthusiasts alike.
With a fair wind behind them, under Scott and Mills’ leadership, Dance Base will continue to build on its reputation for excellence while expanding its reach both locally and internationally. Their shared commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and innovation should ensure that the organisation remains a vital part of Scotland’s cultural fabric for years to come.
Featured Image: Tony Mills & Jeanie Scott by Neil Hanna
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