Research into the fundamental issue of what is a 'gifted and talented' dancer has been a key focus area for the Dance Network. One of the main concerns that has emerged is that a gifted and talented dancer may not always be immediately obvious.

Lorna Sanders has taken the lead on this initiative, working with schools to look at implementation of strategies that will allow us to :

• Establish the characteristics of a gifted and talented dancer
• Identify potential talent in our schools
• Support our gifted and talented students in achieving their potential.

Within this section, you will find a substantial document written by Lorna Sanders as part of the Dance Network CPD programme which addresses all of these issues. 

Soon to be added to the website - extracts from the gifted and talented platforms which were organised by the Dance Network at Laban and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. The schools that took part in these platforms were selected from across the country, based on the quality of performance work that they were achieving with their most able students. These platforms provided the opportunity for schools to showcase work and for students to be able to work with highly regarded dance practitioners and teachers. The extracts provide an excellent example of what can be achieved.

Gifted and talented dancers resource booklet

Gifted and talented inset resource document

Lorna Sanders biography

Read a transcript of an interview with Lorna Sanders, taken from the Best Practice Toolkit, about the gifted and talented framework