Meet the Volunteers
We are extremely fortunate to be supported by so many wonderful volunteers, our work couldn’t continue without them!
Charlotte Doe – Admin Volunteer
I used to dance with Para Dance UK, I loved the accessible dancing for the feel good factor of being apart of a team. Having a background in dance with Chicken Shed Theatre Company, it felt like a natural step for me to become part of the office team. I enjoy working on the computer in the office alongside my supportive team.
Niranjan Mendonca = Governance advisor
I am a senior Finance, Marketing and Governance professional with international experience in large Corporations across multiple countries. I look forward to supporting Para Dance UK using my wealth of knowledge and perspectives that add great value to the Governance team.
Angie Goddard – Admin Volunteer
Originally from South Africa, I have been living, working and studying in London for the past 10 years. After completing my 
Performing Arts degree at London Metropolitan University, I developed a great interest in promoting and being involved with inclusive dance practices. I then joined Candoco’s Youth Dance Company, where I was able to collaborate with young dancers both with and without disabilities for 3 years. Having performed across the UK with various companies – including the Pascal Theatre Company, the Conway Collective, Yael Flexer for MOTUS, and the Bee Friendly Trust – I am now volunteering with Para Dance as an administrator in order to build new relationships and gain more experience behind the scenes.
Celestine Fraser – Copywriting Volunteer
I am a London-based copywriter with a focus on accessibility and disability issues.
A few years ago, I studied English with Film Studies at King’s College London. During this time, I became very interested in exploring disability issues and stories through film. I made a short BBC/ BFI film called “ill, actually” about young disabled people and online culture, and then I joined the BFI’s Disability Advisory Screen Group.
Now, as a copywriter, my goal is to help clients communicate with disabled people.
As a disabled person, and as someone who has massively benefitted from physiotherapy and exercise, I am a big believer in the power of movement for improving our well-being. Inclusive dance is the future!
Sidra Farooq – HR Volunteer
I am a London-based HR professional who loves to travel and enjoys plant-based cooking all of the cuisines. I’ve also been volunteering at St John’s Ambulance as a Volunteer Vaccinator so this mess can all end sooner! I think volunteering is fantastic as you are really making an impact to charities that wish to uplift and motivate those that need it most, and it is absolutely essential to push the #EveryoneCanDance message out to all communities, regardless of disability, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or what passport you hold – everyone deserves an equal chance at learning to do something new and fun!
I started out in Retail Management while studying and went on to achieve my Master’s in Human Resources and Employment Relations at Brunel University London, as well as my Level 7 CIPD accreditation. Outside of work I enjoy DJing, collecting vinyl records and losing myself to the clubbing scene in the UK and Europe (pre-pandemic). I may not be the best at dancing but I know it brings me happiness and I feel a sense of belonging. Everyone should dance, for fun, for mental/physical health and wellbeing or even just because! #EveryoneCanDance!
Chrisa Theodoraki – Copywrite Volunteer
I am a London-based copywriter reformed digital nomad with a secret espresso addiction.
Several moons ago I studied Journalism and did my Masters degree in International Relations at SOAS. I have also studied balled, ISTD modern, contemporary, jazz dance and Pilates and performed on stage during my college years.
Nowadays I may have no muscle memory, but I doodle about dance, art, travel, beauty, health and lifestyle ,and all the positive things that improve our lives. My dream is a world where everyone is given a fair chance to follow their passion and shine.
Pratibha Dewett – Digital Marketing Volunteer
I am the Digital Marketing Manager at Para Dance UK supporting the other team members in trying to ensure that the message of #EveryoneCanDance is delivered to the wider community.
I think dance offers multiple opportunities for creativity and self-expression besides helping express emotions, improve cognitive knowledge, uplift moods and self-esteem. It is a simple yet an immensely powerful tool – the benefits of which only further push me to deliver the #EveryoneCanDance message.
I have been working in multiple industries (media/food) as the Marketing Manager. I have helped launch multiple Food brands in new countries. I have worked in multiple geographies and have always been passionate about serving communities to help make a difference.
Perla Garcia – Graphic Design Volunteer
I work in different projects and events as creative graphic designer for different customers and charities across all visual assets from digital to print, my love for dance started when i studied classic ballet for many years and i was born in Mexico where dance is part of the culture especially latin music, I worked as a volunteer with the Mexican Ballet Company and I believe that dance makes the world happier and united.
Tracy Levy – Volunteer
I believe that there is a dance for everyone, and everyone should have the opportunity to dance. As an exercise and movement to music to the older adult and Para Dance Instructor, with experience of governance within the movement and dance sector, I look forward to helping Para Dance UK negotiate ‘the new normal’ with the ultimate aim of getting people active, dancing and enjoying life.
