• For those new to the concept, what is The TIRED Movement?

TIRED (Trying to Improve Racial Equality in Dance) is a pioneering movement committed to transforming the landscape of performing arts education by championing representation, diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Through impactful collaborations with dance schools, colleges, and organisations, TIRED strives to dismantle systemic barriers and build a more equitable future for all aspiring performers. By amplifying underrepresented voices and driving meaningful change, we envision a performing arts world that celebrates and reflects the diversity of its talent.

TIRED partnered with some of the leading performing arts colleges including Laine Theatre Arts, Performers College, Bird College, London Studio Centre and Shockout Arts to collaborate on a 3-year research project and the development of a framework that can be embedded in all vocational colleges to ensure the appropriate steps are taken for inclusive dance education.  

The “Representation and Equity in Dance” (RED) research project, led by Dr. Imogen Aujla and me, has released groundbreaking findings on the profound effects of discrimination on dance students’ well-being.

 

To read the full research findings and learn how you can contribute to positive change in the dance world, you can visit the following links to the open access papers:

“Lived experiences of discrimination among Global Majority dance students:

 A qualitative exploration of racial inequity.”

 

You can find the journal page HERE and full text HERE.

 

 

• What inspired you to start this movement?

As an ex-performer and owner of a well-established dance school, I have over 30yrs teaching experience and have seen many examples of racial inequity and experienced personal micro-aggressions throughout my career.  I have always been passionate about the performing arts and but always found myself in majority White spaces and was often the “only one in the room.”

We founded TIRED in 2020 because of the pressing need to address the enduring disparities in the performing arts industry for artists and creatives.

I currently deliver talks all over the UK, raising awareness about the importance of racial representation in education.

• Why do you believe The TIRED Movement is especially important for actors today?

I think that in the current political state of this country we are seeing more divisive language and open acts of racism.  I personally feel more aware of the colour of my skin, than I have in my whole entire life.  These times are worryingly scary for global majority performers, but it is important to recognise and challenge any displays of racist behaviours.

As actors we have the privilege of portraying different characters and situations, both on the stage and screen.  We must use our platforms as artists to be respectful to varying cultures and the history of ethnic origins. We must show a commitment to the understanding of different ethnicities to deliver truthful and honest acts within our performances.

• How have you seen issues around racial equity and representation play out specifically within acting and performing arts training or casting environments?

Unfortunately, I have witnessed many acts of inequality, cultural appropriation and stereotyping throughout my career.  These acts are still present and come in the form of song and monologue choices, costuming, lack of racial representation in faculties and student bodies, as well as casting panels.

Because of the performative inclusivity within the industry, tokenistic casting is increasingly apparent and has caused many global majority performers to question their casting and left many White performers feeling aggrieved in auditions for not being cast.  Casting should be solely based on talent and the appropriateness of the role.  It should never be the case that global majority performers are cast simply to “tick a box” or to fill a quota, but unfortunately in many aspects that is the case.

 

• What actionable steps can performers take - whether students, emerging artists, or professionals - to support or benefit from The TIRED Movement’s goals of inclusivity and diversity?

TIRED Movement is a movement for the whole industry, and we welcome any support from performers to help drive the change that is needed.  TIRED is a not-for-profit organisation and rely heavily on pledges and ambassadors of the movement.

We have recently developed TIRED Connect, this is a “one stop shop” subscription platform that connects the performing arts industry internationally and highlights the talent of the global majority community, whether as artists, educators or working in production and design.

As a member you will have access to resources, online events, and exclusive access to a large global network of people who are determined to drive change, and who want to celebrate the impact of increasing diversity and representation in the performing arts.

 

There are several ways that you can become a member with a choice of various subscriptions. Gaining or offering support and advice as well as having access to valuable resources, you will add volume to the voice of change.

 

TIRED Connect: Click Here

 

• How do you hope The TIRED Movement will change the industry moving forward?

We hope that TIRED will be the organisation for all actors, singers and dancers to hold the industry accountable for any racial inequality or lack of diversity that is evident.  We want the movement to be progressive, persuasive, and supportive of all performers regardless of race, gender, identity, or ability.  But we cannot do this important work alone.  We need everyone to join us on this journey because the more voices we hear, the louder we become.