This month Kate Newall has been behind the scenes with Communications Manager Nina Byrne to find out more about what goes on behind the scenes at Dance City…

Can you give me a brief overview of what you do at Dance City?
I’m Communications Manager, which I job-share. This involves leading communications for the organisation and is both a strategic, thinking role and also very hands on. It’s always varied and fast-paced. In one day I might be developing a marketing strategy or campaign, working with an international dance company to market their performance or organising a photo-call with the media. The hardest thing about the role is keeping everything balanced as there are so many strands to our work and Dance City is many different things to many different people.

What is your background? What did you do before you worked at Dance City?
I’ve been at Dance City for almost 3 years. I actually have a visual arts background and prior to this I’m very proud to have worked at the region’s two largest visual arts venues – BALTIC in Gateshead and mima in Middlesbrough. I studied Fine Art at Northumbria University in the 1990’s and after graduating I also worked freelance for various Newcastle-based arts organisations such as VANE, AN and the former Waygood Gallery.

What’s your favourite part of the job?
By far, it is meeting people to whom dance has made a difference to their lives. One stand out moment was watching an incredibly moving performance by a group of women from disadvantaged backgrounds who had never danced before, who created and performed the most stunning piece of work. (This was a project we ran in partnership with Princes Trust.) I also love meeting people who come to our classes and I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing with people aged 55 and over. Two of our Tap 55+ class participants have celebrated their 80th birthdays this year and I think it’s wonderful that they come and dance with us here at Dance City.

What advice would you give someone if they wanted to do your job?
I’ve always just worked hard and been committed to the cause and marketing and PR roles can at times be very demanding. To work in an arts marketing role you definitely need to be self-motivated, pro-active and to be able to work with and communicate well with others.

Do you come to any classes?
Yes I go to hatha yoga and it’s brilliant. After too many hours sitting at a computer it always makes me feel stronger, fitter, calmer and more relaxed. I’d highly recommend it to anyone and the teacher David, is excellent.

What hobbies/interests do you pursue outside of work?
Alongside my Dance City work I also work as a freelance arts marketing consultant and run an online shop, Antelope Homewares. When I’m not working I enjoy family time and having fun with my sons Noah, 6 and Eli, 4.