Goodson Thomas and National Dance Company Wales partner to develop talent

National Dance Company Wales (NDCWales) and Goodson Thomas are delighted to announce a unique partnership, where the executive search firm will be supporting NDCWales and its successful youth dance programme to support the development of talented young dancers in Wales

Goodson Thomas is a leading search firm, placing executive and non-executive job roles across a range of sectors in Wales. This year the company celebrates its 10th anniversary with the launch of a new arm of the company, Penodi (Appoint) – an  expansion of the business focused on Welsh language recruitment.

NDCWales and Goodson Thomas share a synergy that is rooted in leadership, talent development, creativity, excellence and flying the flag for a contemporary and creative Wales. Together, they are developing a unique strategic and creative partnership that places these qualities at its heart and responds to both organisation’s core values and goals.

The partnership will unite both companies in activity that centres on supporting and developing talent, with Goodson Thomas becoming a Business Champion for NDCWales’ Young Associates programme, an inspirational contemporary dance training scheme for young dancers aged 13-18 focusing on physical development, creativity and performance.

The partnership has been further supported by Arts & Business Cymru, who have pledged support through its CultureStep programme which invests in innovative partnerships between the Arts and Business sectors, enhancing projects and their impact. This additional investment will enable the delivery of activity to expand the reach of NDCWales Young Associates to new parts of Wales, increasing opportunity and access for young dancers across the nation.

The partnership between Goodson Thomas and NDCWales will result in the creation of  NDCWales a new dance performance called Hylas.
Hylas will receive its premiere at a special event, at the Dance House in February 2025 to celebrate 10 years of Goodson Thomas. In keeping with Goodson Thomas’ mission to identify, develop and elevate talent, NDCWales’ Artistic Director, Matthew William Robinson will create a duet with two young dancers, Charlotte Aspin and Olivia Foskett, currently on placement with NDCWales as part of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance’s Postgraduate Placement Scheme.

NDCWales Artistic Director, Matthew William Robinson said: “The partnership between NDCWales and Goodson Thomas is based on mutual values and ambition. It demonstrates the creativity that is possible when the Arts and business sectors collaborate, and we look forward to nurturing the relationship long into the future as we identify, inspire and develop the talent of the future.”

Sian Goodson, Managing Director of Goodson Thomas said: “Our collaboration with National Dance Company Wales celebrates our commitment to nurturing talent at every level. Supporting emerging dancers aligns perfectly with our core values of empowering individuals to take their next career leap. Just as we support established executives in advancing their careers, we are dedicated to instilling confidence in new leaders. As a vital part of the Welsh infrastructure, our collaboration with National Dance Company Wales emphasises our eagerness to contribute to Wales’ cultural and economic growth. Additionally, our expansion into Welsh language recruitment with the launch of Penodi reflects our commitment to fostering a Welsh-speaking workforce and supporting local ambitions.”