Henry Dowden joins Dance Leaders of the Future programme

Launched in November 2019, Dance Leaders of the Future is open exclusively to English National Ballet dancers. It offers the opportunity for dancers to develop skills in leadership and gain experience and a greater understanding of the running of an arts organisation. 

Henry Dowden has been a member of the Company since 2017, and following an internal selection process, starts on the programme with the opening of our 2023/24 Season. 

Over the next fourteen months, Henry will have regular one-to-one meetings with English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin, Executive Director Patrick Harrison, and Chief Operating Officer Grace Chan. He will meet regularly with department directors and have the opportunity to spend more in depth time within a specific department of his choice, in order to gain a deeper understanding of their operations. Henry will also attend leadership training at Cranfield School of Management, alongside future and existing leaders from various industries. 

“Being selected is an opportunity I’m very grateful for. I’m already involved with producing events, and I’m keen to learn more about each area of the company. I want to keep creating, making art and putting on events in the future: understanding the organisation’s structure in great detail with a well-rounded insight into the industry at management level, will make it easier to have the freedom to make more innovative, inclusive and exciting work for audiences and dancers.”

Henry Dowden

Henry follows ENB First Artist Isabelle Brouwers, who has just completed the programme. 

“Dance Leaders of the Future has been a truly inimitable and enriching opportunity. Through coaching, time spent with internal departments and illustrious external courses, I’ve been able to develop my leadership skills and holistic awareness. My discoveries and growth throughout this journey have fuelled my development as a dancer and artist, as well as igniting a stronger passion for the positive impact on society this art form can have.”

Isabelle Brouwers

Everyone at ENB would like to congratulate Henry and look forward to working with him. 

We are grateful to Grenville and Karen Turner for their generous support of Dance Leaders of the Future.