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← Protein Dance

2025-03-31-accounts

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

PROTEIN DANCE TRUSTEES REPORT 2024-25

INTRODUCTION

The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025, another year in which Protein demonstrated its value to the communities it serves and the dance sector more widely.

The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Protein Dance is a company limited by guarantee and a registered Charity. It is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association, incorporated on 20 September 2001.

As a registered Charity, Protein is governed by a Board of trustees. The Board is led by Simon Pitts, an experienced Chair, who has been in place since 2019. Dayto-day management is delegated to the Artistic Director CEO and Executive Producer.

As at 31 March 2025 there were 6 trustees.

OBJECTIVES AND AIMS

The company’s Charitable Objectives are to promote, maintain, improve and advance the education and appreciation of the public in dance and other Arts including, drama, mime, film, singing and music.

OVERVIEW

Protein has over 27 years' experience of creating high quality, innovative dance theatre work in both professional and community settings and is recognised as a ground-breaking sector advocate.

Our mission is to connect people and everyday life through dance, both on and off stage, provide dance experiences that everyone can be moved by, amplify the voices which are least heard in mainstream culture and to remain relevant, proactive and humble.

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

Over the past year, Luca Silvestrini’s Protein has demonstrated the transformational power of dance — as art, as activism, and as connection.

Key Achievements 2024–25

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

Luca Silvestrini’s Protein: Annual Overview of Activities

In 2024–25, Luca Silvestrini’s Protein delivered an ambitious and impactful programme of performance, participation, and learning activity, reaching audiences and communities across the UK and internationally. Through a combination of innovative productions, inclusive participation projects, and strategic collaborations, we continued to reaffirm our belief in dance as a vehicle for storytelling, social connection, and positive change.

Our work centred on three interdependent strands: Performance , Participation , and Sharing Learning . These strands enable us to reach diverse communities, support artistic excellence, and share insights that benefit the wider cultural sector. Below is a summary of achievements, including Social Media Highlights.

PERFORMANCE

En Route Together – Woolwich, July 2024

Our third iteration of the large-scale outdoor production, En Route Together , transformed the streets of Woolwich into a vibrant stage. With 37 community performers, 5 professional dancers, and 5 live musicians, we welcomed an extraordinary 8,862 audience members across three days.

The production’s reach and impact were profound, as articulated by Rachel Elliott, Education Director of the English Folk Dance and Song Society:

“An embodiment of human beings at their best… stunning visual and aural images… choreography, live music, and design combined to create an unforgettable experience.”

The creative team rose to the challenge of realising a complex production within a tight three-week rehearsal period. The process fostered deep collaboration, risktaking, and artistic exchange between professional artists and community performers.

The Little Prince – December 2024 at DanceEast and The Place

The Little Prince continued to enchant and inspire family audiences through 19 performances in Ipswich and London, including both school and public shows reaching 3742 people. The production was made accessible through captioned, audio described, and relaxed performances, ensuring a welcoming experience for

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

all. This much-loved production was warmly embraced by audiences of all ages, celebrated for its imagination, inclusivity, and emotional depth.

Through bespoke digital content for DanceEast’s Digital Primaries initiative and pre-show workshops delivered in collaboration with The Place, we extended engagement beyond the stage and laid groundwork for lasting educational impact.

PARTICIPATION

Protein’s participatory programme reached 2981 individuals across the year, a 100.87% increase from last year. We delivered weekly classes, co-created new work with displaced communities, and offered life-changing opportunities to participants of all ages and backgrounds.

Real Life Real Dance – There and Here (Refugee Project, May–June 2024)

There and Here brought together 21 displaced people from countries including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iran, and Cameroon for a three-week creative residency culminating in two performances at The Place. The process centred participants’ stories, using dance, music and spoken word to explore identity, belonging, and resilience.

“First time I feel like a professional artist… I don’t want to stop.”

100% of participants reported feeling heard and empowered. Beyond the project, several participants have since joined community arts groups, theatre collectives and Protein’s wider programmes, illustrating the project’s sustained impact.

We also supported four early-career artists, including MA students and DYCP recipients, to develop skills in inclusive, community-based practice. The experience proved invaluable for their professional growth.

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

There and Here – A Celebration (Woolwich Works, June 2024)

As part of Refugee Week, we hosted There and Here – A Celebration for over 200 attendees. This joyful event featured performances, craft, a fashion show, shared meals, and a cultural dance jam. Co-produced with local organisations from the Greenwich Borough of Sanctuary, this event reflected the power of art to foster community solidarity and celebrate difference.

“A memorable event… warm, welcoming and immersive.” — Laura Marziale, Creating Ground CIC

Weekly Classes – Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants (ICRM)

Protein’s long-standing weekly dance classes at the Immigration Removal Centre (ICRM) continued to provide a vital space for creative expression, connection, and wellbeing. Led by Luca Silvestrini, Rachele Rapisardi, Luis Dunn, Kenny Wing Tao Ho, and new team member Romina Dazzarola Forno, an alumna of The Place who joined Protein following a successful placement, the sessions welcomed over 30 regular participants. Rooted in care, consistency, and co-creation, these classes offered meaningful and sustained support to displaced individuals, nurturing both resilience and a sense of belonging through dance.

“Protein’s dance sessions are a highlight of our week… building confidence, communication, and community.” — Andy Ruiz Palma, Chief Executive, ICRM

Following positive outcomes, ICRM successfully secured funding to continue this programme for two years from May 2025.

Creating Ground – Women’s Dance Project

In partnership with Creating Ground CIC, we delivered a second year of workshops for migrant women in Woolwich, led by Rachele Rapisardi and Yuyu Rau.

These sessions included cross-generational collaborations with BA students from London Contemporary Dance School, culminating in performances at Woolwich Works.

“A joyful way to explore the theme of ‘home’... creative, reflective, and inclusive.” — Laura Marziale

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

Weekly Classes at Woolwich Works

Our weekly adult contemporary dance classes at Woolwich Works have continued to grow as a vital space for creativity, community, and wellbeing. Led by Protein artists, these inclusive sessions welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities — from seasoned movers to those new to dance. Participants describe the classes as energising, joyful, and deeply connecting, with many returning week after week to explore movement, express themselves, and build friendships. The classes also provide a crucial link between our professional and participatory work, offering opportunities for involvement in sharings, open rehearsals, and large-scale performances such as En Route Together .

SHARING LEARNING

Protein remains committed to learning and knowledge exchange across the dance and cultural sectors.

Screenings and Recognition

Our short film But I Am , co-created with students from Newhaven Pupil Referral Unit and King’s Park school for autistic young people, received multiple accolades:

These achievements underscore the creative potential of participatory practice and its ability to resonate on international platforms.

Screening and Reunion – There and Here (October 2024, The Place)

We hosted a celebratory screening and reunion event with project participants, partners, and funders to reflect on the impact of There and Here . This celebration reinforced the importance of offering safe, inclusive creative spaces for marginalised communities and of showcasing this work to wider audiences.

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Protein’s digital presence experienced exceptional growth during 2024–2025, significantly extending the company’s reach and deepening engagement with audiences.

Summary

In 2024–25, Luca Silvestrini’s Protein delivered an ambitious programme of performance, participation, and learning that connected people across the UK and internationally. We reached over 8,800 people through our large-scale outdoor production En Route Together in Woolwich; and brought The Little Prince to family audiences in Ipswich and London, with 99% reporting high satisfaction.

Our participatory work engaged 2981 people, including refugees, migrants, and local communities, through classes, residencies, and public celebrations. Weekly sessions at the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants and Woolwich Works continued to offer creativity, connection, and wellbeing. Our short film But I Am earned international awards, reflecting the power and reach of our inclusive approach. Through it all, we reaffirmed our commitment to using dance to inspire, empower, and bring people together.

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

FINANCE & RESERVES

Incoming resources for the year were £ 228,211. Total resources expended in the year were £ 268,063. This led to an in-year deficit of (£39,852).

At the year end, total reserves amounted to £198,663. The reserves comprise the Company's Core Cost Reserve (designated) of £80,000 two further designated Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025 funds for consultancy of £7,500 and fundraising £14,500 and a general fund of £74,098.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The directors are confident that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence and meet its liabilities as they fall due for a minimum of twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. The directors are continually reviewing their plans and forecasts and believe that the going concern basis is appropriate.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Protein regularly reviews its risk register in order to mitigate the risks which the company faces. The key risks currently being managed include funding, inflation and staff capacity.

STAFFING

Protein is run by a small core staff team.

Artistic Director / CEO 3 days per week (0.6 FTE) Executive Producer 4 days per week (0.8 FTE) Producer 2 days per week (0.4 FTE)

We engage dance artists, musicians, creatives, practitioners and technical staff on a project-by-project basis. Through the year we contracted a total of 31 individuals. Protein use Independent Theatre Councils, Fair Work Contracts, ensuring they are legally compliant and adhere to industry standards.

Protein uses the services of ACHATES PHILANTHROPY FOUNDATION to support fundraising and consultants June Gamble (staff development) and Sarah Trist (Tour booking).

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

FUNDERS

The company’s principal funders during this year:

For activities in Greenwich as a VCS organisation Royal Borough of Greenwich £50,000

The Little Prince performances and workshops National Lottery Project Grant Art Council England £27,606

There and Here – a project with people seeking sanctuary and refugees Rayne £18,000 Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation - £10,678 City Bridge Foundation £22,000

Co-created performance En Route Together Berkeley Homes £5000

Protein has commissioned fundraising consultants Achates Philanthropy to work with the company on a fundraising project.

OPERATIONAL CHANGES

Protein’s Artistic Director moved to working 3 days a week, 0.6 Full-Time Equivalent, to reduce expenditure. Protein has streamlined overheads and staffing has been adapted to a more nimble, flexible model with the capacity of the core team scaled up and down with support from our existing pool of expert freelancers, according to the requirements of the programme.

A new fundraising plan has been successfully implemented with support from fundraising consultants. Building on the reputation of Protein’s work we have operated without regular funding and made huge impact with our work.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

In the 2025-26 year the company aims to:

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Protein Dance Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

ARTISTIC ASSOCIATIONS

Resident Artistic Company at Woolwich Works since 2021 Luca Silvestrini is an Affiliate Artist at The Place

TRUSTEES

As of 31 March 2025

Jane Downes Lew Hodges Carolyn Naish Simon Pitts, Chair Fiona Ross Sagar Shah

Registered Address: Woolwich Works The Fireworks Factory 11 No.1 Street London SE18 6HD

Approved by the board and signed on its behalf by

................................................................ Simon Pitts 7/10/25[“a]

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



  

 

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    

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

 



















		 











		 











		 










		 












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

  

  

   
   
  
 
   
  
  
  

   
   
  

  

   

     



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  





     

 







  



  



 



 

     



  



 



 



  

15

  



   
 
   
    
   










		 









		 


















		 








		 








		 







		 









16













		 






		 








17










   
 


   

   

   

   
    
   
   
   

    
   



   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
  
  
   
 
  
   

18

 





























		 

















		 



















 

19

  

























		 











		 














		 




















20

 






 

  
 
 
 

 


 
  
 
  
 


    
   

  
   

     
   

21









    
   

  
  
  

     
   





















   
   
    
   

   
   
   
  

22

 



























		 



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