Tell us a bit about your career so far…
It was always my ambition to work in the arts, but it worked out that I spent several years in medical libraries after qualifying, at the Royal Society of Medicine and St George’s, University of London. Subsequently, I was Learning Resources Manager at London Contemporary Dance School for five and a half years before stints at UCL and King’s College London.
What attracted you to the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, and to the English Folk Dance and Song Society?
I really wanted to return to a small specialist arts institution; my career to date had taught me where I would be most fulfilled and, crucially, the sort of job I didn’t want. Music and dance are two of my biggest passions, and EFDSS allows me to pursue them in my working life, alongside likeminded people. I also relished the chance to work with some unique historical material; my first degree was in history and the social history of music and dance has always fascinated me. I’m truly delighted to be here.
What are you most enjoying about the role so far?
The wonderful and extremely interesting people I have already met. And the chance to widen my knowledge and understanding of a largely new area within the arts – in an intellectual sense as well as an artistic one.
What are you most looking forward to?
Going the library! I was interviewed for the role on Zoom after the start of lockdown and at the time of writing have still never been to the building. However, I was delighted to discover you can tour it on Google Streetview, meaning it is now more than a mere philosophical construct to me. But I am excited to go there in person, whenever that may be, and explore the collections in the flesh. It will also be wonderful to meet my colleagues for real; I have only ever seen them in little boxes on my laptop screen.
Are you a musician and/or dancer yourself?
Yes to both, although ‘dancer’ should probably come with inverted commas. I spend most of my spare time playing the flute and piccolo in orchestras, or at least I did before COVID-19 labelled me a public health hazard. I also love chamber music and give the occasional solo recital. I sing too, largely a product of the Anglican Choral Tradition. I have subsequently performed with many chamber choirs, made several recordings and appeared in the odd opera. As far as dance is concerned, I do ballet regularly, something I took up again as an adult who loved the artform, after halting attempts as a child. In my head I am a Bolshoi prima; the reality is somewhat different, but I love it. I have sung a lot of folk songs over the years but have not attempted folk dancing – yet…
