Fortitude Performance Team launched in May 2025. Dance has proven a crucial role in the lives of many young people in our community who dream of taking part in the famous carnivals in Somerset and surrounding areas.
Fortitude, meaning ‘Strength of Mind’, was formed to make those dreams a reality in the form of a walking dance entry for children aged 7-16 years and aims to create memories to last a lifetime.
Donna is the ideas-person behind the group, having created the name and Fortitude’s vision. Donna is also the class leader, not only supporting the group with choreography but creating the class structure and giving the group consistency and a safe space to thrive.
Donna has a PGCE for teaching and has been involved in carnivals for many years, including with majorettes. Donna also has dance experience in country/line dancing and salsa.
DBS CHECKED
Dawn’s role includes a lot of the written work – from websites and emails to carnival entry forms. Dawn will also be present in class, giving an extra pair of hands to support children to learn and perfect choreography.
With nearly 10 years experience as an Events Organiser across the UK, Dawn’s planning and organisation skills are definitely two of her key strengths.
DBS CHECKED, FIRST AID TRAINED
Mark looks after the financial-side of things including invoicing, making payments and keeping the group afloat.
Mark isn’t known for his dance moves but is likely to be around during classes for moral (and technical) support! Being Chair of his own football club for over 15 years, Crewkerne Rangers FC, the organisation and logistics of running a community group is extremely familiar to him.
ENHANCED DBS, PEADIATRIC FIRST AID, FIRST AID @ WORK, IRWIN MITCHELL MENTORS AWARD
Kirsty will be in charge of keeping the children safe and happy, while creating policies and procedures to enable the classes to run smoothly.
Kirsty is also a safeguarding officer at her local Rugby Club where she has been a qualified coach and mentor for girls aged 9-18 for the past 4 years.
Kirsty will be available for class sign in and during lessons to answer any questions and provide support where needed.