Mia Illsley

Mia Illsley

Head of Membership and Partnerships

Mia began her career as a photographer, and that early passion for visual art in all its forms has continued to inspire her creativity and entrepreneurial approach. With a professional background in Business, Finance, and Law, she went on to consult for a pioneer in data organisation before founding and running a successful data and marketing agency for 20 years, specialising in delivering business growth. More recently, she worked across government bodies supporting national education and skills strategies. In that role, she built strategic partnerships across sectors, delivering joint benefits through collaboration, data insight, and systems thinking. She has always been driven by innovation and the bigger picture—creating solutions that bring lasting value to individuals, organisations, and wider communities.

Dance has been a constant in Mia's life. As a passionate observer and career navigator within the dance space, she holds a deep belief in the transformative power of the arts. Her goal is to contribute meaningfully to the dance ecology by connecting people, ideas, and opportunities, believing that dance—and the arts more broadly—play a vital role in developing creative thinking, physical and mental wellbeing, for both artist and audience alike, a skill that is born from freedom of movement and imagination. 

Contact Mia to discuss membership, partnerships, and working together to support and grow the dance community.