Creating business magic

Abbi Burns runs Darley Dance Productions, a dance and entertainment company. She was Marketing Derby’s Rising Star in 2019 and she advises University of Derby students on life as a freelancer. We talk about her personal journey and how creative passion can produce business magic, whatever your industry. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.

Abbi Burns

In a lot of other jobs, you’ll be able to go into industries and it will be very easy to see what the path is. In creative industries, you have to carve your own path, you have to take inspiration from what other people have done to figure out your path.

Abbi Burns
Founder of Darley Dance Productions on our Inspired Business podcast

Inspired Business on YouTube

Our Inspired Business podcast on YouTube with closed captions.

University of Derby Inspired Business podcast with Abbi Burns

View Inspired Business podcast with Abbi Burns video transcript

Who is Abbi Burns?

Abbi trained as a dancer from a very early age and, at the age of 18, set up a dance school, running extra curricular dance classes, affiliated to a Derby secondary school.

In 2008, she created Darley Dance and started working within events. Darley Dance is a professional dance company which specialises in providing professional dancers for events. In 2018, Darley Dance became Darley Dance Productions and started producing The Christmas Show. This is a fun variety show which brings a professional production to local community venues.

Abbi was Marketing Derby’s Rising Star for 2019 and, as part of her company ethos, works hard to support and motivate freelance dancers and performers.

Darley Dance Production performers on the set of the feature film Madness In The Method with actor Vinnie Jones
Darley Dance Productions performers on the set of the feature film Madness In The Method with actor Vinnie Jones

Coronavirus

Our podcast interviews were recorded before the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK. Following the outbreak, we asked our interviewees how the situation had affected them and their business. This is what Abbi told us:

"During the current situation with regards to COVID-19, we, like many other businesses, have had to take a deep breath and pause. We have had all of our events cancelled or postponed and our freelance performers are now at home and unable to work.

"It would be easy to panic and think that the business will not survive but we have more faith than that. Yes, we are in challenging times but the tide will turn and life will go back to a new kind of normal. When it does, we will be there waiting to entertain. In the meantime, this is an opportunity for reflection and planning.

"I am doing all I can to prepare my business for when we will return. Plans for The Christmas Show are in full swing, via many Zoom calls, and we are optimistic and excited about the future. Until that time comes, we wish you all the best. Stay home and stay well."

Abbi Burns with her cheerleaders outside the Motorpoint Arena
Abbi Burns with her cheerleaders outside the Motorpoint Arena

Our courses

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Undergraduate Theatre and Dance

Our theatre and dance courses will provide you with a unique experience, combining academic teaching with the insights of practising theatre and dance professionals.

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Offering unique learning experiences, our postgraduate courses turn the spotlight on your talent and enhance your career prospects in the world of performing arts.

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The skills you will learn from these courses will help you respond to the rapidly evolving, modern business environment and create a vision for the future direction of your organisation.

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