Lisa Risdale, whose career spans over two decades in dance performance, creation and education, is the recipient of the Helen Parlor Dance Bursary 2025-26.
Her work as a director, lecturer and mentor has contributed significantly to dance development across the UK and beyond.
As part of the bursary award, she has plans to work with the Milton Keynes community in an innovative participatory project.
Lisa strives to create collaborative dance theatre that blends expressive physicality with a strong sense of place.
“I am thrilled to have received this bursary from MÓTUS and to further my work that connects with the vibrant dance communities in Milton Keynes,” Lisa said, “Dancing for me is about bringing people together and all the positive benefits it brings.”
MÓTUS Dance Chair of Trustees, Chris Bradley-Goodship, added: “We are so pleased to be awarding the Helen Parlor Dance Bursary for a second time and to be awarding it to Lisa, who has such a fantastic presence in the dance world in Milton Keynes and beyond, is even more special.
“It truly warms my heart to see Helen’s passion for dance continued through this bursary," Chris added, “Helen was a big believer in making dance accessible to everyone and through the bursary and Lisa’s work, she would be confident knowing that this work goes on even in her absence.”
