As a women-led venue, we are thrilled to be working with so many amazing women across our team and to be supporting a range of women-led works in our Spring programme this year. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting this team of fantastic women, kicking off with our Head of Operations Devashree Pande, who is leading an Introduction to Bollywood Dance workshop on International Women’s Day. 

Can you introduce yourself, and tell us a little about your role at Shoreditch Town Hall?

I’m Devashree, my role at Shoreditch Town Hall is Head of Operations. I joined the team in 2023 and one my main responsibilities is looking after our beautiful, Grade II listed, historic building. I work closely with my brilliant colleagues – Jenni, our Visitor Experience and Operations Manager, and Missy, our Venue & Facilities Assistant – and together we manage the day-to-day upkeep of the building, and ensure that all staff, visitors, artists, tenants, audience and community members feel safe when in the venue.

What’s something people don’t realise about your job? 

In a 160-year old building, no two days are ever the same! While most of our work is behind the scenes, we often need to come up with creative solutions to tackle daily challenges, which definitely keeps things interesting!

What is an event you’ve worked on at Shoreditch Town Hall that means a lot to you?

We have been working on a massive capital project since before I started in my role, the aim of which is to make the building more accessible and secure. In January this year, the first phase of the work finally kicked off – a ramp is being built outside the main entrance of the building. It has been really exciting to watch the project come to life. 

What’s a misconception people have about working in a venue like this? 

The size of the venue often makes people think that must be a very big team. In truth, we are a small (but mighty!) core team of just 13, who work really hard together to run the building and deliver our programme of cultural, commercial and community events.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work? 

I worked as a professional dancer, performer and dance instructor for 12 years, and now I really enjoy attending dance classes as a student again. I love watching films at the cinema and going to the theatre, and I’m very interested in learning pottery – I hope I can get round to trying that soon!

What’s your favourite Shoreditch Town Hall show you watched?

It’s hard to pick one, but one of my favourites was 1884 by Coney & Rhianna Ilube, which was a game-theatre style immersive show in the Council Chamber.  

What are you most looking forward to in our Spring Season? 

We have a varied and exciting programme this Spring and I hope to be able to experience it all. To start with, I’m looking forward to watching A Little Inquest Into What We Are All Doing Here by ThisEgg and experiencing DARKFIELD‘s takeover of The Ditch. I’m also excited about leading a dance workshop on International Women’s Day as part of the programme! 

What can people expect from your workshop?

This will be a fun and welcoming introduction to Bollywood dance, perfect for complete beginners, but also fun and engaging for those with prior dance experience. We’ll focus on movement, expression, and storytelling, which are key elements of Bollywood choreography, while dancing to some of the most iconic songs from Bollywood films. It’s a chance to try something new, embrace the energy of Bollywood, and importantly, just have fun!

Want to join Devashree’s energetic Introduction to Bollywood Dance workshop? Click here to book your £2 ticket

For all other International Women’s Day events at Shoreditch Town Hall, click here