About

I am part of the Performing Arts team and work at Deda where I deliver on the BA (hons) Dance Degree. I am responsible for the delivery, development and assessment of core curriculum modules including dance technique and choreography and I also supervise undergraduate dissertations.

Teaching responsibilities

I am a module leader for dance technique at all levels and for the theory modules delivered in year 2 and year 3. I am also a module leader for Performance Skills modules in 2nd and 3rd year. I am currently a module leader for Dance and Professional Practice and Independent Study in dance which informs the independent research for students in their final year of study. I also act as a personal tutor on the dance programme across all year groups.

Professional interests

I have a significant interest in choreographic pedagogy and act as Consultant for a flagship teacher training project at the Royal Opera House which looks to make the delivery of choreography achievable for both specialist and non-specialist teachers. I also undertake projects at the Royal Ballet School introducing and developing choreographic practices to students and associates. I have worked extensively as a dance artist for many of the major dance companies in the UK including the Royal Ballet Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and acted as an animateur for Rambert Dance Company for many years. I am a fully qualified Dance and Movement Psychotherapist and have an interest in how methodologies used to undertake embodied therapeutic practice can be translated into professional artistic practice.

Research interests

I have a particular interest in ballet education and the use of ballet technique as a creative tool for choreographic and artistic exploration. I am also interested in the use of improvisation as a tool for self-expression and for developing choreographic practice. I am also interested in the common ground between dance and movement psychotherapy and dance in educational and professional contexts.

Membership of professional bodies

I am a member of FCD, FHEA, and One Dance UK. 

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) English and Philosophy, University of Manchester
• Pilates Instructor, STOTT Pilates
• MA Dance/Movement Psychotherapy, Laban
• PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education, University College of Christchurch
• Full-time professional training in Dance at Northern Contemporary Dance School
• Full-time professional training in Dance at Arts Educational School
• Cecchetti Scholar

Recent conferences

Panel member for symposium hosted at Royal Opera House chaired by Theresa Ruth Howard discussing cultural diversity in ballet training - July 2019

Experience in industry

• Dancer/performer
• Dance practitioner with major dance companies
• Project work with Royal Opera House, Royal Ballet School, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Buxton Opera House, Deda, Rambert Dance Company
• choreography commissions for Buxton International Festival
• choreography commission for Royal Ballet School
• author of commission from Ballet Education Group to explore the development of resources in the UK regarding ballet education
• author of Level 6 choreography programme for ISTD

International experience

• Work representing Derby University at the HAMK Summer School in Finland
• residency at Music Centre Los Angeles USA in collaboration with Royal Ballet Company and Straight Up Abilities Dance Company to choreograph an original piece of dance 
• 'We All Dance' project in collaboration with Royal Ballet Company and Queensland Performing Arts Centre, nominated for 2 dance awards in Australia - 2017
• 'Swan Lake' project in collaboration with Teatro Real, Madrid and Royal Ballet - choreographer of new 'Swan Lake' resource
• Work with Royal Ballet Company supporting tours in Japan (2016, 2019), Hong Kong (2008) Taiwan (2011) Chicago (2013)

Additional interests and activities

• Film and fell running/walking