CAT Team

CONTEMPORARY TUTOR

Lucy is an Independent Dance Artist and Registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist (MA, RDMP), specialising in contemporary release technique, improvisation and somatic practices.

After undergraduate and post-graduate training at Trinity Laban, where she studied Theatre Studies and Community Dance in Education, Lucy went on to work within Community Dance Practice, where she has developed her practice for over a decade.

CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TRAINING COORDINATOR

Born in Norwich, Daisy’s early years of training began at Anglia Region Theatre School (ARTS), studying many forms of dance such as ballet and contemporary. Daisy found a strong connection with Contemporary Dance and studied at The University of Lincoln graduating with a First Class Honours. 

CONTEMPORARY AND CREATIVE TUTOR

Katie trained at London Contemporary Dance School and graduated in 2009. Katie joined Tavaziva Dance in 2009. She danced toured and taught for the company for over five years.

HEALTH TUTOR

Originally from Ipswich, Judy trained at the Linda Shipton School of Dancing and Laine Theatre Arts before cruising the world as a dancer on the prestigious cruise liner Queen Elizabeth 2. Combining her performance skills with a love of fitness, Judy went on to train as a fitness instructor and became a teacher trainer and assessor.

CONTEMPORARY TUTOR

Kate trained at London Studio Centre, gaining a BA Hons in Theatre Dance. During her time there she was a member of Intoto Dance Company, working with choreographers such as Rafael Bonachela, Jonzi D, Vivienne Newport and Michael Popper. Through her performance career Kate has worked with the Royal Opera House, Foot In Hand Dance Company, Ruff Cut Dance Theatre, Turbulance Dance Company, Base Dance Company, Sol Dans Company and Helix Dance.

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Jonathan is a Physiotherapy Extended Scope Practitioner and specializes in musculoskeletal disorders. Jonathan qualified with an Honours degree in Physiotherapy from Brunel University.

CONTEMPORARY TUTOR

Upon completion of his training at London Contemporary Dance School, Stuart danced in several international tours of Matthew Bourne‘s Swan Lake as part of New Adventures company. He then shifted focus to more choreographic and teaching practices.

PIANIST

Calvin started playing for the Suffolk County Council Ballet Scholarship Scheme with DanceEast in 2001. He was subsequently invited to play for a variety of additional classes such as Adult Tap, Adult Ballet and the Ballet Enrichment classes.

CAT SUPPORT TEAM

Born in Ipswich, Shakira’s early years of dance are grounded in both Ballet and Hip Hop; joining DanceEast’s Suffolk Youth Dance Company in 2010 for 3 years. Shakira began to pursue an interest in Contemporary Dance and danced with National Youth Dance Company under Guest Artistic Director Akram Khan 2013/14.

CREATIVE TUTOR

Originally from Middlesbrough in the North East of England Nathan Johnston graduated from London Contemporary Dance School in 2010. After first graduating he went on to work with Punchdrunk in ‘The Duchess of Malfi’, in collaboration with English National Opera. In 2014, he began his circus career with Upswing Aerial as a hand-to-hand base, and is now an Associate Artist.

PERCUSSIONIST

Gary Leach is a drummer, percussionist and teacher with a range of styles from swing to Afro-beat; pop to jazz.  He specialises in drumming for dance and has worked with DanceEast and The Royal Ballet School’s regional dance programmes since 2008.

Photo credit: Jerry Tye 

SPORTS THERAPIST

Charlotte graduated from the University of Worcester in 2014 with an honours degree in Sports Therapy which entites her to a full membership under The Society of Sports Therapist. Since that time, Charlotte has worked in the private sector taking a special interest in musculoskeletal disorders. She has been the lead Sports Therapist at both Leiston Football Club & Felixstowe & Walton Football Club.

BALLET TUTOR

Raised in Ipswich, James started dancing at the Linda Shipton school of Dance and went on to train full-time at the Royal Ballet School, graduating from Central School of Ballet in 2006 with a BA (hons) degree in Professional Dance. After joining Northern Ballet that same year he went on to work with Peter Schaufuss Ballet in Denmark and Theatre Ulm in Germany.

Emily trained on the classical course at Tring Park. Graduating in 2000, she went on to perform with numerous dance companies both in the UK and internationally.  Following this Emily spent several years at English National Ballet in production and tour management, producing the acclaimed My First Ballet tours in conjunction with English National Ballet School (ENB).

Katie trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and upon graduating toured with Postgraduate company Edge 2012 at The Place. She continued her performance work with various companies and artists including Tony Adigun, Southpaw Dance Company and Cirque Bijou. Katie has taught extensively across the UK & Europe and has always loved being a part of the DanceEast CAT team throughout her career.

Laura Vanhulle, Originally from Belgium, started competing with Acro and Rhythmic Gymnastics from a young age.   Following her formal dance training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), Laura went on to do a post-graduate apprenticeship with ACE dance and music and continued with the company as a professional dance artist.