Are you a young person considering a career in dance? Interested in learning more about the possibilities and pathways? Join us for this online event to hear from industry professionals and get valuable insights about starting a career in dance. The event takes place online on Monday 15 January from 5.00pm – 6.00pm.
Hear from a panel of experts from DanceEast including choreographers, producers, performers, and teachers. They will share details about their own career journeys and offer advice for anyone looking to enter the field.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session. Whether you want to perform, teach, choreograph, organise dance events or work behind the scenes, this event will provide useful information and perspective.
The event will cover topics such as:
- Training and education options
- Building your skills and experience
- Job opportunities and career pathways
- Practical tips for success
Ideal for ages 12-18, this event is for anyone serious about pursuing dance as a career. Come away inspired and ready to take the next steps towards a career in dance.
SESSION INFORMATION:
The session will be an online session hosted on Zoom. The session will be a webinar, meaning you will not need a camera and will only be able to see the DanceEast Hosts and Careers Panel. You do not need a Zoom account to access the session, and you can use the Q&A function to ask questions. If you have any questions or access requirements, please contact cat@danceeast.co.uk
MEET THE CAREERS PANEL:
ALETHIA ANTONIA (they/her)
Roles: Choreographer, Performer, Teacher, and Researcher
Alethia Antonia is a choreographer, performer, and academic whose work blends movement styles, music, and singing to explore themes of race, gender, and accessibility through performance. Their choreography has been presented at venues worldwide, including The Place, DanceEast, and international art spaces like UTA Artist Space and Centre Pompidou, alongside film projects with Phoenix Dance Theatre and Sadler’s Wells Digital Programmes. Alethia’s dance research has gained support from acclaimed institutions, and as a Work Place Artist at The Place. Alongside a part-time PhD pursuit, Alethia brings their performance expertise to renowned companies like Russell Maliphant Company while teaching extensively in the UK’s dance community.
TOM HOBDEN (he/him)
Roles: Dancer, Choreographer, Community Dance Artist, Filmmaker, and Interactive Artist
Tom Hobden has worked in the dance world for over 22 years. Starting late didn’t stop him—instead, he made it his strength, championing the idea that dance is for everyone. As the founder of We Are UNIT, he’s all about breaking down barriers and making dance accessible to every body, echoing Jamie Oliver’s impact on family cooking and Joe Wicks’ fun approach to fitness. With his infectious enthusiasm and experience collaborating with top dance names like the Royal Opera House and Ballet Boyz, Tom’s a mentor, award-winning community dance leader, and a dancing dad, showing that in dance, there’s a place for everyone.
ROSY MAY (she/her)
Roles: Performer, Choreographer, Dance Artist
Rosy May, a vibrant dance artist from Ipswich, brings cultures and histories to life through movement, notably seen in her acclaimed Caribbean dance film The Islands on YouTube. With a level 6 diploma in dance theatre from Performers College, she’s excelled as a freelance dancer, starring in music videos like Jeanette Akua’s and choreographing impactful works like The Islands. Rosy’s versatility spans numerous dance styles, and she passionately champions the Black Lives Matter movement, using her experiences to combat racism and proudly celebrating her mixed heritages, offering an empowering example for young dancers to embrace their identities.
CHRISSIE MEIKLE (she/her)
Roles: Community and Engagement Producer, Programme Manager
Chrissie Meikle, a vital force at DanceEast, embodies a deep commitment to sharing the joy of dance with everyone. Since 2016, she’s been dedicated to managing Participation and Engagement programmes, driven by the belief that dance should be accessible to all. Her roles at DanceEast and the Dance Network Association (DNA) underscore her passion for fostering inclusive experiences and opportunities within the dance community, making her an inspiring figure for young dancers passionate about community engagement in dance.
RICHARD PYE (he/they)
Roles: Performer, Programmer, Rehearsal Director, Presenter
Richard Pye is a multifaceted dance artist, he has worked with Russel Maliphant and Studio Wayne McGregor. Beyond his dance prowess, he’s curated events for The Southbank Centre and collaborated with organisations like Oxfam and Extinction Rebellion. As a Diversity Champion and Company Manager at DanceEast and a PEER artist at Studio Wayne McGregor, Richard blends artistry with advocacy, embodying a diverse career path that inspires aspiring dancers to explore varied roles within the industry. His journey exemplifies the potential for dancers to make an impact across art, advocacy, and community engagement.
FROM DANCEEAST:
TOM BOWES (he/him)
Roles: Programme Manager, Teacher, Dance Artist, Producer
Tom Bowes has over a decade of diverse experience in the dance sector. From roles at Trinity Laban, Northern School of Contemporary Dance and DanceEast, his dedication to dance education is fundamental to his work. He’s taught and choreographed for participants from Youth Dance Companies, adults and the over 50s, while currently managing the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training (CAT). Tom’s unwavering commitment lies in promoting the transformative power of dance and emphasising its ability to unify and enrich lives.
DAISY WYATT (she/her)
Roles: Teacher, Programme Coordinator, Dance Artist
Daisy Wyatt, who began her dance journey at Anglia Region Theatre School, later excelled in Contemporary Dance at the University of Lincoln, collaborating with renowned choreographers and companies. Alongside teaching contemporary styles at ARTS, she holds a pivotal role as the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Coordinator, bridging her artistic expertise with a commitment to nurturing young dancers. Daisy’s path showcases a dedication to both personal artistic growth and the development of emerging talent within the educational landscape, reflecting a passion for dance education and mentorship.
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