Meet the dancers of South West Dance Theatre

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The fabulously talented artists of SWDT

There is no show without punch...

Anna, Laura, Emily, Georgie, Kate, Katy, Kim, Lucy, Sarah, Corrin, Shanna, Jess, Sophie

Guest Artists

Fleur Hoefkens, Kate Demidova, Claire Phipps, Natasha Fewings, Loulabelle, South Blessed,

The Floor Technicians, SJB Bellydance, Sarah Mathers

	Anna Born in London, I began training in Cechetti Ballet at the age of 3, and attended classes by former dancers of the Royal Ballet Company as well as the English National Ballet Company. I also taught ballet classes during my time at college at the Starlight Theatre School in Golders Green and Chelsea Ballet School in Chelsea. My performing career began with a London based ballet company, Chelsea Ballet, as a soloist performing roles in ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘Coppelia’. In 2006, I moved to Tokyo, where my training continued at K Ballet and the Tokyo Ballet Company. During my time in Tokyo, I discovered a new dance discipline, Salsa! I was lucky enough to perform with a fabulous salsa troop by the name of Sabor in Roppongi. Since returning to my homeland, I’ve been rehearsing and performing with Ballet Bristol as a founding member and soloist. Laura and I are so excited about forming SWDT and the world is our oyster for where the company will go.
	Laura I started my dance training at the Mary Darke School of Dance completing RAD examinations to an advanced level. Successfully auditioning for Scottish Ballet as both a Junior and Senior Associate, I had the opportunity to dance in numerous professional UK tours with the company. I spent some summer months at the Royal Ballet School before joining my first youth company in Scotland. As a soloist with Youth Ballet of Scotland and later Ballet West, I danced roles in ‘Gisele’, ‘Nutcracker’, ‘Swan Lake’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and original works, ‘Degas Interpretations’ and ‘Couis Louis’. Between 2004 and 2006, I travelled internationally teaching, choreography and performing in America and New Zealand. During this time I explored numerous dance styles and developed experience in jazz, tap, modern, contemporary and cheerleading (no prizes where this skill came from!). Now living in Bristol, I met Anna as founding member and soloist through Ballet Bristol. So now SWDT, a new chapter and journey begins…
	Emily I started dancing at the young age of 4 joining a local Ballet School. I then attended the Annette Adams School of Dancing to study classical ballet, repertoire and modern. I met Anna and Laura through Ballet Bristol. Taking part in The Bristol Fashion Show was my first professional performance and loved every minute of it, so when the girls asked me to take part in a number for SWDT's Gangsters & Molls, I couldn’t wait to do it all again. One number led to another and now I’m a part of the company. What can I say? The gal’s enthusiasm rubs off on you!
	Georgie Born and bred in Bristol, my passion for dancing came from my grandmother Mary, who was a professional dancer during the war. Since a young age I started learning dance with my first ballet lesson at the age of 4. My training continued at the Jane Elizebeth dance school where I took part in regular dance shows and exams. At the age of 18, I went on to further training at BAPA in Musical theatre for three years and graduated in July 2009. Since graduating I have worked for many company's in theatre and film. I'm trained in many areas of dance including Ballet, tap, musical theatre, jazz, street and contemporary. In addition to my dance background, I also sing with a function band called Six which covers songs in motown, soul and rock. Since auditioning for SWDT, I am delighted to be on board it has always been my ultimate dream to dance creatively in this way. To find out more about Georgie visit her website at www.georgierennolds.co.uk
	Kate I had my first steps into the spotlight when I was six years old for a pantomime in my hometown of Weston-Super-Mare. At sixteen I went on to complete my training at Laine Theatre Arts, Epsom, graduating in 1992 with a diploma in dance and musical theatre and various teaching qualifications. Following graduation, I have worked professionally as a vocalist, dancer and choreographer as both a soloist and as part of a group. Previously I’ve worked in the recording studio as a backing artist and on theatre tours where I’ve picked up a few famous friends for my phonebook. Alongside pantomime goodies and badies, I tour as a female vocalist. I’ve recently recorded two albums so certainly keep myself busy! Dancing is a big part of my life and SWDT gives me the opportunity to apply some creative flair to choreography, learn new styles of dance and have a hoot every week with the fab artists that are all part of the SWDT family. To find out more about Kate visit her website at www.katerichards.biz
	Katy From a very young age I have recognized my major passion in life was dance but it was not until I was ten that my mum got so fed up of me dancing in the living room in my pj's at bedtime that she stuck me in a ballet class instead. I trained in RAD until I was eighteen when I left home to extend my knowledge of dance at Middlesex University. I graduated in the summer of 2006 having utilised the opportunity to study a range of diverse dance genres. During my time at university I performed in both amateur and professional choreographies and developed my own choreographic style. I have since gone on to complete a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) specialising in Dance Studies and have been teaching dance within a school environment from primary school to college students since 2007. In 2008 I came to visit my brother here in Bristol. Two years down the line, I'm still here (it's a long visit) and I'm excited and thrilled to be asked to become part of SWDT!
	Kim Born in Bristol, it all started at the age of 3 when I had my first theatre trip. At age 11, I attended Whichchurch School of Gymnastics where I took part in gymnastic displays and then progressed into teaching. At 16, I went to College and completed a diploma in Performing Arts Dance before attending Middlesex University in London to study dance. I have performed with a dance organisation called Kinesis. This offered many opportunities to perform at venues around Bristol including the Hippodrome, The Old Vic and Victoria rooms. I also performed in a production called Then & Now that involved major choreographies produced by Doris Humphrey and Martha Graham at Arts Depot in London. This was a big step for boosting my confidence and letting it grow from then on. My dance styles include contemporary, ballet, jazz, street dance and tap. I am looking forward to building on my current skills, styles and techniques with SWDT and excited to be part of it.
	Lucy I’ve been dancing since I could walk and attended ballet, tap and jazz classes at Demi Dance School until I was 18, reaching the high grades. At school I was known for my dancing, regularly being caught in the act as part of the Dance Team. I have always loved performing and have been involved in numerous shows for my dance school and for local bands and festivals. I've been lucky to work with some amazing teachers and choreographers including the English National Ballet through a series of workshops. When I went to University I started trying new styles of dance including contemporary, salsa and street dance which has been perfect for getting involved with SWDT.
	Sarah C Having danced from a very young age and learning different styles of dance, I fell in love with it and realised it was something I would love to do all my life. At nineteen I went to The Margaret Howard Theatre College to do Musical Theatre and ISTD teaching certificates. While I was there I was lucky to be able to perform at Euro Disney, Her Majesties Theatre and the ever famous London Palladium, what an experience! I graduated in 2002 with ISTD Dance Associates in Ballet, National and Tap. I then landed my fist job within weeks of graduating as a dancer / entertainer role for the Warner Leisure Hotels group. Over 6 years of working for them, I worked around the UK and Mallorca and in 2005 I was recognised with receiving the Award of Excellence. I left Warners in 2008 to get married. Since becoming a ‘Mrs’ I took part in a Lapland Christmas tour and have now been searching for a new path in the industry...cue SWDT! I thank SWDT for the chance to tread the boards once again and be part of a wonderful, talented team of dancers.
	Corrin I began my dance training when I was 14 years old. I had always had an interest in dance but it wasn't until I began taking street jazz classes that I realised my true passion for dance. I went onto study dance at A Level and at Middlesex University. During my time at Middlesex University I was lucky enough to be trained by some prestigious dance artists. I learned contemporty techniques, including Graham, Cunningham, Humphrey and Release, as well as ballet and various styles of jazz. Alongside my training I took classes with Rambert Dance Company to further enhance my technique. During my final year at Middlesex I performed in a piece called Passacaglia by Doris Humphrey at the Arts Depot in London. Since graduating from Middlesex, I have returned to Bristol and enjoyed my first performance with SWDT at BrisFest! SWDT is such an eclectic mix of dance artists and is something very unique and exciting! It is something that I am honoured to become part of, so thank you SWDT!
	Shanna I started dancing from a young age where my love for music and dance grew and have continued to train in various dance styles. I started dancing and performing in a community Hip Hop dance group before training at SWADA where I achieved a diploma in dance. I went onto study Contemporary Dance at Manchester Metropolitain University. During my studies, I had the opportunity to train in NYC. I performed in Street Dreams at The Regent Theatre and The Mitchell Memorial Theatre and with The Cheshire Dance Company in a performance with Torifune Butoh-sha. After my studies, I set up a Hip Hop community dance company in Bristol and teach various classes in schools and community centres. I am excited to be part of SWDT and look forward to the great training and future productions.