Tell us about yourself.
I am a choreographer working across ballet and contemporary dance in the UK and internationally. Parallel to my practice, I am dedicated to supporting inclusivity within the contemporary and classical dance communities and founded the Queer Dance Network in 2021.
What are your stand-out tracks on your playlist?
Stand-out new favourite track is Movement 6 by Floating Points Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra. The whole album is beautiful.
Can you tell us a bit more about the videos you’ve shared with us?
The first video was a piece that I made for two dancers I have known since I was at school. They are now prima ballerinas in Berlin and Belgium so it is very special to get back in the studio together. It is unusual to see same sex partnering in ballet as it is an art from steeped in outdated traditions. This work explores how partnering can be broken down to unlock new perspectives and show a mutually autonomous way of supporting one another, hence the title Libra.
The second video is a solo to a piece of music by an incredible electronic musician Jlin, her work is so fun to choreograph to because it is layered with so much texture and movement. I highly recommend deep diving into her body of work.
As we’ve entered a new year, what are your intentions for 2022?
Getting out of the house and checking the world is still there. I want to explore as much as possible to make up for lost time.
How would you describe your playlist – ‘Edge of Inspiration’?
I titled the playlist Edge Of Inspiration because I use all the music in there to journey through and find a place of creativity. There is a whole mixture of sounds and worlds to explore, it is a classical-electronic-dance fusion vibe. Music I want to get lost in whilst moving or laying still.
If you could bottle up the feeling of dancing/choreographing, how does it feel?
Otherworldly but also completely visceral and instinctive at the same time.
How do you keep your spirit level?
I embrace the fact I am slightly twisted, orienting towards shifting constellations rather than true north. However, one of the biggest challenges of being a freelance creative is to stay mentally fresh. I find exercise like yoga or running can clear my mind and help give perspective.
And finally do you believe in magic?
I believe in magic and the supernatural. I love to create work that time travels and shapeshifts conjuring up stories of the past we need to invent and sci-fi horizons where possibilities for bodies and desires have not yet been imagined.
