Elaine Thomas (Dance Lead & Dancer with ARC)
I am a dancer, choregrapher and teacher. I have worked with ActOne since 2004 and am a lecturer in Dance at Roehampron University.
I trained at The Urdang Academy of Ballet and Performing Arts, studied on the BA Fine Art at Goldsmiths' College and gained an MFA in Choreography from Roehampton University in 2008. I am a founder member of Collaborative Dance Experience, an artists collective dedicated to producing contemporary dance events in unusual, exciting spaces.
From 1999-2001 I was a member of Traxis live art duo and created multi-media dance and performance at galleries and festivals accross the UK. In 2001 I joined Amici Dance Theatre Company where I met Suzie Birchwood. Amici has been at the forefront of inclusive dance in the UK and internationally for more than 30 years and I am proud to perform regularly with the company as well as deliver workshops as part of their education team.
I have a background in support work for adults and children with disabilities and behavioural difficulties. I have worked in special schools, community training projects, for Mencap, with young offenders and on specialised programs for children with Autism. I believe difference is our strength and my dance workshops centre on the individual and incorporate a wide range of stimulus. I am interested in each persons creativity, expression and unique contributions. I aim to encourage new ways of moving and relating to others and discover the magic of dancing together.
Isabel Wells (Support Worker)
I started as Support Worker for Ware DanceBase in February of this year and have loved every moment of it. It is a joy to collaborate the two passions in my life; working with children and dance. I have a keen interest in inclusion within all social aspects and am in total agreement of "making the performing arts accessible to all, regardless of disability or circumstance." I believe all children and young people should have the ability to express themselves, thus challenging societies often closed minded expectation.
I studied Dance Studies at Roehampton University and graduated last year. I am currently working as a Teaching Assistant in a SLD school but will be leaving soon to start my PGCE in Primary Teaching. I will be studying at Hertfordshire University. My involvement with ActOne has inspired me and given me invaluable experience to take with me through my teaching career. It has concreted my positive view on inclusion and generated a place where I have made new friends and felt part of a team.
Natasha Allen (Visual Artist and Support Worker)
I am a Visual Artist and Support Worker with ActOne. My background is in Fine Art and I am trained in Disability Arts and as an Artist in Education. I have worked in Art Galleries, as a curator and facilitator and as an Arts Development Officer and now work full time as a Visual Artist.
I have devoted my arts practice to encouraging and supporting children, young people and adults of all abilities within the arts. I believe that the arts can provide a creative outlet for pent-up emotions, anxiety and stress and give young people freedom to achieve. I have seen the benefits of artistic expression and the effect it has on a person's state of mind, motivation, self esteem, ability to work with others and relaxation first hand.
Working with ActOne has allowed me to meet and be inspired by amazing people. I have loved the journey that working for ActOne has taken me on and I have developed a genuine love for dance and the young people that I have been lucky enough to work with.
Amy Locket (Dance Lead & Dancer with ARC)
I am a dance graduate from Middlesex University and have been working for ActOne ArtsBase since January 2009. I am one of the DanceBase leaders, I support on the trainee programme, I deliver inclusive dance workshops in the community and I also dance with ARC, ActOne's performance company.
Alongside working for ActOne ArtsBase I continue to work as a freelance dance practitioner delivering dance workshops to different community groups throughout the London Borough of Hillingdon. These groups include tiny tots, young children, teenagers, adults, disabled people and the elderly. I have worked for many schools, sports centres, youth groups and charities and have been involved with performances, summer camps and dance projects.
I am also a lecturer in dance at Uxbridge College and continue my professional development by attending regular courses with other dance companies and institutions including Laban and The Place.
I am passionate about inclusion and strive to increase the opportunities disabled and non disabled people have to work and socialise together in society. I am a strong believer in equal opportunities and therefore focus my sessions on creating inclusive spaces where every individual is excepted and their creative ideas are valued and encouraged.
Dance at ActOne ArtsBase allows participants to express themselves and communicate with others whilst creating something beautiful to watch. We support every individual to be a part of a supportive and friendly group where they can move and communicate without being judged, where there are no wrong answers and where we can work together to change preconceptions of what dance is and who can dance!
Charlotte West (Support Worker)
I studied Performance: Music at York St. John University and Community Music at The University of York. My background is mainly as a Singer and in Disability Arts. I have worked as a Community Musician for just over two years and I am soon to start working as a Playscheme Coordinator. I also perform at regular gigs around the county as well as supporting many charities.
I feel that Music and the Arts are a fun way for children to be creative, socialise with friends, have fun, use them as a communication tool, express themselves and learn new skills.
Whilst working at ActOne I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful, gifted and talented individuals. I feel honoured that I have been able to work with ActOne whilst dancing with inspiring people.
Shakti Gomez (ARC Dancer, Workshop Leader and Film Maker)
My background embraces a diversity of Art disciplines and experiences: Integration Art Projects in the Community, Performance Art, Dance, Theatre, Choreography, Film and Teaching.
From 2000 to 2006 I worked as an Occupational Therapist in Spain, developing and delivering art therapy projects with people with mental, physical and sensory disabilities which involved a variety of creative forms: dance, theatre, painting, writing and mixed art techniques. During this same period I was developing my own eclectic practice in various dance and theatre groups in Spain.
In 2006 I came to London to live and to develop myself as an artist. Since 2006 I have been an active performer and member of the Amici Dance Theatre Company, an inclusive company based in the Lyric, Hammersmith. In 2008 I graduated with a Professional Dance Diploma at the Laban, Institute of Contemporary Dance and gained an accreditation as a Community Dance Practitioner with Moving East London. Since then I have worked as a Community Dance teacher in various schools and centres. In 2009 I completed a Diploma in filmmaking at Westminster College and now, alongside my dance teaching and performing, I devise various dance and performance works for camera in fiction and documentary forms.
I am currently sitting the first year of a two year, part-time Masters in Performance Making at Goldsmiths University and working with ActOne ArtsBase as a dancer on their 2011 tour of 'Tangle'.
Rosie Leak (Dancer, Workshop Leader and Poet)
I am a dancer, actress and poet and work regularly with ActOne ArtsBase and Amici Dance Theatre. My work with ActOne includes dancing and leading workshops with ARC; ActOne's professional dance company, support work with DanceBase and supporting children at summer projects and other community workshops.
I made my choreographic debut with Amici with 'Friendship', which has toured nationally as well as part of a festival in Japan. I have performed in many Amici shows over the past 9 years and have written poems and text for Amici's last two productions. I have led a number of workshops for Amici including workshops at Middlesex and Roehampton Universities. I have toured with Amici as a dancer and workshop leader and, in this capacity, visited Harvard University, Egypt, Ireland, Scotland, Germany and Japan. I also teach at a nursery and am a visual artist. I have exhibited in 2 exhibitions in the last few years.
Becky Lee (Assistant Dance Lead)
I have been working with ActOne since graduating from Roehampton University in 2010. Alongside my commitment within the ActOne team, I work as a freelance Community dance artist providing dance/drama classes and workshops to various community groups, schools and youth groups across the Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire area as well as continuing to choreograph and perform. Dance is a huge part of my life; it's my career, my passion, my hobby and my most valued mode of expression. I believe in inclusion within all areas of society and feel that dance can be a fantastic outlet to express emotion, make friends, challenges ones creativity and feel supported and empowered. I delight in working at DanceBase because it provides a creative space where every individual matters and creativity is encouraged without judgement or preconception. I am drawn to teaching/leading because I am inspired by young people's energy and their ability to constantly grow and challenge. I feel privileged to work with such a fantastic organisation.
Mandy Jordan (Support Worker)
During my time as a Support Worker for ActOne, I've had the privilege to work with some truly amazing children and young adults. I've really valued seeing participants grow within their own ability's with the support of some very inspirational people all working together to achieve a beautiful space for one and all.
Nicky Frewin
I graduated from The London College of Dance in 2001 and have been working for ActOne ArtsBase since May 2009. My role is very versatile including Dance Lead, Support Dance Lead, Programme Development Manager and Dancer. Since I started working for ActOne, my whole view of dance has changed and has allowed me to see into a whole new world of inclusive dance. I have never known job satisfaction like I do working on the various projects that I do and I would not change it for the world.
As well as working for ActOne, I also spend my time looking after my husband, two year old daughter, dog, cat and chickens!!