Elaine Thomas (Project Leader)

I trained at The Urdang Academy of Ballet and Performing Arts, London from 1992-1994. I went on to study Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art and Design and Goldsmiths' College graduating in 1998. I specialised in movement performance, photography and video. Shortly after graduating I formed 'Traxis' with a fellow Goldsmiths' student . We created characters for interactive live performance for arts and club venues across London.

At this time I was also doing support work for adults and children with disabilities. I worked in special schools, community training projects, for Mencap and on specialised programs for Autism.

I decided to put these two interests together and looked for a dance project which involved disabled people, but one which wasn't looked upon as 'therapy'. I discovered a community Dance class run by Wolfgang Stange and was introduced to his company Amici Dance Theatre which has been the UK's leading intregrated dance company for 25 years.

I have been a performing member of the company since 2001 and it was here that I met Suzie Scambler.

I joined ActOne ArtsBase as a teacher in 2004 initially with Special Act and in January 2005 opened DanceBase Hoddesdon.

I believe the ability to dance is within all of us and that our diversity is our strength. I am interested in using individual expression to create unique performance which challenges our expectations of disability and dance.

Annie Fothergill (Support and Project Leader)

I did a joint honours degree in Performing Arts in the community and French Studies at Oxford Brookes University. While at uni I took part in many productions including playing 'Sandy' in Grease the musical. I have also been in a few short films, including a drinking safety advert aimed at students. When I graduated I worked with Lanternfish theatre company on their tour of 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' musical, playing 'Billy'-the Sorcerer's Apprentice.

I have been working for ActOne for a year now, I teach Dance at Special Act, lead the Watling View and Woolgrove after-school groups and I support DanceBase Hatfield. I also assist Suzie with the UV project and I am currently working on the Hertfordshire Anti-Bullying Initiative (HABI) with Children Schools and Families. I am very excited about working on more inclusive projects and continuing my work as a community artist with ActOne!

Lorna Marsh (Project Leader)

Hi, I'm Lorna Marsh, I have been working with ActOne for just over a year now. I work with DanceBase Hatfield and DanceBase Ware. Before ActOne I was studying at Coventry University doing a Dance and Professional Practice Degree (with Honours). Within my studies I specialised in Dance/Movement Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I was the first woman in a wheelchair to graduate with a degree in dance in the UK.

My interest in the arts started in childhood. I remember performing a monologue for Princess Diana when I was 13 at the Chicken Shed Theatre Company (Oh, those were the days!). Before completing my degree I completed a course in Performing Arts and Dance at LIPA, and I have completed an apprenticeship at Orpheus with Richard Stilgoe... I think Performing Arts is in my blood - can't see my life without it!

In addition to all this dance stuff I keep myself busy working for The Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) on the Disabled Peoples Advisory Panel for Education and Integration. I also give independent talks on Education and Integration, some of the highlights of this work have included lecturing at Eton College and Earl's Court.

My next venture is about to start (in June 2008). I will, in addition to my roles above, be an Independent Living Advisor. Hopefully I will be able to help others live a life as full as mine. I will be working with the Surrey Independent Living Council (SILC).