BIOS | North East Dance Pro

Project 6

Dancer Bios

Alex

"I began dancing for enjoyment when I was 13, starting classical ballet at 16 years old. I danced recreationally during degree and PhD in Chemistry (Universities of Manchester and Durham). I first came to Dance City in 2007 when working in the pharmaceutical industry in the Newcastle area, and attended until I took the role of Institute Manager at Durham University. I returned to dancing in 2019 following a five-year break during the birth and early years of my children. The online classes at Dance City gave me access to high quality lessons and I returned to Dance City when in-person classes opened up again in 2021."

Alexa

Czechia

“I was born in the Czech Republic but grew up in UK. I came to the UK when I was 8 years old. I currently work as a Care worker. I always enjoyed dancing from a young age. When I was younger, I used to be part of a dance team, and I was a cheerleader. I’m so excited to be dancing again. I mostly enjoy dancing Hip hop, Spanish, salsa and now also one of my favourite styles is ballet. I always wanted to dance ballet when I was younger and now I get to do that.”

Anna

I began lessons at my local dance school when I was around 5 years old. I quickly fell in love with most styles but my favourites have always been ballet, ballroom and tap. After completing all my grades and exams I left to concentrate on my studies before starting my job in healthcare, where I have been for the past 25 years! I returned to dance as an adult after enrolling both my girls into classes. It has always been something we enjoy as a family and thanks to the North East Dance Project it’s now something I get to enjoy too.

Barbara
UK

"I did weekly ballet classes from being a small child and enjoyed the RAD children’s ballet exams and some amateur performances in homemade tutus which was a lot of fun. I dropped ballet in my teens but returned to it as a young adult and did some further exams in group dances. After a long gap due to work and family commitments I have loved coming back to ballet again. My work is in Health Visiting - part time- and my other main interests are music and gardening."

Chloe

"I have studied various styles of dance from a young age, training at my local dance school and with the Northern Ballet Associates. In 2016, I performed at Sadler's Wells theatre with National Youth Ballet, and at University, I danced as Titania in our University's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. These two performances remain incredibly special to me. While completing my undergraduate and master's degrees, I also competed in dance for the two universities at which I studied. I am now enjoying learning commercial while working in Newcastle, as well as continuing my ballet training. Dance has always been an important part of my life, and I hope to keep dancing for many years to come."

Christina

"I'm a retired Clinical Psychologist/Psychotherapist from Newcastle. I started ballet when I was six years old and tap when I was eight. I stopped dancing as an adolescent as I thought it wasn't cool and picked it up again in my twenties. I have been dancing ever since. Dance kept me centered in my body throughout my career, which was sedentary and cerebral. My lived experience demonstrates that dance is good for the body, mind and soul. Dancing with others is a joy and dance is central to my life."

Danuta
Poland

"I have loved the stage and performing ever since I remember. I have always been engaged in some sort of performing arts - either singing, dancing or acting. My adventure with dancing began in primary school. I was a student at the dance school, in which we got to know various styles such as ballroom, hip-hop, disco and other. Later, as a teenager, I became to learn Polish folk dances and joined a street dance school. I then gave up dancing for a few years to devote more time to singing and acting. In that time, I moved to England and studied music in Gateshead College. I returned to dancing in mid 2023 and started attending salsa classes. But the truth is dancing ballet has always been my biggest dream that has come true when I joined Dance City in October 2023. Apart from dancing (and working) I sing in St Mary’s Cathedral Choir and express my creativity in various ways. I am very excited to start a new adventure with the NEDP and all the amazing artists involved in this project. "

Eleanor
UK

"My name is Eleanor. I am an engineering geologist working in Newcastle and moved to the city in 2023 from my northern hometown of Darlington. Having no previous dance experience and major spinal surgery as a teenager, I figured I would not be able to get into dance. However, since moving I have had the pleasure of attending weekly classes, which has improved my physical and mental health ten-fold. My favourite form of dance is ballet, and taking part in classes has given me freedom to express myself as well as allow me to focus and become more in tune with my body and health. Outside of dance, I enjoy reading and writing, and enjoy researching history and the arts."

Ellie

“I started dancing when I was 8, competing in freestyle disco, before stopping at around sixteen to focus on my studies. I took up dancing again during my time at Cambridge, finding a love for contemporary, jazz and musical theatre. Since moving back home to do my PhD, I started ballet to improve my technique and ended up loving it! I now spend all my free time dancing, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Emma
UK

" I was born in the UK but grew up in Houston, Texas and moved back to the UK in 2019. I currently work for a marketing agency in North Shields as a Search Marketing Executive. I’m so excited to be dancing again. I danced from six years old until I was 17. I enjoyed ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop until joining my high school’s dance team."

Emma
Greece

"By day I am an application scientist in molecular biology supporting North Europe and I am originally from Athens. My dance journey started at age 3 with ballet, jazz and modern. Over the years I have also explored flamenco, tap, hip-hop, as well as Graham and contemporary. As an adult dancer, I realised I was too strict, so I embraced yoga more, eventually qualifying as an instructor; a parallel journey that allowed me to re-establish and maintain a more mindful brain-body connection. Despite some breaks I'm so thrilled to be properly back to dancing again; it seems like my DNA is probably more "dance" than anything after all. Incredibly thrilled to be joining the NEDP a truly exciting new chapter alongside all of you amazing artists."

Gosia

Poland

“I’m from Poland and currently have a job in office administration and customer service, which, to be honest, can be a bit dull. But I've found a real passion in volunteering for an organization that supports women, and it's incredibly fulfilling. My dreams for the future include becoming an oriental dance artist, and when I have more free time, I'd love to explore more DJing and music production while also getting involved in activism.”

Jari

"I have always loved dance, I started when I was very young doing ballet, tap, and disco, moving on to commercial, modern, and contemporary at different ages until I was 15. That's where, regretfully, my dancing journey stopped due to a scheduling conflict with my schooling.

I've always said in another life I'd have loved to be a backup dancer for P!NK, Rihanna, etc. In this life I am a motion designer for money so I can feed my cat. I'm absolutely loving dancing again, improving as I go, making some amazing friends, and navigating a very gendered art form as a non-binary person."

Maddie

I started dance when I was 4 years old. I mainly did ballet growing up, going through the grades as well as performing in the occasional show! I’ve tried to keep dance a part of my life where possible, after leaving my local dance school in Northampton, I joined the dance group at Newcastle University whilst studying my degree in Geography. Since graduating, I have been working in Newcastle and have attended some of the adult ballet classes at Dance City in my spare time. This led me to join my first NEDP project, project 6. I have really enjoyed being a part of the NEDP, learning dances in a range of styles, making new friends and having fun! Overall, it’s been a great opportunity for me to push myself to continue developing my dance skills as an adult.

Maria

Madeira Island, Portugal

I started as a rhythmic gymnast from the age of 4 to 11 before discovering my passion for dance at 16 while studying economics. I began training in ballet and contemporary in Madeira and later earned a degree from Escola Superior de Dança (Superior School of Dance) in Lisbon. Since then, I’ve performed professionally across a range of styles—from contemporary and ballet to jazz and commercial—while also teaching contemporary and working as a rehearsal director for a youth dance company in Portugal. Throughout the years, I’ve continued to develop my practice through summer intensives such as the American Academy of Ballet, ImPulsTanz, and Mad Dogs Summer Intensive. At 28, I decided to deepen my career by moving to the UK to pursue a Master’s in Advanced Dance Performance at Dance City, where I had the opportunity to work with Alleyne Dance, Mischief Company, and Southpaw. I later rejoined Alleyne Dance as an apprentice during the R&D for Far From Home. Most recently, joining Project 6 with NEDP helped me reconnect with my love for dance and it’s been a truly meaningful and rewarding experience.

Melody

Taiwan

I was born in Taichung, Taiwan, but spent all my amazing undergraduate and postgraduate years on the Gold Coast, Australia. Moving to Newcastle in early 2003 because of my husband's profession in Architecture and I also have been a teacher of dance and English and love my jobs. Thanks to my grown up daughter's invitation of watching her last ballet class in Dance City summer 2023. She, also a gorgeous dancer, inspired me to get back to a dance studio again after 12 years of battling my health. So my adult ballet journey with Amy begins and I realize my passion shyly hidden in my heart for years. You won't believe what a warm welcome I received from fellow dancers and they all hearten me to try NEDP project out so here I come Project 6.

Mila
Netherlands/Germany

"Hi, I'm Mila! I'm originally from the Netherlands/Germany but have been living in Newcastle for about 2 years now working in communications in both the video games and charity sector. I'm very much a newbie to dance, I used to do ballroom dance and the odd bit of musical theatre when I was younger, but never dedicated enough time to be any good. In the last year or so I have been trying to get back into dancing as I have always loved it and wanted to be better at it. I've been attending ballet and ballroom dancing classes at Dance City for a little while now and I am super excited to join NEDP!"

Nicola
UK

"I began my dancing journey on a whim at the age of 29 after deciding it sounded fun! I started with ballet at Dance City, but also dabbled in tap, tribal belly dance, and jazz, but it was ballet that I fell in love with. I’m a software developer by day, and when I’m not working or dancing you’ll probably find me reading, gaming, or indulging in one of my many crafty hobbies!"

Olivia

“I started dancing when I was 8 years old and fell in love with ballet, deciding from a young age that dance really was it for me. I trained throughout school and owe my parents who drove me back and forth across the UK to attend all sorts of auditions and scholarships. I went on to train professionally at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and returned to Newcastle upon graduating however due to illness I had to step back from any career before it could even begin. I'm so grateful to dip my toe back into the water with NEDP after not dancing for around 6 year and Thursday sessions have become such a source of joy for me!”

Phoebe

My love of performing began in nursery when I starred in my debut role of ‘the gingerbread man’. I studied musical theatre in school and then got a first class degree in Drama at Northumbria University. At the same time I fell in love with working with young people with disabilities in education and I currently work as a student support lead, which takes up a lot of my energy, but I have also started pole dancing in the past year which I love! This is my first time doing this project (thanks to Olivia who recruited me!!). I am constantly in awe of the strength and grace that my fellow dancers have and what an amazing opportunity for growth that NEDP is.

Rachel

“I began ballet at age 6 after my parents gave in after I constantly harassed them for lessons. I was immediately hooked and after a few years I was dancing most evenings and weekends at the Dorothy Buggy School of Dance in Jesmond.

When I was 13, I won a two week scholarship to the now closed Bush Davies School which cemented the fact that I wanted to pursue a career in ballet but unfortunately soon after I was found to have a double curvature of the spine which put an end to that dream. By the time I was 18 I no longer danced because of issues with my back. 

Over 30 years, a career in Graphic Design and two children later, a chance conversation in 2022 with a neighbour and friend led me to join an adult street dance crew in Blyth and soon we were competing in (and winning!) competitions all over the North East. 

Dancing with this amazing group of women gave me the confidence to try an adult ballet class at Dance City in March 2024, which is where I met Amy and most of the rest of the NEDP gang. I am very excited, and slightly terrified, to be back performing as it was something I did not get the chance to do much of when I was younger!”

Roberta
Italy

"I come from Italy and have been living in the UK, on and off, for about 13 years. I moved back to the North East during the pandemic after a first stint at Durham University in 2008-10. I work in academic publishing.  I began dancing when I was 14 years old, and never stopped since. My main passion is ballet, but over the years I have studied modern, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary. Ballet class is the highlight of my week."

Rosie

I was born in Taiwan and moved to the UK when I was 5, since then it has been a mish mash of moving all over the UK! I dipped my first proverbial toe into dance when I was around 7 when my Mum enrolled be in Classical Chinese dance. I was far too awkward and ungaily at the time to appreciate it.

At a later age, my sister and I picked up Latin, Ballroom and Freestyle. Cue dancing absolutely everywhere, from car parks to train station platforms. Something which continues to this day, to the embarrassment of my partner in supermarket queues.

Right before lockdown I dropped into a gym ‘ballet’ session, and from then on I was hooked. Ballet is a strange juxtaposition of strict structure and expansive freedom when you dance across the floor. I think everyone should try it!

Oh, and by day I am a police science communicator/civil servant. Which is also fun but a story for another time.

Sarah

Indiana USA

Sarah Wieten is a lecturer in philosophy at Durham University. She is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana USA, but now lives in Langley Moor. She is excited to get back to dance after 10 years away.

Wiktoria

Poland

Hi, I’m Wiktoria. My journey with ballet began at the age of four and led me to the National Ballet School in Gdańsk, where I trained for several years. While ballet has always been a deep passion of mine, I made the decision early on to pursue a career in engineering. Throughout my studies, I continued to dance and perform with the Mo-she Theatre of Movement, blending creativity with discipline in both worlds. I later moved to Newcastle to complete my master’s degree and begin my career as a structural engineer, which marked a temporary pause in my dance journey. NEDP became a space for me to reconnect with the art form that shaped so much of who I am.

Xavier

From enthusiastic audience member to active participant, I joined this project driven by the passion ignited after experiencing NEDP’s Project 4 performance at the Tyne Bank Brewery. While my background isn't in dance, my heart beats to the rhythm of live theatre. A seasoned spectator with over a hundred shows under my belt, spanning the West End and Broadway stages, a part of me has always dreamt of stepping into the spotlight. My love for the stage is interwoven with a broader appreciation for the world, fuelled by a passion for travel, history, design, and architecture. My background lies in the creative arts, where I find expression through photography, graphic design, and video content creation, allowing me to express my creativity through visual storytelling. When not immersed in artistic endeavours, you can find me pounding the pavement on Saturday mornings as an avid parkrunner. A defining moment in my life came in 2010 when I was commissioned to design the national symbol for youth ministry in England and Wales. This design was then presented to and blessed by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the United Kingdom, a moment of immense pride that I've commemorated with a permanent tribute on my arm.

Project 6

Project 5

Project 4

Dancer Bios

Alexa

Czechia

Andrea
Germany

"I am originally from Hamburg, Germany, but I have been living in Newcastle since 1997 where I work at Newcastle University. Dance has been a hobby for most of my life, I started ballet when I was 7 years old and have carried on ever since, with some gaps when I was at university or moving places. I love to train and perform with other dancers and I have been lucky to be part of some amazing groups."

Barbara
UK

Chloe

Danuta
Poland

Eleanor
UK

Ellie

Emma
UK

Emma
Greece

Flo

“My name is Flo and I am born and raised in Gateshead. I have been dancing recreationally since I was 3 years old, taking ballet, tap, modern jazz and commercial classes, although I enjoy all types of dance. I have taken many dance exams over the last 15 years and am now looking forward to the change in pace that comes with performing in a show! Outside of dance, I play the flute and violin, and I have a keen interest in motorsport.”

Gosia

Poland

Jari

Kasia

“I've been dancing since the age if 3. But after taking a long break from it, it's so amazing to get back into it with NEDP. In my day job, I'm a university researcher of issues related to peace and conflict. When I'm not working or dancing, I'm usually walking my golden retriever somewhere muddy.”

Lucy

"Hi I'm Lucy, I started dancing at 3 years old I worked through the RAD ballet grades up to Advanced 1. I've done a of everything: ballet tap, jazz, modern, street, hip hop. I even used to do a bit of gymnastics and acrobatics back in the day. I danced at York Scholars, I was an associate with the Northern Ballet school in Leeds, SLP college in Leeds and Hammond in Chester. I also performed in some English Youth Ballet shows I had a solo performance in Sleeping Beauty as one of the fairies. I went to Newcastle University to study biology, I was a part of the dance society and took part in the competitions, shows and I taught advanced ballet and limbering. I had a really long hiatus from dancing after university of 7 years. I discovered the project and I was really excited to start again, but also nervous I had forgotten how to dance. The dancing bug has bitten me again and I'm excited to see what this and future projects will bring!"

Mila
Netherlands/Germany

Miriam

“I’m Miriam, I’m in my 50’s and I love to dance. I did ballet, tap and contemporary as a child and came back to ballet a few years ago. I work as a doctor in Intensive Care in the NE and I’m originally from Yorkshire.”

Nicola
UK

Olivia

Rachel

Roberta
Italy

Samson

Hong Kong

“I'm a PhD student at Durham University studying theoretical physics, born and raised in Hong Kong. I began my dance journey two years ago as an aspiring street dancer, but I somehow became a contemporary and ballet dancer. Still not really sure how that happened...”

Steph

“Steph attended dance classes from a young age, and enjoyed RAD ballet to a high level as a teenager before leaving dance for the first time for a few years. During this time she dabbled in some mime training in Poland and qualified as an English teacher. She found her way back to dancing through teaching, choreographing for the school shows and teaching GCSE Dance, eventually completing an MTeach in Dance with the RAD. When Steph joined Project 2 with the NEDP she was returning to dance again, after life and personal circumstances got in the way for a good few year. She loves performing, the costumes and the challenge of NEDP and has realised dance is where she finds joy and life!”

Susan

UK/Ireland

Susan is a dance artist and flamenco dance teacher. Susan’s dance practice links flamenco, western contemporary dance and Japanese Butoh. Susan enjoys the discipline and technique of classical ballet.  Susan is a qualified social worker and senior lecturer. When not dancing, she likes tea, cats, bluebells and yoga. Susan loves NEDP because everyone is so friendly and there are regular opportunities to perform together.  

Project 5

Dancer Bios

Adela

Czechia

I'm originally from the Czech Republic and have been living in the UK for the past 7 years, studying and working at Newcastle University. I have a passion for history, photography and, of course, dancing! I've been flirting with dance ever since I was little and tried various different styles growing up, including: Czech folk dance, belly dance, ballroom and Irish dance. Then finally, aged 30, I decided to come back to dancing and started taking contemporary and ballet classes at the Dance City, which then led me to join this wonderful community at NEDP. It's never too late to start!

Alex

Alexa

Czechia

Andrea

Germany

Danka

Poland

Eleanor
UK

Ellie

Emma
UK

Emma
Greece

Jari

Jimi

I've been doing dance on and off for a few years now, studying dance science at university I learned how dance movements can be used for rehabilitation and a useful supplementary form of fitness for other sports. I've found my own dance journey very beneficial for my mental health and useful for my ventures into other sports and aspects of life.

Lucy

Nicola
UK

Olivia

Rachel

Roberta
Italy

Sarah
Indiana USA

Steph

Willow

was born in Edinburgh and first fell in love with dance at a Steiner school—it was my favourite way to express myself from a really young age. I moved to Newcastle when I was six and continued dancing locally, especially loving ballet. I trained with Gillian Quinn and a few other lovely teachers until I was around eight or nine, but due to family circumstances, I had to stop. I tried my hand at gymnastics, horse riding, and swimming for a while, but nothing quite felt like me the way dance did. Getting back into dance later in life has been such a huge and meaningful milestone. I’ve dealt with ongoing health issues over the years and was even told I wouldn’t be able to keep up regular exercise—but with a lot of support, I’ve made my way back to dancing. It’s helped my confidence massively and has been such a positive outlet for managing my ADHD. These days, I also run my own property management business, which keeps me on my toes in a very different way! But having dance as a creative outlet has been so important to me. Thanks to Amy’s encouragement and support, I’m now able to reconnect with that little girl who dreamed of dancing, and it feels pretty special.

Xavier

Project 3

PROJECT 3

Dancer Bios

Alex

Charlotte

"Hi, I’m Charlotte. I started dancing from before I can remember, doing ballet, tap and contemporary until age 13. I loved my weekly lessons, with my main love being ballet, and performing in shows run by our teacher.

Originally from York, I moved to Durham in 2021. I had been wanting to start ballet lessons again, and although I was apprehensive after a 10 year break, I started going to Dance City in 2022, and I’m so glad I did! I’ve rekindled my love of ballet and have seen great improvement. I’m so excited to be joining North East Dance Project alongside all the other amazing dancers."

Danuta
Poland

"I have loved the stage and performing every since I remember. I have always been engaged in some sort of performing arts - either singing, dancing or acting. My adventure with dancing began in primary school. I was a student of the dance school, in which we got to know various styles such as ballroom, hip-hop, disco and other. Later on, as I teenager, I became to learn Polish folk dances and joined a street dance school. I then gave up dancing for a few years to devote more time to singing and acting. In that time I moved to England and studied music in Gateshead College. I returned to dancing in mid 2023 and started attending salsa classes. But the truth is dancing ballet has always been my biggest dream that has came true when I joined Dance City in October 2023. Apart from dancing (and working) I sing in St Mary’s Cathedral Choir and express my creativity in various ways. I am very excited to start a new adventure with the NEDP and all the amazing artists involved in this project. "

Eleanor
UK

Emma
UK

" I was born in the UK but grew up in Houston, Texas and moved back to the UK in 2019. I currently work for a marketing agency in North Shields as a Search Marketing Executive.

I’m so excited to be dancing again. I danced from six years old until I was 17. I enjoyed ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop until joining my high school’s dance team."

Emma
Greece

Jocasta
UK

"I started ballet when I was three years old at the Phillips-Cain School of Dance in Hexham, and worked my way through the RAD examinations until I decided to pursue a dance career as a teenager. I danced with the York Dance Scholars, and attended summer schools with English National Ballet. I then moved on to study as an associate with Northern Ballet in Leeds. Despite my lifelong love for ballet and contemporary, I eventually decided to return to my studies, gaining undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Oxford and York. Since then I have been getting back into ballet at Dance City and exploring exciting new dance forms such as Cabaret, Jazz and Argentinian Tango!"

Mei
Taiwan

"I’m a full-time mum and I’m from Taiwan. I came to England on a fiancé visa to marry my Geordie husband in 2008 and only in recent years I had my new-found freedom after my child had started her high school.

I first had a taste of ballet in 2019 with DanceCity for the purpose of training my core muscles as I had had chronic lower back and hip pains for years. I stopped going to the class because of the Covid Lockdown and later resumed after the Covid restrictions lifted and in July this year decided to join this North East Dance Project for the sheer excitement of the performance opportunity! Also because my daughter has been dancing ballet for years and I’d like to show her that Mummy embraces the music and dance, too!

I love going to drama or music shows in theatres, painting/drawing, high-end food, getting fit (swimming and running) and travelling!

I’m compassionate and empathetic. I even go out my way to help others; sometimes it even damages my own interests. I dislike conflict and hate injustice and the lack of reciprocation from others."

Mila
Netherlands/Germany

Nicola
UK

Roberta
Italy

"I come from Italy and have been living in the UK, on and off, for about 13 years. I moved back to the North East during the pandemic after a first stint at Durham University in 2008-10. I work in academic publishing. 
I began dancing when I was 14 years old, and never stopped since. My main passion is ballet, but over the years I have studied modern, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary. Ballet class is the highlight of my week."

Sarah
Indiana USA

Suze
The Netherlands

"My name is Suze, and I'm a Dutch freelance musician who's called Newcastle her home for the past three years after moving here to do my Master's. I'm a passionate amateur dancer who's worked in a range of different styles throughout my teenage and student years, with a particular love for contemporary and classical ballet."

PROJECT 2

Dancer Bios

Alex

Andrea
Germany

Annabelle
UK

"Hi, I’m Annabelle and I love dancing. My dance journey begin in early childhood but was short-lived as I experienced many other hobbies such as gymnastics and guitar lessons. I then rekindled my love of dance at 19 upon starting university and came back to my roots realising dance, ballet in particular is my ultimate hobby. Being on stage and performance is something I have always loved and although I am typically a shy, introverted individual when I’m on stage my personality glistens and I feel at home. Joining North East Dance Project is an honour and I’m very grateful to be part of it."

Barbara
UK

"I did weekly ballet classes from being a small child and enjoyed the RAD children’s ballet exams and some amateur performances in home made tutus which was a lot of fun . I  dropped ballet in my teens but returned to it as a young adult and did some further exams in group dances . After a long gap due to work and family commitments I have loved coming back to ballet again . My work is  in Health Visiting - part time-  and my other main interests are music and gardening."

Christine
China

"Currently, I study translating and interpreting at Newcastle University. For me, ballet helps to relax both physically and mentally after a day’s intensive study, especially simultaneous interpreting and consecutive interpreting classes. However, ballet means so much more to me than that. I danced from the age of 8 to 10, learning the Royal Academy of Dance method (English style). One of my fondest memories is dancing in the Nutcracker’s Waltz of the Flowers for a Christmas performance when I was 9 years old. At that time, my dream was to become a principal dancer in a ballet company. Then, due to academic study, I gave up ballet training, and practiced ballet since 18. My favourite ballets are Giselle and Swan Lake. In uncertain terms, ballet is my life. Dream: to perform ballet on stage again."

Danuta
Poland

Eleanor
UK

Emma
UK

" I was born in the UK but grew up in Houston, Texas and moved back to the UK in 2019. I currently work for a marketing agency in North Shields as a Search Marketing Executive.

I’m so excited to be dancing again. I danced from six years old until I was 17. I enjoyed ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop until joining my high school’s dance team."

Emma
Greece

Evie
UK

"My name is Evie and I am from Nottingham. I started dancing at age 3 originally training in Tap and Theatre Craft. Later on, I trained in other genres as my interest in dance increased such as Jazz and Irish dancing and it wasn’t until 2020 when I started Ballet. I am a student who is currently studying on the degree programme at Dance City Training Academy because I aspire to pursue a career in the dance sector. I hope to become a professional performer for a touring Contemporary dance company and/or a choreographer. On my degree, I am specialising in Contemporary whilst taking classes in other dance genres on Dance City’s public class programme. Outside of dance, my other interests include baking, swimming, and ice skating. I value spending time with family and friends as well as going camping. I am excited to have been given the opportunity to take part in North East Dance Project Two. I’m looking forward to rehearsing for a performance in a dance style that I strongly enjoy. Also, performing on stage and expressing myself to an audience is an aspect of dance that I feel so passionately about."

Gilly
China

"I have just finished my PhD in molecular bioscience, and I’m from China. I had a little taste of ballet and Chinese traditional dance when I was a child. I quit dancing after a few years because of my poor flexibility and lack of strength. I explored different types of sports to train my body, while returning to dance has always been something deep in my mind. However, I also lacked confidence and thought it was too late to regret. Hopefully, joining Project 2 with Amy will be a great start to coming back to the joy of dancing."

Gosia
Poland

"I'm from Poland and currently have a job in office administration and customer service, which, to be honest, can be a bit dull. But I've found a real passion in volunteering for an organization that supports women, and it's incredibly fulfilling. My dreams for the future include becoming an oriental dance artist, and when I have more free time, I'd love to explore more DJing and music production while also getting involved in activism."

Jocasta
UK

Lindsay

"My dancing journey was fairly traditional from an enthusiastic toddler skipping to nursery rhymes in the village hall through to learning ballet, tap and modern until age 16. Many years later, I was really excited to discover Dance City and realise that it was possible to take up dance again as an adult. I work in a university in Muscular Dystrophy research, walk in the hills a lot, sail a little and have two teenage daughters who think it’s pretty cool their mum is dancing again!"

Mei
Taiwan

I love going to drama or music shows in theatres, painting/drawing, high-end food, getting fit (swimming and running) and travelling!

I’m compassionate and empathetic. I even go out my way to help others; sometimes it even damages my own interests. I dislike conflict and hate injustice and the lack of reciprocation from others."

Mila
Netherlands/Germany

Miriam

"I’m Miriam, I’m in my 50’s and I love to dance. I did ballet, tap and contemporary as a child and came back to ballet a few years ago. I work as a doctor in Intensive Care in the NE and I’m originally from Yorkshire."

Nicola
UK

Roberta
Italy

"I come from Italy and have been living in the UK, on and off, for about 13 years. I moved back to the North East during the pandemic after a first stint at Durham University in 2008-10. I work in academic publishing. 
I began dancing when I was 14 years old, and never stopped since. My main passion is ballet, but over the years I have studied modern, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary. Ballet class is the highlight of my week."

Stephanie

"I learnt ballet and other dance styles as a child, dancing until I was 18. I spent some time training in Mime in Poland during University summer holidays and toured Poland performing. After qualifying as a Secondary English teacher I found my way back to dance choreographing for the school shows, and eventually taught GCSE Dance alongside teaching English. I then undertook a Masters In Teaching (Dance) with the Royal Academy of Dance before somehow losing my way. I stopped dancing for 9 years! Thankfully I have found my way back to my true, dancing self, and vow never to stop again."

Susan

Susan is a dance artist and teaches flamenco dance at Dance City and other venues. Her individual dance practice links flamenco, western contemporary dance and Japanese butoh. Susan is committed to augmenting her overall dance fitness and technique through ballet. Susan is a qualified social worker and senior lecturer. When not dancing, she likes tea, cats, bluebells and yoga. Susan has lived in the north-east since 2009, she is looking forward to new opportunities with the NEDP company.

Suze
The Netherlands

Tina

Russia

"My name is Tina. I am 28 years old and I work at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, where I ‘crew’ gallery floors and teach English as a foreign language. I am also currently studying to be a therapist. I started contemporary dance when I was 5 years old and it remained my favourite thing in the world well into my teen years. I then ended up taking what turned into a 10 year break, as adulthood knocked me off my feet and am only getting back into it now. To this day I live for music and moving my body to music is still the only way I have found to feel truly free and myself. "

William

"Compulsory Men’s Ballet class at 19 yrs old once a week at GSA for first two years of a three year Actor training - took it up again September 2019 and now lost 35 lbs and loving it! "

PROJECT 1

Dancer bios

Alex

Andrea

Germany

Christina

Emma

Greece

Emily

"I have always loved dance. As a toddler I used to run up to the TV when the ballet was on shouting with delight. However as a young person it was contemporary dance that I was obsessed with. I loved choreographing and performing with other dancers and was a member of several local companies.

Now in my mid 30s I am a freelance dance teacher and the co-founder of Last Line Theatre Company. Joining the professional dance community at Dance City has allowed me discover new styles and take up ballet and tap.

I am delighted to be a part of this collective of ecclectic dancers under the direction of Amy Becke."

Gosia

Poland

Jessica

"I am currently a student at Newcastle University studying medicine. I'm from Cambridgeshire and I started ballet when I was 4, after begging my mum to let me go. Ballet continues to be the highlight of my week that I look forward to."

Juline

France

"Originally from France, I have been living in the UK for close to ten years and now call the northeast my home. Dance entered my life at the age of five after seeing a ballet on television, and has been a loyal companion throughout my life journey. Besides being a dance lover, I am a passionate researcher and educator working for the University of Edinburgh on conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the Middle East. When I am not trying to make the world a better place through education, arts and self-care, I can be found on the road travelling or in the kitchen baking."

Kasia

"I'm from London and I am a researcher of international politics and conflict. I started ballet at the age of 3 and loved it so much that I continued into adulthood. While at university, I performed for a year with a contemporary dance group. But after several years of not dancing at all, and really missing it, I joined Dance City and NEDP, and never looked back! Aside from ballet, I love being out in nature and traveling."

Lindsay

Mei

Taiwan

I love going to drama or music shows in theatres, painting/drawing, high-end food, getting fit (swimming and running) and travelling!

I’m compassionate and empathetic. I even go out my way to help others; sometimes it even damages my own interests. I dislike conflict and hate injustice and the lack of reciprocation from others."

Mila

Netherlands/Germany

Miriam

Natalie

Czech Republic

"Hi, My name is Natalie. I come from Prague and I'm currently doing a degree in Economics and Finance at Newcastle University. In Czech Republic I used to study music on a professional level, therefore now I am trying to find every opportunity to play as the piano has accompanied me throughout my whole life alongside with dance and a passion for the arts in general."

Nicola

Pam

"In 2015 I was one of the founder members involved in setting up the North East Dance Co-operative - a not for profit community dance group organising classes, workshops, theatre and company class viewings."

"I live in Chester-le-Street and am retired now from my PA role with Barclays Agricultural Services Department. I started late to dancing - from the age of 11, just doing RAD ballet and IDTA stage and modern, but got hooked and continued as an adult, adding tap, and then, in the mid-eighties, Jazz and Musical Theatre when Dance City opened its doors ! I have qualifications in RAD ballet at Intermediate level, and their DES Character and Classical work - both to Level 3 - and Senior Grades up to Grade 8, plus IDTA teaching qualifications in Ballet (Membership) and Stage (Associate). Until shortly before the pandemic lockdown I had continued classes in RAD Advanced 1 and 2, and their new Discovering Repertoire syllabus which I love ! I've danced all my adult life with amateur Operatic Societies in Newcastle, Gateshead, Birtley, South Shields, Washington, Chester-le-Street and Seaham, culminating in being choreographer for Gateshead and then Chester-le-Street, but retired from this too about 10 years ago."

Philippa

Job : Receptionist

Philippa started dancing at the age of 5, learning Ballet, jazz, and tap at the Gillian Quin School of Dance. As a child, she took part in her dance school performances and also on Whitley Bay Pantomime Society shows as a dancer. In 2014, Philippa joined the Dance group, Dance Kaleidiscope on a dancing tour of Europe where she also danced at Disneyland Paris. During their university years, they expanded their repertoire to including Latin and ballroom dance. She also took part in competitions between other universities. In recent years, Philippa has embraced even more styles, including salsa, bachata, kizomba and rock.

Sarah

Indiana USA

Susan

Suze

The Netherlands

Tina

Russia

William

"Compulsory Men’s Ballet class at 19 yrs old once a week at GSA for first two years of a three year Actor training - took it up again September 2019 and now lost 35 lbs and loving it! "

ALL IMAGES BY ALAN MASON