CCDA Principal
Katherine has danced since she was 4 years old, having originally been taught Russian classical ballet- Legat & Vagonova techniques by Lydia Kyasht Junior. She is continually updating her training and has a never ending thirst for dance and movement knowledge, she especially enjoys all aspects of choreography and artistic direction; she works as a freelance choreographer when the opportunities arise. She has produced and choreographed three original works for the International Edinburgh fringe festival, the second of which—“Titanic and the band played on” attracted lottery funding to create & produce.
As Principal of Cirencester Creative Dance Academy, founded in 1997, she teaches the ISTD syllabi and all genres of dance. The academy aims to give students many performance opportunities as well as a sound basic training whilst building on confidence, integrity, social and life skills alongside the respect and camaraderie of teamwork. Katherine has several former students studying vocationally as well as working professionally in London and Europe.
In 2007 Katherine founded “Acting Thru Dance Productions” open to post eighteen dancers, singers & actors, specialising in International fringe festivals and small scale productions to give former students, talented dancers and actors a springboard into the profession.
Katherine was formerly lecturer in charge of dance and musical theatre productions at Cirencester College for 17 years, at the end of 2016 she left her college post to concentrate further on developing the teaching and pupil opportunities at CCDA, In 2017 Katherine studied for her Master’s degree in professional practice dance teachers pedagogy at Middlesex University, She completed this graduating in July 2019, and has incorporated many of its values into the running of CCDA ensuring a holistic all-inclusive approach, ensuring respect and camaraderie and teamwork is fostered in all CCDAs activities.
Katherine-Lucy hosts the Growing Through Dance podcast, which is being heard in over 50 countries worldwide. The interview-based podcast aims to show how dance interacts with life and highlights that everyone can benefit from dance in physical, mental, and social health. The podcast aims to tell the stories from the average grassroots dancer, through to those who have taken dance to a professional level. The interviews are very diverse, each highlighting their individual journey. The issues discussed are of benefit to the dance community as a whole, providing clear information for those with less experience in the industry. It is available on all major podcast apps as well as on the CCDA website with many 5* reviews.
Dance is her passion and Katherine hopes to be able to make it yours!
