YDance’s Reconnect performance platform is the only regional qualifier in Scotland for U.Dance 2021. Here we introduce the four fabulous individuals who will be deciding which of the films showcased at Reconnect will go forward to U.Dance this July!
Nathan Geering – Artistic Director, Rationale Method
Nathan specialises in accessibility innovation and strives to make work that heightens accessibility for both disabled and non-disabled artists and audiences. He was the Artistic Director of the 2017 Special Olympics Opening Ceremony and is the founder of The Rationale Method of Audio Description.
He also runs a registered charity called Rationale Arts that teaches people with visual impairment breakin’ as a means of injury prevention and to improve spatial awareness. He continues to implement his work both nationally and internationally to bridge the gap between disabled and non-disabled artists and audiences the world over.
Jamie Jenkins – Producer, National Youth Arts Wales
Jamie Jenkins is a Dance Producer for National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW). Alongside this, Jamie is also a Lecturer in Dance at the largest FE college in North Wales, where he gained his PGCE qualification in conjunction with Aberystwyth University.
He began his professional dance training at Stella Mann College, before developing his contemporary dance technique at the London Contemporary Dance School and later, gaining a Post Graduate Diploma. He also has a number of professional performing credits. Jamie is also a Dance Champion for EDAU, works as a Dance Facilitator for Arts Council of Wales and undertakes several choreographic projects in a freelance capacity.
His current role at NYAW includes managing National Youth Dance Wales, coordinating a programme to develop the skills of talented, young dancers from across Wales working alongside leading choreographers including Kerry Nicholas, Theo Clinkard, Caroline Finn and Sir Wayne MacGregor.
Laura Jones – Head of Talent Development, Stopgap Dance Company
Laura is a fierce advocate for inclusive dance. As Head of Talent Development at Stopgap Dance Company, she is advancing the sector through training, presentations and consultancy work.
She has worked with numerous choreographers including Yoshifumi Inao (Batsheva Dance Company), Kevin Finnan (Motionhouse), Rob Tanion (Stan Won’t Dance/DV8), Gary Clarke (Pit Fleur/ Fetherstoneshaughs) and Bettina Strickler (Protein), touring their work nationally and internationally.
Her extensive teaching experience covers all ages and abilities across the UK and Europe, including for Mixed Ability Dance EU in Romania and Albania, 2010, and in Berlin for People Moving 2006 and Tanzfabric, 2012.
Laura’s own creation credits include A:Version for Resolution! (2009) and directing and editing the dance film Re:Bound.(2004). Laura worked as a Dance Captain for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, assisting with the choreography of all dance sections, teaching the 3500 volunteers and performing in the ceremony itself.
Vidya Patel – Dance Artist and Educator
Vidya Patel is a Birmingham based Dance Artist with training background in Kathak learning from Guru Sujata Banerjee. After graduating from the South Asian Strand at Centre of Advanced Training Dance programme, Vidya represented the South Asian Category in the Grand Finals of the inaugural BBC Young Dancer 2015 at Sadler’s Wells.
She has since performed in international touring works created by critically acclaimed artists Sir Richard Alston, Gary Clarke, Thick & Tight and Akademi, as well as collaborating with artists including Shammi Pithia and Connor Scott, with commissions by Sampad Arts.
She is currently an Associate Artist at Déda and a member of Aakash Odedra 2. Whilst continuing her Indian classical dance training she hopes to continue to collaborate with the wider dance industry and continue to develop her own choreographic and individual practice. She is currently one of four young choreographers part of the Sadler’s Wells Young Associates programme, supported for the next two years.
Watch Reconnect 2021 at 6pm on Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th June! Find out more >>>
