FINALES DE 2025
JUECES ARTISTAS

Matt is the 2023 winner of the Gillian Lynn Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography, the What’sOnStage Award and the Broadway World Award for his work on Newsies, London. Matt was previously nominated for a Best Theatre Choreography Olivier Award for his work on Fiddler On The Roof, London. Matt has also won the Off West End Award for Best Theatre Choreography for his work on Police Cops.

Upcoming shows include Here and Now (The Steps Musical), The Baker’s Wife (Menier Chocolate Factory) and A Knight’s Tale (West End).

Matt is an alumnus of Laine Theatre Arts. After graduating he enjoyed a prominent career as a performer in the West End, Tour and Internationally. He has lectured in many of the top performing arts institutions as both a teacher, examiner, director, and Choreographer.

Performing credits include: Saturday Night Fever, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, CATS, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, The Rocky Horror Show, Zorro, Candide and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

As a director and choreographer his recent credits include; JERRY’S GIRLS (Menier Chocolate Factory); POLICE COPS (Edinburgh Fringe Festival); ROMAN HOLIDAY (Bath Theatre Royal); NEWSIES (Director and Choreographer); IDENTICAL (The Parent Trap musical Directed by  Sir Trevor Nunn) and FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (UK Tour); WARHOL (Workshop Directed by Sir Trevor Nunn);TABOO (In concert at the Palladium Theatre London); FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (World Premiere 2021); BERLIN BERLIN (Germany); LOVESICK (Theatre J Washington DC); PARADE (NYMT); OKLAHOMA (Chichester Festival Theatre); AMOUR (The Charing Cross Theatre); FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (The Menier Chocolate Factory and the Playhouse Theatre West End); FLASHDANCE (UK and international Tour); FOOTLOOSE (UK and International Tour); LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (UK and International Tour);THE BEAUTIFUL GAME (NYMT); THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS (The Royal Academy of Music); THE NIGHT PIRATES (UK Tour); THE PRODUCERS (China and Asian Tour).

Directing credits include: Associate Director on CARMEN LA CUBANA, (Sadlers Wells); Resident Director on The Railway Children (King’s Cross Theatre); Resident Director on West Side Story (UK Tour).

Matt is a professional dancer, choreographer and creative director who has worked extensively in Australia and overseas.

Credits include performing and choreographing for top Australian and international recording artists and high-profile corporate brand events, including the Commonwealth Games Festival.

Recently returning from Macau, China, Matt choreographed BOR Productions’ international stage show Viva La Broadway at The Galaxy Hotel & Casino.

Other choreographic credits include The World Festival of Magic National Tour, Bon Voyage, M2 Productions – Star Casino Australia, Rhonda Burchmore’s Vinyl Viagra – National Tour, Up Up & Away – HOTA, Mystique – M2 Productions, Seaworld Resort and Spellbound – Cairns Casino, Qld.

Recently, Matt was in production as choreographer for Rhonda Burchmore’s Brisbane Festival show – Bang Bang! World premiere live at the Courier Mail Spiegel tent.

Theatre credits include Cabaret de Paris and The Ultimate Vegas Show, M2 Productions – Australian and New Zealand National Tours, Mystique, Illusions and Rhythm of the Night – Star Casino, Gold Coast and Joe Labero’s Illusions – Sweden. Play the Game, Aerial Angels – Cairns Casino, inaugural cast and Dance Captain for Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines, and dancer in Tokyo Disneyland’s Mystic Rhythms stage show.

Overseas, Matt secured positions at the Lido de Paris and Moulin Rouge.

A career highlight was performing in The Paris Opera Ballet’s La Bayadère and Gala performance of Bolero at QPAC, along with creative directing and performing the headline act at the Andy Warhol Exhibition at GOMA. Matt was selected to perform at the Priscilla The Musical opening at QPAC.

A great passion for Matt is being the creative director of Velvet Motion Entertainment, a sought-after adjudicator and dance educator, and mentor at Performing Arts Institutions Australia-wide.

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Matthew is Head of Education at Dynamite Studios

Betty is a New York City-based dancer, actor, singer, choreographer, and teaching artist. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Betty’s earliest dance training was heavily influenced by contemporary and modern styles. She received a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business from Oklahoma City University, studying stage management, producing, lighting design, directing, development and fundraising, and more; all in addition to dancing and performing with the Ann Lacy School of Dance and Arts Management.

As a dancer and performer, Betty is signed with CESD Talent. She has performed at regional theaters (Maltz Jupiter Theater, Fireside Theatre), on national tours (ELF: The Musical), and in tv/film (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Law and Order). Some special career highlights are performing in Freddie Falls in Loveat the Joyce Theatre, and inside the MET Gala with Leslie Odom Jr- directed by Baz Luhrman and choreographed by Andy Blankenbeuhler. She regularly participates in fundraising performances for various causes (BCEFA, Arts for Alz, Leg Up On Life), as well as industry showcases (DanceBreak, Kiss My Face).

In addition to performing, Betty collaborates with numerous choreographers on productions, events, and tv shows. Some of these include Al Blackstone, Billy Griffin, Andy Blankenbeuhler, Karla Puno-Garcia, Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, Jen Jencuska, Michael Mindlin, Marcos Santana, and more. She is currently an associate choreographer on the Broadway musical SiX, and is trusted by many as a creative partner. In addition, she has choreographed her own works for music videos, industrials, short films, and stage. She continues to create and collaborate on projects in addition to her career as a performer.

Betty is deeply passionate about dance and its ability to create connection. She is frequently seen at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, or Peridance, sharing space with other dancers and supporting the community at large. She is invested in creating work that inspires, empowers, or simply entertains. She loves yoga, hiking, and writing essays. She is an open, curious, and ambitious artist.

James trained at LCPA, After completing his training James danced for artists including Jessie J, The Spice Girls, The Pussycat Dolls, Leona Lewis, The Saturdays, Pixie Lott, and The Wanted. His television credits include; ‘London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony’, ‘The BIg Reunion’, ‘Dancing On Ice’, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, ‘Tonight’s The Night’, ‘The X Factor’, ‘Stars in their Eyes’, ‘Simply Musicals’, ‘Making Your Mind Up’, ‘An Audience with Coronation Street’, ‘Eurovision’, ‘Celebrity X-Factor’, ‘Russian Pop Idol’, ‘Bustamove’, ‘Children in Need’, ‘Soapstar Superstars’, ‘The Eurovision Song Contest’ , ‘The Royal Variety Performance’ and many more. He has completed World and UK Tours for ‘The X-Factor’, ‘Spirit of the Dance’, ‘Disco Fever’ and ‘The Full Monty’ and his corporate and catwalk experience extends to working for Adidas, Clarks and O2 to name a few. James has also had the pleasure of working with top choreographers including Paul Roberts, Mikey Mindon, Brian Rogers, Paul Domaine, David Wood, Gary Lloyd, Alan Harding and Michelle Thorne. His experience as a choreographer in TV, fashion and the arena stage is ensuring that he is one of the most sought after commercial choreographers in the UK.

April Cook (ella) es una profesora, coreógrafa y bailarina radicada en la ciudad de Nueva York, originaria de Charlotte, Carolina del Norte, que ha sido parte del cuerpo docente de BDC desde 2004. Recibió su formación con Gene Medler del North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble, Barbara Morgan Eaves, de Rhythm Dance Studio, y Miss Donna's School of Dance.

April imparte clases en todo el país y es jueza y profesora en diversas competiciones y convenciones, como NYCDA, Mainstage Productions, Dance Theater USA, el Taller Anual para Maestros de PTC Productions/The PULSE on Tour y el Festival de Tap de la Gran Manzana. Ha tenido el placer de dirigir y/o crear varios proyectos a lo largo de su trayectoria en Broadway Dance Center, incluyendo la Muestra Anual de Estudiantes y el Proyecto de Artes Rítmicas del BDC.

Ha sido ponente invitada en la Conferencia de Verano de la revista Dance Teacher, profesora de claqué en Rosie's Theater Kids de Rosie O'Donnell, un programa de becas artísticas en Manhattan, profesora invitada en la Escuela de Música de Osaka en Osaka, Japón, y tuvo el increíble privilegio de actuar a nivel nacional con Savion Glover . April también es el enlace actual entre Good Morning America y BDC para los segmentos de danza, y ha sido instructora de movimiento en varios episodios.

Sus créditos de actuación incluyen: The Colbert Report; bailarina de claqué en la celebración del cumpleaños de Usher Raymond en el Rainbow Room de Nueva York; Up Front para Cartoon Network; fechas de la gira Greendale de Neil Young y Crazy Horse en Nueva York; dos temporadas con el equipo de baile Charlotte Sting de la WNBA; Dancing Ladies de Mable Lee, Shine On de Good Housekeeping en el Radio City Music Hall; A Shared Evening: Michelle Dorrance y Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, como parte del Danspace Project en la iglesia de St. Mark; Gypsy of the Year, un evento de Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS; contenido editorial en línea de Nylon Magazine; para: un video musical de Sonia Montez; Mannheim Steamroller y Tap Tel Aviv de Avi Miller y Ofer Ben.

Los créditos de coreografía incluyen: ABC World News Now, Good Morning America, BDC's Professional Semester, BDC's Rhythm Arts Project, programa intensivo de verano para jóvenes de la American Tap Dance Foundation (ATDF), fiesta de lanzamiento de la fragancia Elizabeth Arden de Britney Spears, CUNY Arts TV y fiesta de apertura de Hairroin Salon NYC.

Osh Slater es subdirector de cursos impartidos en la London Contemporary Dance School de Londres, además de artista de danza contemporánea, creador teatral e intérprete. Es estudiante de doctorado a tiempo parcial en el Centro de Investigación de Danza (C-DaRE) de la Universidad de Coventry. Ha creado y realizado giras de danza y teatro, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, financiadas por el Arts Council England. Los intereses de investigación de Josh se centran en las prácticas coreográficas, la toma de riesgos, la danza-teatro, la improvisación y las prácticas colaborativas. Es editor adjunto de la revista Intellect Choreographic Practices Journal y ha desempeñado diversos cargos docentes y de liderazgo en la educación superior durante los últimos 10 años.

Lorraine trained at Doreen Bird College where she gained her teaching qualifications
and danced professionally for many years in the UK and abroad until joining Tring
Park in 1990. In 2006 she was appointed Head of Modern Dance, then the Deputy Director of Dance in 2017. Lorraine is currently Director of the Dance Course and Head of Dance and is also part of the team of Senior Assessors in lesson observations.

As well-known choreographer and innovative teacher, Lorraine has workedalongside many other professional choreographers throughout her career and is in
much demand by the industry; having worked on many productions including Moby Dick, Chicago, Half a Sixpence and Sweet Charity.

Anthony Trahearn is currently the Head of Dance at one of the most exciting conservatories in Europe, The Institute of the Arts Barcelona. Anthony was based in London for 20 years where he worked as a dancer and assistant choreographer specialising in dance and movement for film, television and music video. Dance credits include international performances with artists– The Pussy Cat Dolls, Girls Aloud, Little Mix, Cheryl Cole, JLS, Liberty X, The Saturdays, Sade, Duffy, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Cliff Richard, Atomic Kitten, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Leona Lewis and Take That. In 2023, he published “Commercial Dance: An Essential Guide” with Routledge. It is the first internationally published textbook to examine Commercial Dance in an academic context.

Lisa gained a BA (Hons) in Dance Theatre from Trinity Laban in London. She subsequently completed her MA with Transitions Dance Company, where she toured internationally and collaborated with choreographers Cristian Duarte, Daniel Larrieur, and Cloud Gate Dance. Lisa then collaborated with Henri Oguike Dance Company, Ace Dance and Music, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Bawren Tavaziva, Douglas Thorpe, and Joss Arnott Dance for nine years.

Lisa spent ten years with Tavaziva Dance, where she had the opportunity to perform globally. She became Rehearsal Assistant for the last two years of her time with Tavaziva Dance and led workshops in Ghana. Lisa has taught at Urdang, Addict Dance Academy, Dupont Stage School, Dance City, Rambert, The Place, and Laban throughout the United Kingdom. Lisa most recently worked at the prestigious Italia Conti School, where she had the opportunity to choreograph for the MOVE IT Exhibition and third musicals.

Alex Jessop performed professionally for 10 years in London's West End, appearing in many musicals such as Chicago, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia! and Wicked. He then transitioned into dance education and choreography, initially as a Jazz teacher and choreographer at Laine Theatre Arts, and then moving to become Head of Dance at Italia Conti. Alex is now the Programme Leader for Dance at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, the first institution to bring professional dance training to the MENA region.

Nicholas Espinosa, hijo de Bridget y Geoffrey Espinosa, se unió al London Studio Centre como director en 1981.

Actualmente, preside BBO Dance (anteriormente British Ballet Organisation) y es miembro del consejo del Yorke Dance Project. También fue miembro del panel de danza SOLT para los Premios Olivier y está casado con Nikki, con quien tiene dos hijos: Jean-Paul y Stephanie.

Shannon Atkins relocated to New York City from Australia nine years ago, embarking on a remarkable journey that has solidified her reputation as a seasoned professional in the world of dance. Her exceptional talent and unwavering passion for teaching has led her to traverse the globe, gracing stages across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico, and her native Australia. Notably, she is frequently sought after as a distinguished judge, renowned choreographer, and esteemed contributor to prestigious dance conventions worldwide, including “Move It” and “Can You Dance” in the UK, as well as the esteemed “Australian Dance Festival”.

Shannon is an integral part of the esteemed faculty at the world-renowned Broadway Dance Center and The Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. Additionally, she imparts her vast knowledge and expertise at Millennium Dance Complex, The Institute of American Musical Theatre and has held the esteemed position of resident choreographer for Manhattanville College.

Shannon’s diverse and accomplished background includes notable appearances on Lifetime TV’s “Dance Moms” further solidifying her standing as a respected figure in the industry. Recently, she choreographed the opening for New York Fashion Week Spring 2023, demonstrating her ability to captivate audiences in the realm of high-profile events. Prior to her illustrious global career, Shannon excelled as a proprietor of a highly successful dance school, as well as a faculty member at the prestigious Queensland Conservatorium, where she directed and choreographed musical theatre productions. Shannon has performed in musicals such as “42nd Street” and “Oklahoma” while also showcasing her talent as a broadway-style choreographer, notably for productions like “High School Musical 2.”

Shannon’s achievements extend beyond the realm of dance, as she possesses a law/psychology degree—a testament to her multifaceted capabilities.

With an unwavering dedication to her craft and an extensive portfolio of accomplishments, Shannon Atkins stands as an esteemed figure in the dance industry, embodying professionalism, expertise, and an undeniable passion for her art.

Emma Rogers is an accomplished director and choreographer with an international reputation for creating dynamic, high-impact productions across theatre, live entertainment, and television. A graduate of Bird College, where she earned a BA (Hons) in Dance and Musical Theatre, Emma has built a career that spans the globe, with her work showcased in major entertainment hubs including London, the United States, Japan, Australia, Monte Carlo, and Canada.

Emma’s creative vision has led her to direct and choreograph a wide range of large-scale productions. Her credits include Dancing Queen at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Christmas Wonderland at the Orb Theatre in Tokyo, and Shades of Temptation at the New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas. She has also taken Jersey Nights on a successful world tour, further establishing her international presence.

In addition to her theatre work, Emma has contributed choreography to some of the UK’s most popular television shows, including Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, demonstrating her versatility across both stage and screen.

Alongside her professional career, Emma is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers. She currently serves as Head of School at Performers College in Essex, where she plays a key role in shaping aspiring artists. Her passion for performance and education continues to influence both her creative work and her commitment to excellence within the industry.

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Jo completed her training at the Centre of Performing Arts, where she obtained Fellowship status in both tap and modern with the ISTD and the IDTA,  Jo was awarded a number of scholarships to further her dance education including The Lisa Ullman Travel Scholarship to train with Manhattan Tap and Heather Cornell.  Jo became the first ever dancer to be award the prestigious musical scholarship – The Finzi Fellowship, which allowed Jo to continue her training in New York and at Oklahoma University. By being awarded these scholarships Jo has then be able to train with teachers including – Barbara Duffy, Dr Henry Le Tang, Dr Bunny Briggs, Dianne Walker, Fayard Nicholas and Arthur Duncan.

Her numerous choreography and performance credits include ITV’s – This Morning, The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Britain’s Got Talent, Born To Shine, Little Big Shots, Sky One’s  –  Guinness World Records Smashed, Got To Dance, Weekend Sunrise as well as a wealth of international theatre credits which include work in the UK, Europe and America and for many corporate brands including Specsavers, Hilton, Diamond Bio Pharm and LV Insurance.

Jo has for the past 18 years been a regular tap teacher at many of the UK’s leading full-time dance colleges including Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts,Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Sylvia Young Theatre School, Bird College, Performers College, The Centre, London Studio Centre as well as teaching at numerous workshops and festivals internationally including Tap Festival UK, United We Tap, Tap United, Tap 24:7 and the International Dance Teachers Conference. She also teaches workshops throughout the UK, Europe and America as well as at conventions and is very much in demand as a guest teacher and choreographer.

Jo is the Creative Director of Tap Attack, a Tap Company that she co-founded in 2007, which has gone on to build an international reputation for excellence in performance and technical training. The Company perform and teach regularly here in the UK, as well as overseas in theatrical productions as well as corporate performances for brands such as Puma, Specsavers (Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2018), LV Insurance, McDonalds and Mercedes Benz. The Company also train the UK’s national tap team and to date have 34 World Titles.

In 2009 Jo set a new Guinness World Record™ for the number of beats in 60 seconds, which was televised on Sky One’s “Guinness World Records Smashed”.

Most recently Jo has fronted a national advertising campaign for Hyperoptic Broadband.

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A former Great Britain Acrobatic Gymnastics athlete and World Silver Medallist, I have dedicated my career to developing excellence in gymnastics/acro both as a performer and coach. Having represented Great Britain at the highest international level, I went on to coach for both the Australian National Team and the Great Britain National Team in Acrobatic Gymnastics.

Alongside my coaching career, I have worked extensively as a Teacher Training Mentor, supporting the development of coaches, educators, and athletes. My passion for the sport has taken me across the globe, competing internationally and delivering coaching workshops, training camps, and educational programmes in numerous countries.

With decades of experience in elite performance, athlete development, coach education, and international collaboration, I am committed to inspiring others to achieve their full potential while promoting excellence within gymnastics/Acro and sport worldwide. 

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