The Artists
Nafisah Baba
Nafisah is a classically trained Contemporary dancer.
She started dancing at the Pamela Howard School of Dance and later joined the West London School of Dance. At 16 she as awarded a DaDa and began her studies at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, where she graduated with a Trinity National Diploma in Professional Dance.
Image taken by Dimitar Hristov and courtesy of Nafisah’s website:
https://www.nafisahbaba.co.uk/
Aakash Odedra Company - Little Murmur performance
Aakash Odedra Company exists to deliver exceptional creative experiences.
Our community is important to us, we want to help create a society that is happier and healthier through dance.
“During my childhood, imagination was my only means to get away from home. I then decided to go to India on my own at the age of 15 and life became my university. I brought part of this world home, became a professional dancer and created my own company. Over the years we’ve built a hub where dreams come to life.
We welcome through our doors and nurture anyone who experienced any kind of barriers and help them see anything is possible.”
– AOC Artistic Director Aakash Odedra
Vrushali Harihar
Passionate dance and theatre artist works as director, choreographer and host/ anchor to regional and non regional art sectors. Her association extends from board member to national organisation, as advisory to many art and diverse panels to young aspiring Art and Film university students.
Semi classical, folk, Bollywood dance, fusion styles, poetry formation to musical acts and plays in UK and in India … are the layered experiences of her directing career. Change and creativity at heart her work in art as well as wellbeing extends to local and regional activities as representative of Indian community and ambassador to art and culture. A committed community volunteer she advocates providing platforms to artists, small businesses and wellbeing activities leads her to Women Leaders of South West by Art Council of England.
Dee Lanning
Dee is living proof that the dance floor is open to all, no matter when you start your journey. Not stepping into a dance class until the age of 21, Dee has since dedicated over 20 years to perfecting her craft. In that time, she has become a highly qualified teacher in both children’s and adult dance, undertaking extensive training and exams along the way. Most recently, Dee has expanded her expertise by training as a teacher trainer and is currently working towards a qualification in offering Dance as Therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.
Beyond her teaching, Dee is a force on the competitive dance circuit, regularly traveling across the country for partner and solo competitions. She is currently ranked among the top 10 females in her preferred discipline and has accumulated an impressive 8 trophies and 13 medals in the past 18 months. Dee has also showcased her skills as a choreographer's assistant and dancer in three feature films during her time living and teaching in London.
Now living and teaching in Bridport through her own dance company, Dynamic Dance, Dee is thrilled to share her passion and expertise with the local community. She looks forward to bringing her vibrant energy and love for dance to the Bridport Dance Festival.
Dominique Baker - part of MyBallet
Born in Bristol and based in Brighton, Dominique joined the team in 2023; firstly working with Carla in the South West and then setting up a MyBallet classes in Brighton.
Dominique has danced since she was three. With certification up to Advanced Level 1 RAD, she graduated in 2019 from Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music & Dance with a First Class degree in Contemporary Dance.
Post-graduation, Dominique spend three years in India where she was able to develop her practice through dance, yoga and breathwork. She also spent time creating, performing and facilitating. She performed in original works by international dance artists and collaborated on a variety of original and multidisciplinary works as a choreographer and performer.
She has worked as a teacher and facilitator in both India and the UK, leading dance and creative movement workshops, and teaching ballet and contemporary dance to a range of ages. She is also a certified yoga teacher and has been developing a practice that mixes yoga with dance, floorwork and movement meditation. She draws from her experience in various movement practices and somatic methodologies in her teaching.
For Dominique, being a MyBallet tutor feels like a very organic fusing of her own knowledge with the holistic approach used at MyBallet. She welcomes having learnt how ballet can be used in a therapeutic way, with classes that can be tailored to suit different individuals and which can incorporate a variety of approaches depending on class needs.
“I have really enjoyed combining my love of ballet with my passion for movement for wellness, while getting to collaborate with a wonderful team of dance teachers. I am a firm believer in the power of movement for mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and am so excited to be growing the MyBallet community in Brighton!”
Issy Robinson
Poet
Barrio de tango - Eric Dell
'It is not about the moves. It is not about choreography. Each dance is about being in the moment, connecting with your partner and going on a journey together. Start your journey!’
Tango group based in Bridport, West Dorset
Bridport Soul Club
Bridport Dance Festival welcomes DJ Dr. Funk, also known as Mitch Norman, joint proprietor of the popular Bridport Jazz-Funk & Soul Club, will delight dancers of all ages with his choice of music from the funkier side of the tracks.
Tango Fandango
World-class tango dancers and teachers, Leonardo and Tracey Acosta bring the passion of authentic Argentine Tango to the UK. With decades of experience, together, they run Tango Fandango, a renowned school offering classes and festivals across Dorset and beyond. Their immersive approach captures the essence of the social Argentine tango, making it accessible to all. Whether performing or teaching, they ignite a love for tango, inspiring dancers of all levels.
Find out more: www.tangofandango.co.uk
Julia Hope Brightwell - Dance Connection Founder
Julia Hope Brightwell has always loved dancing, from the days as a teenager at discos through to the present day as a teacher trainer. Her background spans exploration through Ceroc (Modern Jive), expressive dance, 5 Rhythms, Movement Medicine, Biodanza and now Dance Connection.
"I love the way I can bring all of me to the dance", explains Julia. "I adore music and am amazed at how it can transport me into so many different places. I believe a great amount of my emotional resilience is down to the effects of regular dance expression."
https://www.dance-connection-uk.com/
Fiona Harvey - part of MyBallet
A dancer since the age of three, Fiona’s passion for dance began when she started ballet classes at her local village dance school.
At the age of 11, Fiona successfully auditioned for the Royal Ballet School. Whilst there she completed all her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams, receiving Honours for the Advanced examination. In her graduation year Fiona performed with The Royal Ballet Company in their productions of Swan Lake, Coppelia, Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardee, Don Quixote and Bayedere.
Fiona then became a professional dancer, touring with Images Company throughout the UK and dancing in the film Pride and Prejudice.
In 2011 Fiona completed the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the RAD and in the same year began teaching for The Royal Ballet School on their Associate programme. She has over 15 years of experience of teaching in a variety of settings.
In 2021 Fiona joined the MyBallet team, firstly as a teacher and more recently to support Carla in expanding our dancers’ experience and skills. She offers regular, and very popular, workshops that focus on the classical ballets and techniques she loves and knows so well.
Fiona is thrilled with her MyBallet journey, which complements her ongoing horticultural career.
“It is a privilege to be able to share my experience with the MyBallet community through the workshops we run. Attendees always demonstrate a passion to learn and it is wonderful to see them develop new ways to express themselves.”
Helen Fisher
My passion for tap dance was born from watching Doris Day tap dancing in Calamity Jane - the original badass girl with a can-do attitude!
I started classes as a child with 2p pieces superglued to the front of my school shoes to create the sound required. I have a teaching qualification from the Professional Teachers of Dance and I have had the privilege of teaching adults tap dance for several years.
I still turn to the American Broadway style for my choreography influence.
A personal highlight of my tap journey has been attending (twice) the week long tap festival 'Tap City' in New York City.
Cate Field
Cate Field is an artist, writer and dance teacher with over 30 years’ experience inspiring creativity through movement and the arts. Her gentle, joyful approach encourages people of all ages to reconnect with their imagination and inner spark. She lives on the Dorset coast and draws inspiration from the sea, the seasons, and the wisdom of everyday life.
The West Dorset Circle Dance Group
The West Dorset Circle Dance Group began over 35 years ago when a group of friends came together when one of their number was enthused by some circle dances that he had recently learned and wanted to share. Over the years the circle has grown and so have the friendships.
Circle dancing is a dance style where no partners are needed. No matter what level of Dance experience you have from an absolute beginner to seasoned dancer Circle Dance welcomes you with easy to follow steps that brings people together.
The dances can be traditional or modern, danced to tunes from all over Europe and the world.