Key Projects

Creative Professional at Widewell Primary School

In my role as a creative professional I successfully planned for, and implemented a yearlong program of dance working with the whole school. The project aim was to provide the school with weekly dance classes and facilitate the creativeness of the children allowing them to develop their own movement qualities and creative expression. I worked within the curriculum including making cross-curricular links wherever possible and ensuring my sessions were inclusive of Key stage 1 and 2 aims and objectives. During this year we covered a wide variety of subjects and dance styles including Street, break-dance, tap, ballet, modern, improvisation and creating movement from stimuli. In addition to the work I did with the children I also attended planning meetings and offered support to the teaching staff in the school advising ways to embed movement skills into their classroom.

Dance Teacher and Choreographer at Attitudes Dance School

I taught a variety of different disciplines of dance including Street dance, Freestyle, Breakdance, Ballet, Modern, Tap, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. Subjects taught were a mixture of set syllabus work and work choreographed by myself. With Attitudes I gained skills in working both autonomously and as part of team of teachers. As well as planning and teaching weekly classes in a variety of different subjects two summer schools were facilitated. This required planning and management, organising other teachers to deliver workshops. Planning and organization of the annual school showcase held in a professional theatre was also undertaken. For these showcases I was both the choreographer and stage manager.

General Manager at Strictly Collaborative

During my time with Strictly Collaborative I was project coordinator for two major projects, an inclusive Community dance Platform ’24 Hours in a Day’ at the Barbican Theatre and a regional professional development program. I successfully secured the funding for both projects and subsequently managed both of the budgets. Other responsibilities included marketing both events, drawing up contracts for freelance artists, performers and directors, organising volunteers, organising technical requirements for the performances and completing evaluations. In my position of General Manager I worked as part of a team responsible for the delivery of different of a variety of subjects linked to the theatre. Gaining knowledge and practical experience in planning directing and facilitating in an inclusive setting ensuring the needs of the disabled and non disabled participants were met. I their last piece that was performed at the Barbican Theatre. Other responsibilities included having a strategic overview of the whole company, strategic planning, fundraising, budgeting and training and education. Strictly being a new company required me to to drive the company forward organising and implementing administrative structure that would allow the company to grow and develop, something I did with a great deal of success.

Lead Practitioner Ignite Engage and Inspire at Plymouth Dance

I have worked for Plymouth dance for three separate projects. The first I assisted the lead practitioner in the delivery of dance sessions to eight primary schools across Plymouth. The second project ‘Tea Dance With a Twist’ was a project focusing on the over 65’s who have become socially isolated. I assisted two practitioners in the delivery of the sessions over the 6 month project. I am currently working in Brook Green special needs school facilitating dance as part of the Ignite, Engage and Inspire project.

Co-Director at Exim Dance Company C.I.C.

As well as performing in the company I am responsible for the management and strategic development. I am currently coordinating several projects with Exim and leading on several community projects including working with Adults with learning difficulties and dance for parents and children under 4.

Dance Ambassador South Devon at Dance in Devon

Working within the rural communities of Devon to create opportunities for people to engage at all levels with a high quality dance experience. In this role I will be initiating and co-ordinate local dance provision to increase participation, facilitate progression routes and create opportunities for performance.

Breathe Me- Symbiotic Theatre C.I.C.

Claire performed in Symbiotic's south west tour of 'Breathe Me' alongside Kevin Johnson in 2010/11.

The Ghana Project

Claire recently travelling to Ghana to work with Noyam Dance Company also spending time at the University of Legon. Claire is now working with Plymouth Youth Dance Company facilitating a dance exchange with Noyam due to happen in early 2013.