Our Team

Dance Ahead

Zoë Leigh Gadd
Artistic Director
Zoë Leigh Gadd
Zoë is a dance artist, researcher and choreographer with an extensive background in university lecturing, performance and choreographic practice. Driven by imagery Zoë’s creative approach is interdisciplinary, working from an intuitive, often sensory instinct in a studio context. She aims to challenge audience reception and creative processes through varied & shared research & devising methods.

Having trained in both Performing Arts and Dance collaborative practice is paramount to Zoë’s work: Forging links through collaborative creative networks in regional, national and international contexts enrichens the shared experience of devising. Keen to explore breath, rhythm, vocal scores and text within future work, Zoë also acknowledges that the content of a work is determined through a sensitive & intuitive honesty during an intensive creative period.

In addition to Dance Ahead Zoë works as Programme Leader in BA(Hons) Performing Arts and a senior lecturer in dance & physical theatre at the University of Cumbria in Carlisle, UK.

Adam Russell
Choreographer / Performer
Adam Russell
Adam is freelance dancer based in the north of England. Prior to joining forces with Dance Ahead he choreographed and organised Living History – a cross-generational project in partnership with Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery supported by Arts Council England. The project involved a cast of community members aged from 7 to 79 years as well as international professional dancers. The project culminated with site-specific promenade performances in the museum’s various sites and galleries.

Adam has created works that have toured to platforms such as Turn in Manchester and festivals including Agitart in Figueres, Spain. His teaching experience is varied working with children, students, adults and older people.

Most recently Adam has been working as a dancer for Darren Pritchard for Body of Light a dance and technology work, which recently toured to Guernsey for TEDx St Peter Port. He has also worked for Ballet LORENT based in Newcastle. Previous training includes Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

https://www.adamrusselldance.com/

Anthony Parkinson
Technical Manager
Anthony Parkinson
Anthony found passion in technical theatre from a young age. He progressed through amateur dramatics to voluntary work within theatres and continued his passion into higher education studying technical theatre. Anthony recently completed his degree and currently works full time within this field.
Whilst working proficiently within all areas of this profession Anthony is always keen to develop new skills. Anthony worked in collaboration with Dance Ahead on #HiddenSpaces in 2015 as a placement opportunity and now joins the team as Technical Manager on their latest production The Glass House.

Anthony has learnt key skills within technology and music which enhances knowledge to understand the workings of the industry and all the components within. Previous work with many professionals in the theatre and entertainment industries, allows him to possess in depth understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of components coming together to create a spectacle production to audiences in entertainment.

Sophie Kohl
Production/Project Manager
Sophie Kohl
Sophie began working with Dance Ahead in 2015 as an apprentice stage manager for #HiddenSpaces15, since then she has worked closely on all projects; helping to expand the community reach of their work and supporting Zoë in all production capacities. Since graduating in 2017, Sophie’s career in Production and Stage Management has gone from strength to strength. Most recent credits include Stage Manager at Theatre Royal Winsdor, ALRA North, London’s Associated Studios and University of Cumbria. Sophie is currently working as interim Theatre Manager at Stanwix Theatre and as Production Manager to Professor Graeme Danby. Whilst Sophie’s focus is in management she is an all rounder and often helps as a rehearsal/workshop assistant in a variety of contexts for Dance Ahead. Upon graduation Sophie established her own freelance business SK Management and continues to collaborate closely on a variety of community initiatives across Carlisle.
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