Charley Perks

Dance Practitioner / Tutor / Customer Administration Assistant

Charley Perks has a First-Class Degree in Dance and has a background in Street Dance Styles and Commercial Dance. She was the First Dance Captain of ZooNation Youth Company Birmingham. Charley's career has enabled her to perform in fashion shows, theatre shows, events such as the worlds biggest Primark launch. Music videos for UK and international artists such as KIOKO (UB40). Some of her Professional Credits include Dr King: The Aftermath Production Tour covered by the BBC. Curtain raisers for ZooNation’s Some Like It Hip Hop, BBC Young Dancer, and West Side Story Birmingham Hippodrome. She strives to inspire others and has set up her own dance brand CJP Company.   Charley started as the first apprentice at DanceXchange and is now a Dance Practitioner for our schools programme. A few words from Charley..."I am thrilled and so grateful to have been given this opportunity. I have now gained confidence and developed my skills teaching dance in primary schools as a dance practitioner. Teaching dance is so fulfilling. I have helped the children to progress in an inclusive environment and overcome challenges. I am enthusiastic in my approach to working in schools, and it has been truly amazing to see the students expressing themselves through dance. In schools, I incorporate a freestyle circle which encourages the children to dance and support their peers. Also, I include movement games that most importantly allows the children to have fun while working on teamwork, strength, balance, and creativity skills. I am excited to continue advancing myself as a dance practitioner and see where this journey can take me!"

Jamaal O’Driscoll

Lead Engagement Practitioner

Jamaal has been a part of the dance community since 2010, practicing a variety of dance styles, and developing a strong technique within the hip-hop style of breaking. In 2019, Jamaal created O’Driscoll Collective to give back to the community, facilitating conversation through movement, continuing to teach and deliver performances in a variety of settings. With passion and experience in outreach, Jamaal is currently the Participation Producer for Birmingham International Dance Festival 2020, alongside his role as a freelance artist, delivering workshops, classes, choreographing and performing in self-produced performances. Please visit ODriscollcollective.com for more information.

http://odriscollcollective.com/

Sarah Rabone

Dance Practitioner

Originally from London, Sarah moved to Coventry in 2006 to study Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Warwick. 
 
After completing her degree she went on to train further in dance, developing specific interests in site specific performance and physical theatre.  As well as developing her own practice, she trained as a teacher for adults and young people and has taught within schools, colleges and universities. Her performance work often incorporates film, soundscape, speech, gestural movement and contact improvisation.