Dance Judge & Patron
Dance Live’s first Patron, Mark Smith, is a Choreographer, Movement Director, Dance Teacher, Workshop Leader and Director, Founder and Artistic Director of Deaf Men Dancing, Patron for The Imperial Society of Teachers and Dancing (ISTD) and was nominated as Best Choreographer in the Off-West End Awards and the Broadway World UK Awards for Ace of Clubs, Call Me Madam & Iolanthe and Live Theatre & British Theatre for Tommy.
Dance Judge
Shaq Shadare is a proficient dance & movement artist/performer with experience working with physical theatre, acrobatics, and music production. Shaq actively trains and performs in a variety of dance genres, specialising hip hop and street-dance techniques, including but not limited to, Breakin’, Krump, House, Locking, and Contemporary. Performing with companies such as Elementz Ent, ZooNation: A Kate Prince Company and Eloquent Dance; Amongst these, include professional work with BMW Munich, ITV, Sephora UK, and more.
As co-founder and director of dance theatre collective Company Apidae. Shaq has navigated the realms of hip hop theatre to outdoor arts; collaborating with organisations and artists across the UK, such as Birmingham Hippodrome, Curve Theatre, Breakin’ Convention, Wayward Thread, RoguePlay Theatre, Xzhibit Young Creatives, Bring it to Brum, and others.
Dance Judge
Amy is Artistic Director of Morvell Dance – a dance and physical theatre company based in the South of England. With her company, Amy is currently in research for a new show called ‘The Difference a Year Makes’.
Alongside her own work, Amy is a dancer for Lîla Dance, currently on tour with their new work ‘Fault Lines’ and is also lecturing in Dance & Choreography at The University of Chichester.
Dance Judge
Mandy is a contemporary dance artist from Singapore. Her movement style — a continuous flow of energy threading each move into the next — blends elegance and athleticism, drawing influence from acrobatics, floorwork, and her early training in classical Chinese dance. Since moving to London, Mandy has performed with several companies, including Ascension Dance and Sonia Sabri Company, featuring outdoor works and performances on scaffolding. She is passionate about creating playful and supportive spaces where everyone is encouraged to express themselves freely through movement and is very excited to meet the young dancers at Dance Live!
Dance Judge
Since graduating with a Masters in Dance Performance from the University of Chichester, Ashley has developed a wide pool of experience, performing, workshop leading and facilitating space for people to access and engage in dance alongside developing his performance portfolio. He has worked with or alongside Motionhouse, Highly Sprung, Fevered Sleep, Mercurial Dance, Autin Dance Theatre and Corey Baker Dance as a freelance dance/performance artist. In 2017, he, alongside Ben Morley, founded Ascension Dance Company which in the last 8 years has taken him across the world, working in Cyprus and South Africa and collaborating with companies such as BBC, Sky Arts, Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the and Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 to name a few. He has built relationships across the Arts and Cultural sector, partnering with One Dance UK, The Sparks Arts, South East Dance, Compton Verney, Fabric and The Albany Theatre, Coventry. He is proud to develop a partnership with Warwick Arts Centre from both a participatory and performance point of view and is honoured to be one of their upcoming Associate Artists.
Technical Judge
Courtney (She/They) is a Choreographer and Digital Artist based in St. Albans,
Hertfordshire, producing visually dynamic work that is curious about how different artforms living harmoniously in a shared space. Since graduating from The University of Chichester, Courtney has created the dance & digital art work ‘Sketch’ with The Point, as part of the
graduate scheme ‘GradLab’ . ‘Sketch’ toured to The University of
Chichester, The Point, Rambert School and The Place for Resolution Festival 2022. Courtney has completed digital commissions for One Dance UK, ResDance Podcast, Independent Dance Artists and most recently worked with Lila Dance as their Digital Illustrator for new dance theatre work ‘Fault Lines’ (touring in February 2024).
Dance Judge
Jazz Gritt is an inspiring Bournemouth-based dance artist celebrated for his creativity and passion for movement. Combining performance, choreography, and teaching, he crafts unforgettable experiences for audiences, communities, and aspiring dancers.
A graduate of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Jazz began his career with the renowned 2Faced Dance Company and later worked on Swan Lake Dreams with Birmingham Royal Ballet. He has collaborated with esteemed organizations such as Pavilion Dance South West (PDSW), ACTIVATE Arts, Arts by the Sea, and Arts University Bournemouth, enriching communities through innovative dance projects and programs.
Jazz’s also worked on vibrant cabaret shows, inspired by musicals, chart-topping hits, and timeless classics, further showcasing his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to sharing the joy of dance with audiences and future dance professionals.
Dance Judge
Tory East is a contemporary dance artist and educator, trained at London Contemporary Dance School with a First-Class BA Honours degree. She has performed works by renowned choreographers including Jiri Kylian, Trisha Brown, and Siobhan Davies, and toured internationally with EDge and Retina Dance Company. Tory has worked with companies such as Rambert, Zoielogic, and Jam Jar Dance Theatre, and has taught extensively across the UK, including at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Rambert School, and London Studio Centre.
She served as Rehearsal Director for The Place’s adult company ‘Scatter’ (2011–2022) and is currently an Associate Lecturer at the University of Chichester. Passionate about youth dance, Tory is Artistic Director of Hampshire Youth Dance Company, whose work has been showcased at national platforms including Sadler’s Wells. She also teaches on the DanceEast CAT programme and works as a Dance Specialist in schools across Hampshire. Tory holds a PGCE, is a Rambert Grades practitioner, and a qualified 200hr Yoga Instructor, integrating yoga into dancer training.
Technical Judge
Ben Jeffreys is an XR developer at BadAss Studios, where he’s helping shape the future of immersive technology through cutting-edge extended reality experiences. With a strong background in both sports and theatre, Ben brings a unique creative perspective to his technical work, driven by a passion to explore how XR can transform storytelling, performance, and audience engagement in these industries.
Currently in his final year of a BSc in Virtual and Augmented Reality, Ben is already applying his skills to innovative, real-world projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in immersive media. His work combines technical expertise with a deep curiosity for how emerging technologies can enhance human connection, creativity, and interaction.
As he continues to grow as a developer and creative thinker, Ben is excited to contribute to the evolution of XR and its applications across entertainment, education, and beyond.
Technical Judge
Mike, founder of mike b designs, a Sussex-based videography and photography service, is a creative professional with over 15 years of experience in the Performing Arts and Creative Industries. Having worked in renowned multi-arts venues worldwide, Mike has served and toured as Production Manager, Technical Manager, Sound Engineer, and Lighting Designer for a portfolio of Contemporary Dance companies, helping globally acclaimed artists shine in their field.
Technical Judge
Adam Gibson is a dynamic creative who bridges the gap between expressive arts and cutting-edge technology. With a background in competitive dance from a young age, he developed a strong passion for performance and storytelling through movement. Today, Adam specialises in virtual production and LED volume technology, crafting immersive experiences that fuse technical precision with artistic vision. His work reflects a deep appreciation for the performing arts and a forward-thinking approach to how technology can transform creative expression.
Dance Judge
Stevie began dancing at age 7 in Dorset, training in a wide range of styles at First Position School of Dance and Pure Funk Dance Company. She later trained professionally at Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, developing a strong passion for hip hop and commercial dance. Stevie has performed at major events including the Brit Awards, UK Platform Awards, Bournemouth Air Festival, and more, with additional credits for brands like Chivas Regal, Fujifilm, and Salon International.
Alongside performing, Stevie has a deep love for choreography and teaching. With over 10 years of experience, she now teaches across Dorset at various schools and colleges, and has led workshops at institutions such as Arts University Bournemouth, Pavilion Dance South West, and Big Little Theatre School. She continues to inspire the next generation through her classes and self-produced workshops.
Technical Judge
Since graduating with a 1st BA(Hons) in Choreography from Falmouth University in 2014, Katie has developed opportunities for young people and communities who face barriers to accessing dance through her work as a choreographer and producer. She is the Artistic Director of Katie Dale-Everett Dance, Movement and Dance Sussex CIC and Co-Artistic Director of Kabecca Films. Her choreographic work is interdisciplinary spanning motion capture, Mixed Reality, film and audio and is made for unconventional theatre spaces such as sheltered accommodation, youth centres and community halls. She has recently been touring her motion capture and dance work across libraries in Manchester and schools in Surrey. Supporters of her work include Arts Council England National Lottery Funding and the British Council’s Connections Through Culture Grant.
Dance Judge
Karishma grew up in a small town in Northamptonshire where at age 3 she started ballet classes at Kilburn School of Dance. Whilst here she competed in several dance competitions for All England Dance, ISTD Ballet Awards and Janet Cram Awards. At Age 14 Karishma successfully auditioned for The Royal Ballet School Seniors Associates program where she progressed her ballet training for two years. Karishma is a performer and movement artist currently based in London, UK. She trained at Rambert School and after graduating went on to complete a master’s degree with Emergence Dance Company. During this time, She worked with Richard Alston Dance Company, New Adventures, Christopher Bruce, Joss Arnott, Becky Namgauds and Kevin Turner. Since then, Karishma has been working freelance across the UK. She has performed in projects with choreographers and companies including Anjali Mehra, Tom Jackson Greaves, Roisin Whelan Dance, Ascension Dance and Ballet Soul. Her professional experience includes stage shows, opera, musicals, dance films, music videos and outdoor work.
Dance Judge
Kerry Newell trained at the prestigious Tring Park School and Laine Theatre Arts. Following her graduation, she made her mark in London’s West End, where she notably performed in “The Lion King,” understudying and playing the lead role of Nala. Her West End credits also include performances in “Fame” and “West Side Story.”
Throughout her career, Kerry has appeared in numerous commercials and music videos, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Currently serving as the CEO of FK Dance Academy in Hertfordshire, Kerry has guided her students to remarkable achievements. Her choreography led James & Oliver to the final of BBC1’s “The Greatest Dancer.” Under her mentorship, her students have secured roles in West End shows, appeared in the Matilda film, and performed in commercials and tours worldwide.
Dance Judge
Callum a graduate from Performers college. Joined Sol Dans – a contemporary and jazz company based in London, workshopping with them for their forthcoming European Tour. In early 2019 a call from Matthew Bourne led him to join the world renowned New Adventures company, where he made his full professional debut in the iconic Swan Lake. With the swans, Callum toured the UK, Europe, Japan, Korea and finally America – culminating in an unforgettable two week residency at the New York City Centre Theatre and also played at the prestigious Kennedy centre in Washington.
Callum originated the role of Sebastian in the Capulet company of Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet. Following an extensive tour of the UK, this production has also been screened in cinemas nationwide and on Sky Arts. Callum Is now a company member for both New adventures and Sol Dans company. Other credits include dancing on Netflix film, Enola Holms 2 and Napoleon for Apple TV.
Dance Judge
Hayley Jane Simmons is a vibrant and innovative choreographer whose experience has encompassed musicals, pantomime, summer seasons, variety, children’s shows, corporate presentations, cruises and numerous other events in the UK and overseas.
Having enjoyed a successful career as a dancer and performer herself, Hayley Jane has a strong empathy with the performers she works with and the wonderful ability to inspire and motivate.
Technical Judge
Thomas Buckley is a digital artist and storyteller using digital media. Thomas has a passion for art that makes you feel human and connected. Often working in projection, immersive technologies (VR, AR, XR) and interactive installations. Thomas has worked with big industry names and as a Royal Shakespeare Digital Fellow Alumni, he has worked internationally to deliver artwork that merge theatre , emergent technologies and immersive experiences.