Need to get in touch with the Dance Live! team or have questions about your school taking part? Fill in this quick form or use one of the contact methods at the bottom of this page and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Dance Live! Senior Producer
Cherry studied her BA Hons Choreography and Dance and MA Cultural and Arts Management at the University of Winchester. After working closely with children in after school clubs and summer camps in the UK and Italy, Cherry began an Internship as Dance Administrator at The Point, Eastleigh. Whilst at The Point, Cherry regularly produced dance shows and platforms for local dance groups and The Point’s seven Point Dance Companies including ORB Male Youth Dance Company and Hampshire Youth Dance Company. In 2019, Cherry became Education Coordinator at Pavilion Dance South West before joining the Dance Live Team at The Guildhall Trust.
Cherry also has experience in teaching a variety of dance styles (including Contemporary, Commercial, Latin and Ballroom, Street Dance and Hip Hop) as well as drama and physical theatre. Cherry often teaches ages 6-18 as well as children and adults with additional needs.
Head of Learning and Participation at The Guildhall Trust
Hayley was a competitive figure skater up to leaving to head to Cardiff for University to study Performing Arts, where she worked alongside studying, as a performer for theatre and TV.
During her time at university, Hayley taught youth theatre, and facilitated applied theatre projects with young people in the community.
Upon moving to Portsmouth, Hayley continued to deliver Youth Theatre programmes for a local Theatre, and then joined the Portsmouth Guildhall in the Box Office.
Hayley gradually built up the The Guildhall Trusts Learning and Participation department, initiating programmes of activity for communities. These include activities for schools, singing groups for older people and skills programmes for young people, before launching Dance Live! in 2019.
Dance Live! Coordinator
Ella studied BA Dance Performance and MA Performance: Dance at The University of
Chichester. As part of her studies Ella also completed her Diploma in Dance
Education in Imperial Classical Ballet and Modern Theatre, as part of the ISTD.
Ella has toured and performed professionally for choreographers such as James
Cousins, Keira Martin, Sarah Golding, Rob Clark, and Sonia Sabri.
Ella is excited to be back full-time with the Dance Live team combining her experience as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher to ensure the running of the event.
Events Director at The Guildhall Trust
Since 1984, Nick has developed a vast knowledge of sound, lighting and stage production with a number of positions held within the Guildhall Stage department. In 2012, Nick was appointed the role of Head of Technical Services, with the responsibilities of maintaining and enhancing the fabric of the building, along with overseeing the requirements of events.
Nick is now Events Director and takes a lead in all internal Guildhall Trust events such as Portsmouth Comic Con, Guildhall Games Fest, Sampled and of course, Dance Live!
Stage and Technical Manager at The Guildhall Trust
Craig initially became interested in backstage and technical work through his school performances. After leaving school, he landed a role as a technician at Portsmouth Guildhall where he is now Stage and Technical Manager alongside his freelance stage and technical work.
Craig specialises in concerts, conferencing, exhibition, competition and outdoor event production and is most excited about working with the Dance Live! LED Screen.
Chief Executive Officer at The Guildhall Trust
Andy has been the CEO of The Guildhall Trust since 2012. Andy has spent his whole career in arts management. Originally with the Apollo Leisure Group in the late 80s where he worked at some of this country’s largest theatres, he joined Stoll Moss Theatres in 1989. He worked on the opening of Miss Saigon at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane before taking over as manager of the Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue. He has opened and developed many unique venues including the Hat Factory in Luton in 2004 and the Luton Cultural Trust in 2008.
Take a look at some our brilliant past judges, and keep an eye on your specific locations page for when 2023 judges are announced!
Head 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.
Dance Live! Judge
“I’ll be looking for a strong sense of performance and dedication to the conveyance of narrative through movement. I want to feel the emotions of the piece by the way it’s performed, but most of all the sense of freedom and enjoyment that dancing gives you.”
Dance Live! 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. As a Royal Shakespeare Digital Fellow Alumni, he has worked internationally to deliver artwork that merge theatre , emergent technologies and immersive experiences.
Heats Head Judge
Hayley Jane Simmons is a vibrant and innovative choreographer whose experience has encompassed musicals, pantomime, summer seasons, variety, children’s shows, cruises and more.
Dance Live! Judge
Julia started her career in Brighton 20 years ago working for Yes/No Productions, an independent global entertainment company and also home to internationally acclaimed show, STOMP. She is now Creative Digital Producer at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Dance Live! Judge
Callum started dancing at 15 years old whilst studying at Brune Park and attending Whitestones school of dance. Callum officially began his Musical Theatre training at Southdowns College. The highlight of his professional training was gaining the lead in a contemporary piece created by Paul Roberts. This is now captured on film, ‘Youth’.
Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB
Mon- Fri 9am-5pm
