Biography
Job Title: Senior Lecturer: Movement
Courses Taught: BA(Hons) Acting
Specialisms: Devised Movement, Contemporary Dance, Musicianship, Inclusive Practice
Donald was a founding member of both Phoenix Dance Company and Reggae Jazz and Contemporary Dance Theatre. He Graduated from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, where he trained intensively in the Martha Graham Technique. While in training, Donald worked with renowned choreographers and teachers including; Robert Cohen, Jane Dudley, Namron and Michael Clark and visiting artists from the culturally diverse world of Dance. As a performer he was involved with the making of work, alongside theatre directors; Jude Kelly, Kully Theira, Geraldine Connor and many others.
Whilst touring, Nationally and Internationally with Phoenix Dance, the ensembles adventures where documented on the South Bank Show with Melvin Bragg. Around this same time the company were nominated for a Lawrence Olivier Award in recognition of their innovative work. As an individual, Donald is a recipient of the Black Achievers Award for his work with RJC Dance Theatre and was the youngest choreographer to receive an Arts Council Award for new work development.
Donald’s professional career has been eclectic and extensive, working with professional dancers, communities and students in performance, outreach and educational settings. Donald is celebrated for his projects that are socially inclusive, making dance and music accessible for all. Some career highlights include; Ballet Hoo (Channel 4), Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Opening Ceremony of the special Olympics.
Donald continues to work with Northern School of Contemporary Dance in their learning and participation department. He is also training to be a CTI Life Coach, which speaks to his passion for developing and supporting people.
Donald work spans cultures, he takes a holistic approach to training, using dance to unearth the individual’s story and creative potential. His work is often collaborative, working with musicians, actors, dancers, visual artists and writers to explore and create stories. Donald has a particular interest in empowering young men to change their lives through the Arts in the community.
In any context, Donald works from a place of passion and igniting that in others. “Where there is a flicker of light, there is life, present and able to share a story. We have a duty as artists to share our stories and practices, bringing that light out.”
