Dance at the Museum

I was fortunate enough to have been involved in each cycle of Dance at the Museum (2014 - 2018). As a performer, choreographer and later assisting with the Teaching Artist programme (formally known as Primary Partnerships). The engagement I had with the Dance at the Museum project has had a monumental impact on not only my choreographic approach and influence, but also my career outlook and ambitions as an independent dance artist. The projects interweaving of dance as a community, educational and performance practice shifted my mindset and unlocked experiences that continue to influence the creative decisions I make to this day. 

I am currently teaching, choreographing and delivery dance within primary, secondary and SEN schools as well as community and youth company settings across the Southwest of England. Dance at the Museum was my first professional experience of how dance can be presence and influential in so many lives, and it is evident that that spark of inspiration I had from all elements of the project has moulded the career choices I have made. As a result of Aprils creativity, imagination, and drive, I have and continue to transform as a dance artist. 

Christina Binney, Independent Dance Artist.

Dance at the Museum Choreographer 2014 - 2018

Having the opportunity to be part of the project between Middlesex University and the RAF Museum in my final year of study undoubtedly set me up to become the versatile and adaptable dance artist I am today.

This unique experience enabled me to develop an understanding of my creative voice – telling stories from a place of truth as well as navigating how to build connections to people of all ages through movement, both of which still significantly underpin my work. Creating within the RAF Museum taught me how to articulate my ideas to curious members of the public, and learn of the value of taking dance outside of traditional settings, making it more accessible in people’s everyday lives, which has become a driving force in my practice. It taught me a lot about community, and how when dance is embedded within a specific, unique setting we should take inspiration from the surroundings and the people within that setting, rather than enter with preconceived ideas.

Much of my practice now is rooted within community, and ensuring everyone has access to the opportunity to dance and explore their creativity – I believe this experience was my first encounter with working in such a way, and encouraged me to evolve and challenge the way I think when creating work.

Philly Rule 2022, Freelance Dance Artist.

Dance at the Museum Choreographer 2016

Teaching Artist

The Teaching Artist programme was one of my highlights from my time at Middlesex. It allowed me to develop my dance teaching practice and gave me the opportunity to explore the possibilities within Dance in education. Without April’s confidence in us as undergraduate assistants, I wouldn’t have felt capable of producing the standard of performance that we did. It was clear that from our very first meeting that April aimed to take us all on a journey (children of Sunnyfields and Middlesex undergraduates) to expose us to the endless possibilities that a creative process can hold. April inspired us to take risks, believe in ourselves and she created a sense of belonging along the way. Alongside this, my role gave me an opportunity to work as a professional dance artist and April actively encouraged me to develop my own teaching style. Looking back, I am extremely grateful for April providing me with this experience as it allowed me to identify which career path I wanted to follow whilst giving me the confidence to do so. We were all extremely proud to be part of the Teaching Artists program in 2019 and it is still something that I am proud to have been a part of. I continue to admire April’s approach to teaching and mentoring, which inspires me to continue developing my own teaching practice today.

Gemma Dormer, Head of Dance & Deputy of the Performing Arts Faculty at Eden Park High School

Teaching Artist 2019 Programme

Raising Aspirations

…a huge thank you on behalf of King Harold Academy and are dance department.

We had a fantastic time, we cannot thank you and your team enough for the day we had, in fact it was the best university trip I have had the pleasure organising and attending.

Sandra Williams 2021

Enrichment Coordinator, King Harold Academy