President, Patrons & Ambassadors
All England Dance is supported by a wealth of industry professionals cherishing the past, celebrating the present and inspiring the future generation.
Vice-Presidents
Cynthia Carr, Brenda Last OBE, Wayne Sleep OBE
Patrons
Lauretta Summerscales
Laurretta Summerscales is an international prima ballerina. She began her studies at Summerscales Performing Arts and Susan Robinson School of Ballet, going on to English National Ballet School when she was 16.
Over the years she worked her way up to the rank of Principal and after spending 8 years at ENB, she decided to move on to the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich. Laurretta’s repertoire includes Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Madora and Gulnara in Le Corsaire, Giselle and Martha in Giselle, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Sugar Plum fairy in Nutcracker and many many more.
Shevelle Dynott
Shevelle is recognised by his roles for English National Ballet productions of, The Nutcracker as the Mouse King, The Moor in Fokine’s Pertrushka.
Shevelle I now a freelance Artist and is at Identity school of acting, studying acting part time.
Lizzi Gee
Lizzi Gee is a Choreographer, Movement Director and Practitioner whose work spans across all aspects of theatre, opera, film and television. She is an Old Vic Associate Artist and is an extremely versatile creative, having worked on large scale musicals, creating a movement language for plays and opera, working ‘one on one’ to find the physical language of a character, to personal movement coach.
As a specialist in Tap dance, a choreographer, mentor and tutor and was the tap coach to all the Billy Elliots, and is often called upon to help artists improve tap skills for shows.
Ambassadors
Natasha Agarwal
I went to university to study maths (where I continued singing and dancing) and then trained in classical voice at the Royal Academy of Music. I’m now working as an opera singer with companies such as Opera North, Welsh National Opera and Opera Holland Park – and dance is still a big part of my work and life.
My AED experience was very special and it gave me the confidence, dedication and inspiration to follow my dreams and pursue a life on stage!
Chrissie Bhima
Hello my names Chrissie Bhima. I danced at AED since I was 7 years old with Glendale Theatre Arts. It was the best experience to come from my little home town in Worthing to travel to London for the competitions. My last song and dance in 2017 was “Your Daddy’s Son” from Ragtime and had the beautiful opportunity to be apart of the AED Gala before going off to ArtsEd for my training at Sixthform and Degree. So thankful for my time at the festivals in my childhood and the experiences that it’s given me.
Currently I am going to be going on the UK Tour of The SpongeBob Musical playing Sandy Cheeks. This was a role I had done for my third year show at ArtsEd in the same character, so excited to be a part of it and share the character to more audiences around the UK.
Ben Cullerton
I would like to thank my incredible mum and dad who have supported me every step along the way, without them none of this would have been possible.
Caroline Deverill
Having discovered her love of the stage at the tender age of 3, Caroline has been fortunate to have had a career in theatre for the past 24 years.
She originated the role of Mother in the world premier of the play “A-Typical Rainbow” at the Turbine Theatre last summer, as well as having played alongside a host of big names in “Whodunnit (Unrehearsed) 2” at Park Theatre earlier in the year.
Her West End theatre credits include Alternate Donna in Mamma Mia! , Alternate Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy Elliot The Musical, We Will Rock You, and Footloose. Other credits include Sweet Charity, Jesus Christ Superstar, Vampirette, The Roy Orbison Story and Annie Get Your Gun.
Having started in dance festivals when I was 3, I managed to get into the finals of AED for the first time when I was just 5! I remember it being a big occasion, and loving every minute! I was lucky enough to continue to take part until just before I went to college at the age of 17. I even won with my song and dance solo one year – it was an incredible feeling!
The experience of being on stage, in such a gorgeous theatre, performing with and against the top talent in the country was unforgettable and definitely set me up for heading out into the performing arts industry professionally. It’s one of the best training grounds, and such a fantastic community to be part of. I am hugely grateful to AED for all of that.
Thomas Edwards
Thomas was born in Worcester and began training at Harlequin Stage School from the age of 2 1/2. During his time at Harlequin Thomas was an associate at The Royal Ballet through their Junior, Mid and Senior associate program and took part in several local festivals from Baby to Senior, which qualified him to take part in the Semi-Finals and Finals of the All England Dance in London.
During the Finals at the Peacock Theatre Thomas was fortunate to win 1st place in a number of categories over multiple years, from 2005 (B Modern & Intermediate Classical and Modern Duets), to 2007 (C Ballet & Intermediate Classical Trios) and 2009 (Senior A Classical & Modern Duets and D Character, Ballet and Modern Solos which granted Thomas a place in the Finals of the Young Dancer of the Year).
Following this and at 16, Thomas moved to London to start his vocational training at Central School of Ballet. During his time there, Thomas was the first 1st Year to win the Central Friends Trust Award and was a Finalist in both the Young British Dancer of the Year 2012 and the prestigious Prix De Lausanne 2013. Upon graduation, Thomas Joined Scottish Ballet under the directorship of Christopher Hampson, performing works by Pite, MacMillan, Dawson, Bourne, Bruce and Van Manen. In 2016 Thomas was promoted to First Artist, and in 2018 Promoted to Soloist.
During his time at Scottish Ballet Thomas has engaged extensively with the Education Department over the past 9 years, through his passion for education and accessibility to dance delivering workshops and classes to disadvantaged youths and vulnerable adults and supported the training of pre-professional dancers embarking in a career in dance.
Away from Scottish Ballet Thomas became the Technical Lead of Ballet for Scottish Gymnastics in 2020 working with their Artistic, Rhythmic and Acrobatic Gymnasts on technical skills, artistry, and performance all towards competition and began a Masters Degree in 2022 at St Mary’s University in Twickenham in Strength and Conditioning.
Most recently Thomas took some time away from the stage to restage ‘Dextera’ by Sophie Laplane for the Ballet Central tour 2023, assisted Sophie Laplane in restaging ‘Le nozze do Figaro’ for the Paris Opera, and was in Poland restaging ‘Elsa Canasta’ by Javier de Frutos for Opera Wrocławska.
Jennifer Ellison
Jennifer competed at AED from a young age with Elizabeth Hill School Of Dance, winning multiple genres including Ballet and Modern.
Her leading lady West End credits include Chicago, Singing in the Rain, Boeing Boeing alongside numerous No 1 UK tours Chicago, Legally Blonde, Calendar Girls and more recently The Greatest Days.
Jennifer has had an expansive career in TV and Film which saw her Play the role of Meg Giry in Andrew Lloyd Webbers Hollywood movie adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera.
Jennifer is now the Principal of Jelli Studios Performing Arts College in Liverpool and has has the great achievement of her students becoming AED champions.
Jennifer would like to say how honoured she is to be an AED ambassador. It really is a stand out moment after travelling the length and breadth of the country with her Mum competing in the competition for most of her childhood.
Ike Fallon
The All England system put me in a good place, gaining a lot of valuable lessons and morals.
At Harlequin Stage School I was introduced quite late to AED, but after only a few festivals I could feel my confidence and demeanor enhancing for the better. I gained so many wonderful friends across the country from different AED events, many whom I am still connected to today. Once done competing in the finals in 2015,
I moved on to Urdang on a Scholarship, Toured the Uk, Europe and Australia whilst currently being in my Third West End Show with Guys&Dolls. All this immediately commencing after that final festival, where I really began to make strides as a dancer.
I’ve always been keen on giving the lessons I’ve learned back, and help preserve the incredible standard of dancers that come through AED.
Maria Garrett
Maria started her training at Harlequin Stage School and was encouraged, almost straight away, to compete in AED competitions. Since she was 11 she has competed in annual AED finals winning numerous sections in groups duets, trios and solos. Harlequin has also been lucky enough to have picked up the choreographic award and been invited to perform in the competitions gala night on several occasions. She believes the ethos of the competition is such a great stepping stone for anyone in training and wanting to go into the theatre industry.
Training: Harlequin Stage School, Royal Ballet Associates and Laine Theatre Arts
Theatre credits: Mrs Doubtfire (Opera House Manchester); Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre); 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Cabaret (UK tour); Mrs Henderson Presents (Toronto); Mary Poppins (UK tour); Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre); Jack and the Beanstalk (Wyvern Theatre, Swindon); My Favourite Year (Studio Theatre, Epsom).
Other works: Masters of the Air (Apple TV); All Star Musicals 2019 & 2021 (ITV); dancer for Hard-Fi at FA Cup Final 2012 (Wembley Stadium); Giselle (Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Hippodrome
Maria is currently appearing in the original London Cast of Mrs Doubtfire at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
Issy Khogali
Growing up, AED festivals played a huge part in my life. Throughout my childhood I competed with Academy Theatre Arts in a variety of dance disciplines. My time at these festivals gave me so many opportunities and helped me build my confidence for which I am very grateful.
After finishing my A-levels I attended the foundation course in musical theatre at Guilford School of Acting before starting the BA in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd the following year. In my third year at ArtsEd I had the wonderful opportunity to play the iconic role of Cassie Ferguson in ‘A Chorus Line’. Having just graduated I am very grateful and excited to soon be starting my first job ‘Flowers For Mrs Harris’ at the Riverside Studio’s Hammersmith. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far!
Christian Knight
His work in Theatre, Television & Film including The Prince Of Egypt; Romeo & Juliet – Matthew Bourne New Adventures; Dance Proms; Evita the Musical; Joseph & the Technicolour Dream Coat; Taking the Next Step (CBBC); Dancing On Ice 2020 Special Performance (ITV); A London Dream with director Richard Wilson (SKY TV).
Christian Knight Currently Swing, Assistant Dance Captain in the hit west end musical ’Wicked’ Apollo Victoria Theatre.
Lily Laight
Lily attended Totnes School of Dance and competed at the finals from age 7 through to 17 winning numerous gold medals in modern ballet, song and dance and character! Recently Lily played Lou Ann -first cover Amber in Hairspray (London Coliseum) Gypsy (Alexander Palace) and has just completed filming on the Barbie movie with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
She will be returning to the west end at the end of the year for her forth musical which will hopefully be announced soon!
Dex Lee
Theatre: Bill Calhoun in Kiss Me, Kate (Sheffield Crucible); Curly McLain in Oklahoma! (Grange Park); Know Moe in Five Guys Named Moe (Marble Arch) – WhatsOnStage Awards Nomination; Jackie in The Wild Party (Other Palace); Danny Zuko in Grease (Curve, Leicester); Fourth/Odyssey
Dog in Father Comes Home From The Wars (Royal Court); Benny in In The Heights (King’s Cross), after Jose in the Original London Cast (Southwark Playhouse); Seaweed Stubbs in Hairspray (National Tour); Billy in Carrie (Southwark Playhouse); Charlie/Victoria in The Scottsboro Boys
(Garrick).
Harry Robinson
Harry is currently in rehearsals for the International Tour of the world famous production of Cats where he will being playing the role of Mungojerrie. Harry will be touring top European arenas throughout 2022 and early 2023.
Jak Skelly
Competition was a major factor in my growth as a performer and the All England Finals allowed me to focus my training to a point where I was ready to enter the industry as a professional.
I have since been working on of some of the industry’s most prolific musicals, including, West Side Story, The Addams Family and CATS to name a few. I am currently performing as Oaken in the Original West End cast of Disney’s Frozen the Musical. I believe that my journey to becoming a pro has been connected by my time as a performer on the festival circuit and for that I am very grateful.
Grace Swaby-Moore
I was a competitor in the All England from the age 5, all the way through until I left for college at 16. I was trained by my mum at Swaby Dance Centre and then went on to train at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
Throughout my time at the All England I was fortunate enough to win gold, silver and bronze medals both at the regional and national finals, and later went on to win the Molly Lake Award and appear as a guest performer at the 2015 Finals at the Hackney Empire.
At 18, the summer after my 2nd year at Tring, I went to an open call and successfully auditioned for the international tour of CATS the Musical as the role of Jemima (understudy Victoria and Rumpleteaser). I stayed with the show for 2.5 years and went on to perform in Saturday Night Fever and ‘To Gillie, With Love’ at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. I am now currently touring the UK as ensemble and 1st cover Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and am thrilled to be performing at the London Palladium this summer.
I’m so pleased to be in the UK for the All England this year. I can’t wait to watch the next generation of my mum’s pupils and all the talented competitors at our northern regionals and of course the finals in London.
I hope everything runs smoothly for you all!
Miriam Teak-Lee
In Hamilton, Miriam was a member of the ensemble and the understudy for the leading roles of Eliza Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler Church and Peggy Schuyler. In 2019, she was chosen to play the eponymous protagonist in the juke-box musical & Juliet at the Manchester Opera House and then at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End. For her performance Lee won critics’ praises and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical.
Amelia Thompson
I started my All England Dance journey at Academy Theatre Arts with Helen Sears and competed in lots of different dance genres. At my first AED Finals in 2015 I was lucky enough to win the ‘Anne Tyrer Greek Award’ with my Classical Greek solo. I realised soon after this that I would like to focus more on my classical ballet training as it was the genre that I enjoyed the most. I also came runner up in the final Molly Lake Award competition in 2016 which was an honour! I was both a Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School associate until I joined Elmhurst Ballet School full time at 16 for 3 years.
Whilst I was a student I was lucky enough to experience working with Birmingham Royal Ballet in their productions of Giselle and Nutcracker in which the skills that I learnt whilst competing at All England Dance really aided me with performing under pressure and my ability to portray a character on stage – two elements which I had previously really struggled with. During my graduate year I was incredibly grateful to receive an Artist contract with Birmingham Royal Ballet which is where I am currently dancing! Dancing with such a prestigious and international ballet company was something I could have only dreamed about when I was younger. I think that the fire that All England Dance initiated in me to work hard and always strive to be better and the support that Helen and Academy Theatre Arts has given me has paved the way for my future in the arts.
Ivano Turco
I was very late to the idea of a career in the industry and I had never received any training until the age of 16 when I attended ‘Arts1 6th form’ in the preliminary year. In the second year of that I then joined and trained under Leanne Hughes Theatre School where I discovered and competed in the All England dance competition.
In 2017 I was awarded runner up for “young modern dancer of the year” which was amazing and surreal and something I didn’t think would happen. Following that I received a full scholarship to train at The Urdang Academy in London. I was fortunate enough to work professionally along side my training – and in my third year I was cast in the returning West Side Story as “Baby John”. Unfortunately that was halted due to COVID 19 but following on from that was then cast as “Prince Sebastian” in the then upcoming new musical “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella” to which I am currently playing.
Working in the industry so far has been made easier due to the connections from All England Dance! And I’m so happy it’s been a proud part of my journey thus far.
Ivano is now playing Alternate Bob Marley in the West End production of Get Up Stand Up at The Lyric Theatre.
Tara Yasmin
All England Dance festivals were a massive part of my life growing up as a performer, and I’m very lucky that I received a bursary from them to further my training at Laine Theatre Arts.
Now in my first professional job, Susan Stroman’s ‘Crazy For You’, I am delighted to continue my connection with All England Dance as an ambassador, and to give back to them after all their support over the years.
