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Refresh: Summer Dance Week Teacher Biographies

Refresh

Teacher Biographies

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We are excited to have a wonderful team of Springs' teachers leading this event!

Find out more about our teachers below:

Daniel Cossette

Daniel Cossette is a classically trained mime, touring with Mimeistry International 2000-2002. He launched Ambassador Arts, premiering the shows Say it Loud! and Christmivest 2002-2009. Daniel was invited to dance with Ad Deum Dance Company, Houston TX where he danced from 2009-2013, then moved to England and joined Springs Dance Company (2013-present). Dan co-directs Infusion Physical Theatre, Cambridge UK. He has performed in prelude to Dance Houston, Alvin Ailey, Mark Morris, at Project Dance, Resolutions Dance Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and Sprung! He has taught mime, dance, and stage combat for Houston Ballet, the Alley Theatre, and Society for Performing Arts.

Ella Fleetwood

Ella is an independent dance artist and maker based in East London. Ella graduated from Trinity Laban with a First Class degree in 2016. Since graduating, Ella has enjoyed performing with Casson & Friends, Made by Katie Green, Luminelle, Springs Dance Company and Kimberley Harvey in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital. Ella regularly performs at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital with Eek & Wild, a company she co-founded. Ella teaches in a range of community settings, with inclusivity and play at the heart of her teaching practice. Ella is a lead dance artist for The Place, Sadler’s Wells and Magpie Dance for people with learning disabilities. With her work at Magpie, Ella has led choreographic collaborations with the Royal Opera House and Arts for Disabled Association Hong Kong.

Holly Wilmot

Holly is a freelance contemporary dancer, choreographer and teacher. After graduating in 2012 with a dance degree from York St John University, she continued her training as a member of Springs Dance Company’s apprentice programme, Elevate. Since then, she has worked as a performer on a variety of projects for Infusion Physical Theatre, MCDC, E33 Dance Company and Alauda Dance. Other credits include: Fresh: North East, ICON, Resolution, The Brighton Fringe and Project Dance: Paris.

Alongside performing, Holly has taught extensively in schools and community settings for The Place, DanceWest, Artis Foundation and Springs Dance Company. Her own choreography has also been showcased as part of The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Wandsworth Arts Fringe.

Synaet Nin

Synaet recently graduated from Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance where she completed 3 years professional dance training. She graduated with BA (Hons) in Ballet and Contemporary Dance and her training included intense training in ballet/point work, contemporary styles (such as Graham and Cunningham), improvisation and choreography. As part of her training she also worked with well known choreographers such as Darren Ellis, Alleyne Sisters and Darshan Singh Bhuller. Synaet is originally from Cambodia. She started dancing when she was 14 and came to the UK to study in 2019.  She is currently spending time living and working in the UK to establish herself as a dancer, choreographer and teacher before she begins to look at ways of bringing these experiences back to her home country. 

Velda Hassan

Velda is a freelance artist whose work spans dance, physical theatre, musical theatre, and acting. Velda graduated from The Urdang Academy in 2008 where she trained in dance and musical theatre, and has since brought her artistry to a wide range of companies including Trikhon Theatre, Sobaka Dance, Springs Dance Company and Ellander. 

Velda’s own creative work is deeply informed by her academic background—she holds an MSc in Health Psychology, which fuels her fascination with the inner world of the performer. She is particularly passionate about exploring how emotional and psychological depth can be harnessed to create powerful, resonant performances.

Driven by a desire to be part of meaningful, thought-provoking work that can edify audiences, Velda seeks out projects that reflect her values and challenge both artist and viewer.

For more information, contact the SDC office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07775 628442

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Refresh: Summer Dance Week 2025

Refresh

Summer Dance Week 2025

Dance with us in summer 2025!
"Taste and See that the Lord is Good" (Psalm 34:8)

Monday 28th July - Friday 1st August 2025
City Church, Cambridge

Join us for a refreshing week of dance and community as we experience God's goodness through moving, creating and reflecting together. 

Dance classes and workshops for all abilities, from beginners to advanced dancers. No matter your experience, you'll be welcomed into our creative, faith-inspired week of movement. 

Refresh culminates in a performance by workshop participants alongside our company dancers.  

Come ready to be refreshed, renewed, and filled with the goodness of God.

What to expect:

  • Flexible Timetable

    All participants are able to make their own timetable and choose their level of intensity.

  • Technique Classes

    Levelled contemporary and ballet technique classes for all abilities, taught by our team of professional dancers.

  • Connect Sessions

    A time to connect with God and with each other through movement and reflection.

  • Elective Workshops

    A chance to explore Psalm 34:8 through creative and taught sessions, and to discover new skills.

  • Creative Performance Project

    Throughout the week you will work with our team collaboratively to create a new dance work for those that want to perform together on the final evening.

  • Refreshing and Creative Environment

    Our dancers warmly welcome everyone to move together, bringing who they are and whatever dance ability they have.

View the timetable

I really enjoyed getting to meet so many Christian dancers from many different places and backgrounds, getting to dance and be creative together and be inspired by one another.

Emily, Summer Intensive 2024 participant

Loved the different spaces for connection with God and each other offered by different teachers.

Lizzie, Summer Intensive 2024 participant

The week is a blessing. Springs personnel are very sensitive, welcoming and inclusive. The workshops nurture creativity, as does the process of putting together the creative project/performance. It encourages us to remember God's creativity is vast and we have massive potential when in God's hands.

Kären, Summer Intensive 2024 participant

DETAILS

WHERE: City Church Cambridge, 12-14 Cheddars Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8LD

WHO FOR: Suitable for anyone aged 16+, or 14+ if accompanied by an adult

COST: £275 (For the full week including the option to take part in the performance project)

New for 2025! Drop-in rate: If you are looking for a lighter option, pay a £30 registration fee and then sign up to join the classes you want for £15 per class.

All options include FREE ENTRY to the final evening’s event.

(Please note: This is not a residential course so you will be responsible for sourcing your own accommodation)

Book Now

PERFORMANCE

The course will culminate in a community performance by Springs Dance Company and the Refresh Summer Dance Week Cambridge participants! 

Performers are joining us from across the world, to celebrate faith and dance in this joyfully uplifting short performance. 

We would love to share this evening with you. 

Tickets:  £4 adults, £2 children, FREE for Refresh participants. All tickets include a free drink.

Book tickets now

ELECTIVES

Each day there are optional classes to choose from based on your training level or interest. Find out more about the sessions here:

  • General Level Contemporary with Holly

    Holly’s classes draw on a range of influences, including Release and Cunningham styles. Expect an eclectic music playlist to enjoy dancing to and moments to connect and express through movement. Whether you’re new to dance or an experienced mover, there is something for everyone to be challenged and inspired by.

  • Intermediate / Advanced Contemporary with Dan

    Dan’s class fuses Graham, Horton, and Limon modern techniques. Explore breath, the deep shapes of Graham, the lines of Horton, and release, swing, and fall of Limon. 

  • Taste and see creative workshop with Dan & Holly

    “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see – how good God is” (Psalm 34:8 MSG).

    Join Dan and Holly as they introduce the theme for the week, exploring The Message version of Psalm 34 and delving into its imagery to deepen the connection with the text.

  • General Level Contemporary with Dan

    Dan's class fuses modern dance techniques. Explore breath, the deep shapes of Graham, the lines of Horton, and release, swing, and fall of Limon. This class is for all abilities. 

  • Intermediate / Advanced Contemporary with Ella

    In this release-based class there will be a focus on finding freedom and expansion in movement. We will move together learning set technical material, but with an emphasis on finding our own individual artistry and expression. A relaxed and fun class that celebrates who each of us are and the joy of dancing together.

  • The Good Shepherd creative workshop with Ella

    We will explore God’s goodness through John 10, “I am the Good Shepherd”. A creative session that invites us to reflect, connect and explore being guided and protected by the Good Shepherd.

  • Blessings all around workshop with Holly

    Learn set dance material with Holly which reflects on the blessings of life in the everyday, the ordinary and the simplicity of the world around us.

  • Refuge creative workshop with Holly and Ella

    “Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8)

    What does it look like to take refuge in Him? Join Ella and Holly as they examine this question, exploring God’s close proximity to us and how he invites us to continually draw near.

  • General Level Ballet with Velda

    Discover the grace, strength, and discipline of classical ballet in this general level class. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, our welcoming environment supports dancers of all backgrounds. Improve posture, flexibility, coordination, and musicality while enjoying the beauty of ballet. Perfect for those seeking a strong foundation or simply a joyful way to move.

  • Advanced Ballet with Synaet

    Synaet brings her experience of training at Rambert School to deliver an advanced ballet class emphasising clarity of line, placement and precision along with musicality, expressivity and artistry.

  • Taste, See, Touch that the Lord is good workshop with Dan

    This creative session will explore connection; not created to be alone but for connection and community, with God and one another. Discover ways of lifting and partnering, whatever level of experience, using leverage, timing, shared weight. 

  • Seeing His Goodness with Velda

    Learn set dance material with Velda. Velda’s movement relates to our eyes being opened and having restored sight. The movement considers us seeing the heart of God and His saving grace, extended towards us in all our circumstances.  

  • Savouring and Gazing creative workshop with Ella and Synaet

    In this session we will take a pause from our busy lives to reflect and rest in God’s goodness. How do we respond to the invitation to savour and gaze upon? 

  • General Level Contemporary with Velda

    This general level contemporary dance class invites movers of all backgrounds to explore expressive, grounded, and dynamic movement. The class will focus on musicality, fluid transitions, whilst exploring the freedom, personal interpretation, and expression of contemporary dance. No previous experience required—just a willingness to move and explore.

  • Advanced Contemporary with Synaet

    A fusion class based on release technique, culminating in a choreographed sequence.

  • General Level Contemporary with Dan

    Dan’s class is a fusion of modern styles; Graham, Horton, and Limon techniques. Explore the sculpting of the expressive deep shapes of Graham, the powerful lines of Horton, and release, swing, and fall of Limon.   

  • Advanced Contemporary with Holly

    Holly’s classes draw on a range of influences, including Release and Cunningham styles. Expect an eclectic music playlist to enjoy dancing to and moments to connect and express through movement.

  • The goodness of God - our final creative reflection with Holly

    “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers...” (Psalm 8:3)

    Spend time meditating on the goodness of God’s artistry and how he gave us eyes to see and mouths to express the wonder of his creation.

TEACHERS

We are excited to have a wonderful team of Springs teachers joining us for this event:

  • Ella Fleetwood

    Ella is an independent dance artist and maker based in East London. Ella graduated from Trinity Laban with a First Class degree in 2016. Since graduating, Ella has enjoyed performing with Casson & Friends, Made by Katie Green, Luminelle, Springs Dance Company and Kimberley Harvey in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital. Ella regularly performs at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital with Eek & Wild, a company she co-founded. Ella teaches in a range of community settings, with inclusivity and play at the heart of her teaching practice. Ella is a lead dance artist for The Place, Sadler’s Wells and Magpie Dance for people with learning disabilities. With her work at Magpie, Ella has led choreographic collaborations with the Royal Opera House and Arts for Disabled Association Hong Kong.

  • Daniel Cossette

    Daniel Cossette is a classically trained mime, touring with Mimeistry International 2000-2002. He launched Ambassador Arts, premiering the shows Say it Loud! and Christmivest2002-2009. Daniel was invited to dance with Ad Deum Dance Company, Houston TX where he danced from 2009-2013, then moved to England and joined Springs Dance Company (2013-present). Dan co-directs Infusion Physical Theatre, Cambridge UK. He has performed in prelude to Dance Houston, Alvin Ailey, Mark Morris, at Project Dance, Resolutions Dance Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and Sprung! He has taught mime, dance, and stage combat for Houston Ballet, the Alley Theatre, and Society for Performing Arts.

  • Holly Wilmot

    Holly is a freelance contemporary dancer, choreographer and teacher. After graduating in 2012 with a dance degree from York St John University, she continued her training as a member of Springs Dance Company’s apprentice programme, Elevate. Since then, she has worked as a performer on a variety of projects for Infusion Physical Theatre, MCDC, E33 Dance Company and Alauda Dance. Other credits include: Fresh: North East, ICON, Resolution, The Brighton Fringe and Project Dance: Paris.

    Alongside performing, Holly has taught extensively in schools and community settings for The Place, DanceWest, Artis Foundation and Springs Dance Company. Her own choreography has also been showcased as part of The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Wandsworth Arts Fringe.

  • Velda Hassan

    Velda is a freelance artist whose work spans dance, physical theatre, musical theatre, and acting. Velda graduated from The Urdang Academy in 2008 where she trained in dance and musical theatre, and has since brought her artistry to a wide range of companies including Trikhon Theatre, Sobaka Dance, Springs Dance Company and Ellander. 

    Velda’s own creative work is deeply informed by her academic background—she holds an MSc in Health Psychology, which fuels her fascination with the inner world of the performer. She is particularly passionate about exploring how emotional and psychological depth can be harnessed to create powerful, resonant performances.

    Driven by a desire to be part of meaningful, thought-provoking work that can edify audiences, Velda seeks out projects that reflect her values and challenge both artist and viewer.

  • Synaet Nin

    Synaet recently graduated from Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance where she completed 3 years professional dance training. She graduated with BA (Hons) in Ballet and Contemporary Dance and her training included intense training in ballet/point work, contemporary styles (such as Graham and Cunningham), improvisation and choreography. As part of her training she also worked with well known choreographers such as Darren Ellis, Alleyne Sisters and Darshan Singh Bhuller. Synaet is originally from Cambodia. She started dancing when she was 14 and came to the UK to study in 2019.  She is currently spending time living and working in the UK to establish herself as a dancer, choreographer and teacher before she begins to look at ways of bringing these experiences back to her home country. 

For more information, contact the SDC office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07775 628442

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Blog: Making Your Mark Green Report

Blog: Making Your Mark Green Report

Springs Dance Company, April 2024

As a company we are making every effort to be as green as possible to protect the environment in which we live and serve.  

We have written this blog to share the actions that we are taking.   

We aspire to learn more about how we can be more environmentally responsible and aware, and so for our latest project we also collected data relating to our environmental impact to inform our policies and future practice. 

Our project, Making Your Mark, took place in early 2024 and received Arts Council England National Lottery funding. Making Your Mark was a good opportunity for us to start a new project being planet aware, and so we made the following choices:

1. We always chose public transport where possible.  

As our artists travelled varying and sometimes long distances to work on the project; we booked their travel by public transport as much as possible. 

We made sure that the work that we were making did not rely on heavy props, set, lighting equipment or special flooring. This meant that almost all long journeys could be made by train. 

We estimate that we saved more than 1 tonne of CO2e by using public transport. (LNER Calculator).

2. We shared journeys when possible. 

For short journeys and local commuting, we walked or shared cars and taxis.  

3. We met online when possible.  

For planning meetings that did not need to be in person (and incur additional travel), we met online to discuss the project and any preparations to be made.

4. We avoided stage lighting and large amplifiers. 

This had an artistic impact as the choreography therefore had to rely on movement and a single small sound system. We can’t always do this for every show, but we started our new project with the aim to have a go at creating dance without the need for lighting effects and high-powered sound systems. 

5. We kept to the minimum set and props list.  

Similarly, to keep travel possible by public transport or on foot, we aimed to keep props and set to fit in a suitcase. We didn’t manage this on all rehearsal and workshop days, but by the end of the project we had managed to create a show that fits all the props, costumes and technical equipment in a few suitcases. 

6. We recycled materials used such as paper. 

We used a good deal of unbleached paper rolls for the workshops. These were recycled at appropriate places.   

7. We rented and shared accommodation as a team. 

Contributing to the local economy and minimising long travel, we stayed in accommodation near to where we would rehearse, teach and perform each week of the project.   

8. Our team cooked together and made shared lunches.  

Cooking and eating together was enjoyable and inclusive, with the team preparing (mostly) vegetarian and allergy-friendly food that everyone could enjoy together. 

The team also made shared lunches from leftovers.  

By eating this way, we kept carbon, energy and water use to a minimum for cooking as well as shopping trips and had fun along the way.  

9. We performed in local venues and invited school children.  

By performing locally, almost all attendees walked to the performances.  

10. We worked locally to our company office and with local professionals alongside those that came from further afield.  

While the artistic team travelled from further afield, our Company Manager and Project Managers are based locally, and we chose to work with professionals from the region.  

Data 

In addition to the actions above, we signed up to Julie's Bicycle: Creative Climate Tools.

We are choosing to voluntarily analyse and calculate our emissions per project, to paint a picture of awareness and impact, highlighting our considered contributions to reducing carbon footprint where possible and continuing to approach future projects with best practice and care for our environment. 

For the first time, we were able to calculate our carbon footprint (2 tonnes of CO2e for this project) and gather a picture of our environmental impact using the data we collected regarding:  

  • Energy use  
  • Waste generation  
  • Recycling  
  • Travel  
  • Production materials  

Making Your Mark: Carbon Footprint Report

Reflections, actions, and targets for future projects  

  • We will continue to make conscious decisions that will ensure a low carbon footprint using lessons learned from this project.  
  • We tried to make well informed choices for this project, using lessons learned from previous projects.  
  • For future projects that take place in larger spaces, we should replace our older lighting and sound systems with more energy efficient ones. We have raised some of the funds needed to make this happen but need further investment to make our stage equipment greener.  
  • We have signed up to Julie's Bicycle newsletter to hear of updates in reporting and information to support more green ways of working.  
  • Regarding data analysis; data collection and analysis are time consuming and the time for this needs to be considered in future funding applications. We plan to request travel data from audiences in order to inform our data analysis, as well as support future funding applications and highlight our commitment to a greener approach per project.  
  • Make environmental policies and green credentials high in the agenda in our partnerships. 

Making Your Mark was supported by Arts Council England National Lottery funding, Dance East, Suffolk Libraries, Norfolk Libraries, Magic Acorns, The National Literacy Trust, Enjoy Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Rising Cultural Education Partnerships, CBM Associates Consulting Ltd and the Supporters of Springs Dance Company.

Find out more about Making Your Mark, now Jump In!

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JUMP IN!

JUMP IN!

LIVE DANCE & LIVE SOUND
Performances & Workshops for libraries & schools

THE SHOW

What happens when we open a book? Where can imagination take us? This hilarious, playful adventure is full of energy, exploration and surprise.  

Jump In! is an original production presented by Springs Dance Company, performed by 3 dancers and a live vocal artist.   

The show is made by children and grown-ups for children aged 3-6, and is enjoyed by everyone.

  • G assisted handstand trio

  • bow and arrow

  • G handstand

“I really enjoyed the show - it was fun, accessible, joyous and I was smiling throughout! I felt it was easy to follow for non-typical dance audiences and could see it working really well for those whom English isn't their first language as it was almost without words… It was so imaginative, and I really felt like I was seeing the different worlds emerging from the books coming to life before my eyes. I loved the live sound, and also how the children were all invited up to dance and create shapes at the end (which they had been so clearly itching to do!)” 

Zoë Fletcher, Creative Arts East

THE WORKSHOPS

This project aims to bring new users into the libraries, opening up a world of opportunity for them whilst simultaneously allowing children aged 3-6 to develop their creative voices. 

Through dance workshops focusing on mark making, books and live sounds, and by exploring the library and its treasures, our team of 3 professional dancers and a live vocal sound artist, expertly support children to creatively play with dance and sound whilst being inspired by books.

This activity would be suitable for children aged between 3-8 years of age.

Ideally the project would connect local primary schools and nurseries with their local library, making books, dance and live music available to everyone.

  • G play

  • children arch

  • child run

“The sessions have been amazing. The children have spoken about them in class and have shared their enjoyment with their families. It has been amazing to observe their development over the sessions and see their confidence grow.”

Polly Wolfson

The production is funded by Arts Council England National Lottery, The Foyle Foundation, Creative Arts East and the Supporters of Springs Dance Company. With thanks to Dance East, Suffolk Libraries, Norfolk Libraries, Magic Acorns, Enjoy Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Rising Cultural Education Partnerships, CBM Associates Consulting Ltd.

Creatives

Artistic Director - Ruth Hughes

Producer - Helen Heywood

Performers - Ella Fleetwood, George Perez & Hannah Rotchell

Vocal Sound Artist - Randolph Matthews

Collaborators - The children of Great Yarmouth,  Lowestoft and Thetford

Booking Information

RUNNING TIME

20 minutes

Performed up to 4 times a day

SPACE REQUIREMENTS

This show is designed to take place in libraries with a minimum set-up time of just 30 minutes.

All we need is 4m x 3m of clear space to dance in as well as power and space for our sound.

To find out more or to book this show, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tour Dates 2025

Saturday 8th February 10:30am & 1:30pm

Gorleston Library
Saturday 15th February 10:30am, 11:30am & 2:30pm

Thetford Library
Monday 17th February 2pm & 3pm

Kings Lynn Library
Tuesday 18th February 2pm & 3pm

Dereham Library
Wednesday 19th February 10am

Beccles Library
Wednesday 19th February 2:30pm

Eye Library
Thursday 20th February 10:30am & 11:30am

Fakenham Library
Friday 21st February 11am & 2pm

Downham Market Library
Saturday 22nd February 11am & 12pm

North Walsham Library
Saturday 22nd February 2pm & 3pm

Cromer Library
Tuesday 8th April

Spring Harvest at Butlin's Skegness
Tuesday 15th April

Spring Harvest at Butlin's Minehead

Visit the events page for more information.

GALLERY

  • G headstand

  • Randolph

  • audience

  • E interaction

  • performance

  • audience 2

  • H interaction

  • R 2

  • E opening book

Photography: Dougie Evans

OUR PARTNERS

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Online Workshops

Online Workshops

An evening for adult dancers of all abilities and locations, to feel encouraged, energised, renewed and connected online.

Watch this space for more information about our next Online Workshop.

For more information, contact the SDC office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07775 628442

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