Phoenix Dance Theatre: Declarations

AZZURRA ARDOVINI

Azzurra started her training in ballet and contemporary in Florence, before moving to the UK to continue her training at London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS) from 2003 to 2006, where she worked with Kerry Nicholls, Sean Feldman and Jan De Schynkel. In 2005 she was awarded The Robert Cohan Prize for  outstanding potential and after graduating with a First Class Degree she joined EDge Dance Company.

Azzurra has a long standing working relationship with Frederick Opoku Addaie which began with a piece for The Place Prize 2006 that went on to be selected for the Finals and won the First Prize at the International Choreographic Competition in Burgos, Spain. Since graduating she has worked with Rosemary Lee, Jonathan Lunn, Rashpal Singh Bansal, ENO, Ajose Cutting Dance for The Place Prize 2008 and toured internationally with Henri Oguike Dance Company. She has taught LCDS, East London Dance and in several colleges in Italy.

Azzurra joined Phoenix Dance Theatre in 2009.

CHIHIRO KAWASAKI

Chihiro was born in Kyoto, Japan and trained in ballet before moving to the UK at 14 to continue her training.

After completing four years at Arts Educational School in Tring, she went on to gain a Certificate in Contemporary Dance at London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS). Chihiro joined Henri Oguike Dance Company (HODC) in August 2005 as part of LCDS's post-graduate apprenticeship scheme and became a full time Company member following year. During her time at HODC she toured internationally and worked with various choreographers including Aletta Collins, Jean Abreu, Nuno Silva, Sarah Linstra and Darren Johnston. She also worked closely with Rehearsal Director Nuno Campos.

Chihiro joined Phoenix Dance Theatre in 2009.
Chihiro took a year off dancing before coming to the UK to study Karate and has won several national  competitions in Aikido since beginning to study it in 2007.

AMANDA LEWIS

Born and raised in Leeds, Amanda trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD).

During her time at NSCD Amanda completed a foundation course in dance performance, and achieved a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance. After graduating in 2004, she then went on to an apprenticeship with Scottish Dance Theatre. Amanda has worked with ACE Dance and Music, and been involved with project based work for State of Emergency. She was a core company member of Tavaziva dance and has had numerous commercial jobs, appearing in TV adverts, music videos and at the Brit Awards.

As well as being a performer Amanda has delivered education and outreach work throughout the UK as a freelance artist, and was dance captain for The Big Dance 2006. Amanda joined Phoenix Dance Theatre in  2009.

PHIL SANGER

Phil began his career in Musical Theatre and Cabaret. He went on to receive professional dance training in Contemporary Dance and Classical Ballet at Northern School of Contemporary Dance and upon graduation received funding to produce educational dance workshops and tour nationally with his own work.

Phil joined Verve in 2006 and worked with a range of acclaimed choreographers including Fin Walker, Kim Brandstrup, Glen Wilkinson and Hofesh Schector. He has also recently worked with Slanjayvah Danza and Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company.

Phil has worked as a freelance artist in theatre, dance and music for over 10 years and recently produced his own score of work supported by Arts Council England and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Phil joined Phoenix Dance Theatre in 2009.

RYU SUZUKI

Ryu was born in Japan and trained as a jazz dancer before moving to the UK in 2007 to study at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary dance. Whilst at Rambert School he danced pieces by Regina Wielingen and Martha Graham and in his final year with Rambert Ryu was chosen to dance with the Rambert company performing Itzik Galili’s A Linha Curva. Ryu joined Phoenix after graduating in 2010.
 

JOSH WILLE

Born in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, Josh started as a gymnast competing for the East of England before dancing at Footlights Dance Centre, and then going on to train at Central School of Ballet, London. Josh Graduated in 2009 with BA Hons and joined Phoenix Dance Theatre the same year.