Dorothy's Shoes
Dorothy’s Shoes is the nom de danse for Dorothy Max Prior, associate artist of Ragroof Theatre, and the company’s resident choreographer and dance teacher. Dorothy has over thirty years experience as a performer, choreographer, teacher, and producer. She has a special interest in work placed outside of regular theatre and arts spaces; in work that blurs the boundaries between artist and audience; and in work that challenges restricted and outmoded expectations of ‘community and participatory arts’. Her special area of knowledge is ballroom, social and popular dance – and much of her work has been in integrating these into contemporary dance, theatre and live art practice.
Dorothy trained and taught with Arthur Murray’s (London and New York);
is a member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (MISTD); and holds
an MA in Language, Arts and Education. Her teaching experience includes work
for the National Theatre, numerous universities, Open College of the Arts, Zap
Arts, Brighton Festival, and the International Workshop Festival – as
well as for Ragroof Theatre, with whom she has worked closely since 2006!
Enquiries to max@ragrooftheatre.co.uk
Matthew Blacklock
Matthew Blacklock is an actor and theatre director specialising in
movement, puppetry and dance. Matthew has worked for a number of theatre establishments
including The Polka Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, The Basement in Brighton
and Ragroof Theatre. As a director he has assisted at Theatre Royal Stratford
East and directed and produced a number of his own productions. He is committed
to work in creative education having developed Ragroof's programme of school
Jive dance workshops, currently he facilitates drama workshops with Bigfoot
Arts Education. Matthew is one half of the double act, inspired by all things
ballroom, called The Gentlemen Friends. He works with Ragroof Theatre
as host, DJ (Champagne Charlie) and teacher at their stylish tea dances
and has performed in the bandstand spectacular ‘Shall We Dance?’.
Enquiries to matt@ragrooftheatre.co.uk