We can’t wait until September when acclaimed choreographer, Anthony Lo-Guidice, begins the first sessions for his new dance school – North Tyneside Youth Dance – on the top floor of The Exchange 1856.
With a long and distinguished dance career as both a professional performer and instructor, Anthony is bringing a new fresh approach to aspiring dancers across North Tyneside.
We caught up with him to hear more about his plans for The Exchange 1856.
Tell us about your background?
I grew up in Middlesbrough and always felt a little lost until discovering dance in my late teens. Dancing offered a creative outlet unlike anything else and it sparked a passion in me that remains strong to this day.
After training as a contemporary dance artist at Newcastle College, I went on to complete further training at the S.e.S.T.A program in Prague and the Royal Ballet School. As a dancer, I’ve worked with notable artists and companies such as Neville Campbell, Antonello Tudisico/Colletivi NADA, Company of Others, and the UBISOFT Just Dance franchise, amongst others.
I love choreography and have created dance theatre productions which tour both nationally and internationally to countries including Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Greece, Sweden and Iceland.
I’m a regular tutor on the Dance City CAT program and have also taught for The Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Zelyonka Fest in Ukraine, YDance (Scotland’s National organisation for Youth Dance), Dance Base, ArtGarage Pozzuoli, Interno5Start in Naples, The Royal Ballet School and The Royal Opera House.
What is your vision for North Tyneside Youth Dance?
I want to ignite that same spark for dance in others that I feel.
People are ready for something different and I’m really excited to be able to offer just that. World-class specialist training in contemporary dance and ballet techniques from working dance professionals.
My new dance school won’t follow any set curriculum. I don’t want students to be restrained by exam pressure or competitions. It’s more about letting creativity flourish and seeing what happens.
By giving students the freedom to explore dance and movement, I’m hoping they will be able to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
As well as inspiring students, I want to help shape the cultural sector here in North Tyneside. Push it. Challenge it through dance. I want to give something back to benefit generations to come.
Some of the best dancers in the UK are from the North East and I want to make sure our region stays at the forefront of this exciting industry.
Why The Exchange 1856?
The space at The Exchange 1856 is fantastic. I used to rehearse here before but the renovations are breathtaking and have elevated the spaces to an entirely different level.
We’ll be based on the top floor. The views are fantastic. The light-filled space is vast and will enable us to explore our creativity to the max.
I’m also hoping to put on shows and performances for the dancers at The Exchange 1856’s stunning theatre to showcase their talent.
Everyone at The Exchange 1856 has been so supportive. The place is amazing. The team is brilliant. I feel really at home. I’m so grateful to Paul Stonebanks and everyone here for offering me this opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the young people across the area.
Who are the other teachers?
Our teachers are all industry professionals and performers in their own right….
Rosie:
Rosie has worked as a performer, teacher, and choreographer. Originally from Newcastle, Rosie started dancing at the Dance City Centre for Advanced training, before progressing her training by completing a First Class BA Hons at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Rosie has worked for artists and companies such as Chantry Dance Company, Southpaw, Fully Booked Theatre, Neville Campbell, State of Grace, Anthony Lo-Giudice and Linden Dance Company.
Most recently, she has toured nationally and internationally with Motionhouse Dance Theatre, performing to thousands of audiences across Australia, South Korea and throughout Europe.
Alongside performing, Rosie delivered many workshops ranging from the repertoire, technique classes, and audition toolkits. She has taught and choreographed work on youth company’s, students, and school groups. She was part of a collaborative production titled ‘Talk to the Waves’ in 2015, which was chosen to be performed in the annual Texas Grand Slam poetry event in Houston Texas as a guest performance.
Juliet:
After finishing her training at Rambert, Juliet returned to the North East. Her career so far has spanned over 30 years, working with David Massingham, Debbi Purtill Dance, Emma Diamond Dance, and has been a core member of balletLORENT since 2003. She has taught both ballet and contemporary to students and professionals throughout the region.
When will the first sessions run?
The first drop-in sessions will start on September 5th 2023 for ages 8-18 with weekly classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.