Meet The Team
TeesDance is a very small, female-led, team consisting of a partnership between Amy Swalwell and Patricia Suarez. Amy and Patricia both share the same passion and vision for the future; to deliver high-quality, consistent dance provision for the Tees Valley communities. They also strongly believe in providing progression routes for young people and improving the conditions for local artists to help them thrive. The partnership provides a unique set of skills with Amy’s background in festivals and engagement projects and Patricia’s in artistic work of productions and higher education.
Amy Swalwell
Director
Amy has over 10 years of experience as a producer and educator.
Training in both contemporary and urban dance styles, Amy has worked for a variety of national dance, theatre and art organisations as well as schools and universities.
Amy is passionate about how the arts play a vital role in changing people’s lives, developing communities and challenging social inequalities.
Patricia Suarez
Creative Producer
Patricia is a kind, passionate and thoughtful Movement Director and Creative Producer based in the Tees Valley.
She is passionate about people expressing themselves through movement and has worked nationally with theatre companies, on projects for young people and community, and in higher education.
Patricia loves Latin social dances including salsa and bachata, as well as rolling on the floor in a contemporary class.
Steering Group
We strive to ensure our work is responsive to the needs of the sector and our diverse and local communities. To do this, we have a Steering Group that provides guidance, advice, and support in delivering relevant and effective programmes whilst eliminating any barriers to engagement. .
Meet the Steering Group
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Anthony Lo-Giudice
Choreographer
He/Him
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Beth Fisher
Director of Beth Fisher Academy
She/Her
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Debbie Harbin
Artistic Director at The D Project Company. Providing Dance for Education and Communities
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Emily Wratten
Owner at Emily Wratten Fitness
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Fiona Alderson
Dance Teacher
She/Her
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Jennifer Essex
Artistic Director at Fully Booked Theatre, Researcher, Choreographer, Performer, and Movement Director for Film and TV
She/Her
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Lorraine Smith
Performance Maker and Senior Lecturer in Media and Performance, Teesside University
She/Her/They/Them
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Stella Spencer
Director at Night Light Theatre CIC
She/Her
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Zubaidah Moore
Owner and Dance Practitioner at NE Motion
She/Her