Core Team
Co-Artistic Director/Choreographer - Paul Chantry
Co-Artistic Director/Choreographer - Rae Piper
Dance Director - Gail Gordon
Assistant Director - David Beer
Co-Artistic Director/Choreographer - Paul Chantry
Co-Artistic Director/Choreographer - Rae Piper
Dance Director - Gail Gordon
Assistant Director - David Beer
Rae Piper
CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PERFORMER:
Rae has performed in theatre for over 20 years in many productions. Selected credits include:
Rae is also an former international aerialist and contortionist, performing at venues such as Café de Paris, The Spotlight Summer Ball, NCL’s Norwegian Dawn and Sun, and for corporate clients including Nikon, Canon, Gymbox and Magic TV.
CHOREOGRAPHER:
Rae is co-Artistic Director of Chantry Dance Company, and works collaboratively with fellow co-Artistic Director, Paul Chantry, to create ballets as a principal dancer.
Outside of CDC, Rae works in a choreographic partnership with Paul Chantry. Together they have choreographed numerous productions. Selected credits include:
NOMINATED – “Best Touring Play”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Children’s Show”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Young People’s Theatre Production”, UK THEATRE AWARDS
WINNER – “Best Home Produced Show”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
TEACHER:
Rae holds a BSc (1st Class Hons) from The University of Birmingham in Sport and Exercise Sciences, and was winner of the Chancellor's Award for academic achievement. She is a qualified Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor & Nutritional Advisor, and Associate teacher of the International Dance Teachers’ Association with enhanced DBS check and full PLI. Rae has taught at many of the top UK vocational schools and international events, including:
Rae has performed in theatre for over 20 years in many productions. Selected credits include:
- ‘Love Never Dies’ - Acrobatics Captain and Swing, original cast (Really Useful Group, Adelphi Theatre, West End)
- 'INXILE - The Trail of Tears '-The Black Virgin (Álvaro Restrepo, LBS, Sadler’s Wells)
- 'Our House' - Mrs Pressman/Ensemble (Pimlico Opera)
- ‘Encore Mr Producer!’ – featured singer/dancer (Cameron Mackintosh & Jean Ann Ryan Productions)
- 'Ballo in Maschera’- Featured dancer and Assistant Choreographer (Royal Opera House)
Rae is also an former international aerialist and contortionist, performing at venues such as Café de Paris, The Spotlight Summer Ball, NCL’s Norwegian Dawn and Sun, and for corporate clients including Nikon, Canon, Gymbox and Magic TV.
CHOREOGRAPHER:
Rae is co-Artistic Director of Chantry Dance Company, and works collaboratively with fellow co-Artistic Director, Paul Chantry, to create ballets as a principal dancer.
Outside of CDC, Rae works in a choreographic partnership with Paul Chantry. Together they have choreographed numerous productions. Selected credits include:
- 'Gangsta Granny’ for David Walliams and Birmingham Stage Company (Two UK tours & Garrick Theatre, West End)
NOMINATED – “Best Touring Play”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Children’s Show”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Young People’s Theatre Production”, UK THEATRE AWARDS
WINNER – “Best Home Produced Show”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
- 'Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians' (UK Tour)
- 'Horrible Histories - Horrible Christmas' (The Lowry Salford, Birmingham Old Rep, Derby Theatre & UK Tour)
- 'The Last Days of Mankind' UK Premiere (Bristol Old Vic Theatre Royal)
- 'Sister Act' and 'Our House' starring Suggs from Madness (Pimlico Opera)
- 'The Merry Widow' and 'Die Fledermaus' for the Philharmonia Orchestra and John Wilson (The Royal Festival Hall )
- 'The Queen of Spades' Assistant revival director (Teatro Dell'Opera Di Roma).
- 'Gloria - a pigtale' for Mahogany Opera Group (Royal Opera House Linbury Studio Theatre, Buxton Opera Festival, Bregenz Opera Festival)
- 'Shadowbox' for BESIX and performed for the Prince of Belgium.
TEACHER:
Rae holds a BSc (1st Class Hons) from The University of Birmingham in Sport and Exercise Sciences, and was winner of the Chancellor's Award for academic achievement. She is a qualified Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor & Nutritional Advisor, and Associate teacher of the International Dance Teachers’ Association with enhanced DBS check and full PLI. Rae has taught at many of the top UK vocational schools and international events, including:
- Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance
- Elmhurst Ballet School
- English National Ballet School
- Central School of Ballet
- Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
- MOVE IT
- Art Studio Danza – Italy
Paul Chantry
CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PERFORMER:
Paul has worked with many notable choreographers throughout his career including Gillian Lynne, David Bintley, David Fielding and Laurent Cavanna. He was a founder member of Newcastle-based Dora Frankel Dance. Selected credits include:
CHOREOGRAPHER:
Paul is co-Artistic Director of Chantry Dance Company, and was responsible for the creation of their debut performance at Sadler's Wells, which was the creation of 5 pieces commissioned for the Chinese Calligraphy, Music and Dance Concert. This high-profile debut occurred within 3 months of CDC's formation. Following this, Paul has gone on to create full narrative works as well as abstract/thematic pieces for CDC, but finding his passion lies in story-telling.
Outside of CDC, Paul works in a choreographic partnership with Rae Piper. Together they have choreographed numerous productions. Selected credits include:
WINNER – “Best Home Produced Show”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Touring Play”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Children’s Show”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Young People’s Theatre Production”, UK THEATRE AWARDS
TEACHER:
Paul is an experienced teacher with enhanced DBS check and full PLI who has taught at many of the top UK dance studios, vocational schools and international events, including:
Paul has worked with many notable choreographers throughout his career including Gillian Lynne, David Bintley, David Fielding and Laurent Cavanna. He was a founder member of Newcastle-based Dora Frankel Dance. Selected credits include:
- 'Apollon' in ‘Eternal Damnation to Sancho and Sanchez’, Javier De Frutos (Sadler’s Wells and European tour)
- ‘The Most Incredible Thing’ for Javier De Frutos and The Pet Shop Boys, original and revival casts (Sadler’s Wells and European Tour)
- 'Ballo in Maschera’- Featured dancer and Assistant Choreographer (Royal Opera House)
- ‘Tales of Hoffman’ (English National Opera)
- ‘La Traviata’ Featured dancer (Grange Park Opera)
CHOREOGRAPHER:
Paul is co-Artistic Director of Chantry Dance Company, and was responsible for the creation of their debut performance at Sadler's Wells, which was the creation of 5 pieces commissioned for the Chinese Calligraphy, Music and Dance Concert. This high-profile debut occurred within 3 months of CDC's formation. Following this, Paul has gone on to create full narrative works as well as abstract/thematic pieces for CDC, but finding his passion lies in story-telling.
Outside of CDC, Paul works in a choreographic partnership with Rae Piper. Together they have choreographed numerous productions. Selected credits include:
- 'Gangsta Granny’ for David Walliams and Birmingham Stage Company (Two UK tours & Garrick Theatre, West End)
WINNER – “Best Home Produced Show”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Touring Play”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Children’s Show”, What’s On Reader’s Awards
NOMINATED – “Best Young People’s Theatre Production”, UK THEATRE AWARDS
- 'Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians' (UK Tour)
- ‘Tom’s Midnight Garden’ (Birmingham Old Rep & UK Tour)
- 'The Last Days of Mankind' UK Premiere (Bristol Old Vic Theatre Royal)
- ‘Glengarry, Glen Ross’ (Ustinov Studio, Bath Theatre Royal)
- 'The Merry Widow' and 'Die Fledermaus' for the Philharmonia Orchestra and John Wilson (The Royal Festival Hall )
- 'The Queen of Spades' Revival choreo. for Lucy Burge (Teatro Dell'Opera Di Roma).
- Anyone For Tea’ for Les Enfants Terrible (Lyric Hammersmith, Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, Watford Palace Theatre and Latitude Festival)
TEACHER:
Paul is an experienced teacher with enhanced DBS check and full PLI who has taught at many of the top UK dance studios, vocational schools and international events, including:
- Pineapple Dance Studios
- Danceworks
- Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance
- Elmhurst Ballet School
- English National Ballet School
- Central School of Ballet
- Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
- MOVE IT
- Art Studio Danza – Italy
Gail Gordon
DANCE DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE CHOREOGRAPHER
PERFORMER:
Gail has enjoyed over 50 years in showbusiness, working as an actress, dancer, acrobat, choreographer and teacher.
In her early years she toured the world with her solo contortion act, performing at the most notable national and international cabaret clubs, and as a guest artist at prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall.
Gail completed numerous world tours with her solo act, including tours of Asia & the Middle East.
She also worked on television both in the UK and internationally. Back in UK she worked with notable TV personalities including Ken Dodd, Les Dawson, Lionel Blair and Bruce Forsythe.
CHOREOGRAPHER:
After this multifaceted performance career, Gail turned to choreography. She has choreographed shows for regional theatres throughout the UK including the Bristol Old Vic, Bath Theatre Royal and The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.
Gail also choreographed the Olivier-winning production of ‘Judy’ which played at The Strand Theatre in the West End.
Gail was Head of Dance and Movement at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School for 30 years before joining Chantry Dance Company. She has directed and choreographed numerous productions for BOVTS including:
TEACHER:
Gail is a qualified Member of the International Dance Teachers’ Association, with enhanced DBS check and full Public Liability Insurance.
As well as being Head of Dance and Movement at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, she was also the former principal of the prestigious Bristol dance school, Acrodance 2000 – a school which won multiple awards at the All England Dance National Finals.
Students who have passed through Gail’s hands include:
Gail has enjoyed over 50 years in showbusiness, working as an actress, dancer, acrobat, choreographer and teacher.
In her early years she toured the world with her solo contortion act, performing at the most notable national and international cabaret clubs, and as a guest artist at prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall.
Gail completed numerous world tours with her solo act, including tours of Asia & the Middle East.
She also worked on television both in the UK and internationally. Back in UK she worked with notable TV personalities including Ken Dodd, Les Dawson, Lionel Blair and Bruce Forsythe.
CHOREOGRAPHER:
After this multifaceted performance career, Gail turned to choreography. She has choreographed shows for regional theatres throughout the UK including the Bristol Old Vic, Bath Theatre Royal and The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.
Gail also choreographed the Olivier-winning production of ‘Judy’ which played at The Strand Theatre in the West End.
Gail was Head of Dance and Movement at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School for 30 years before joining Chantry Dance Company. She has directed and choreographed numerous productions for BOVTS including:
- Salad Days
- Romeo and Juliet
- The Threepenny Opera
- An American Clock
- Much Ado About Nothing
- Company
- Side by Side by Sondheim
TEACHER:
Gail is a qualified Member of the International Dance Teachers’ Association, with enhanced DBS check and full Public Liability Insurance.
As well as being Head of Dance and Movement at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, she was also the former principal of the prestigious Bristol dance school, Acrodance 2000 – a school which won multiple awards at the All England Dance National Finals.
Students who have passed through Gail’s hands include:
- Joanna Riding (Witches of Eastwick, Umrellas of Cherbourg)
- Helen Baxendale (Friends)
- Louise Plowright (Mama Mia! Eastenders)
- Raza Jaffrey (Bombay Dreams)
- Olivia Colman (Broadchurch et al. – 3 BAFTAS, 1 Golden Globe)
David Beer
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
PERFORMER:
David trained in classical ballet from an early age and graduated from the Laban Centre in 2007 with a BA Hons in Dance Theatre.
While studying and after graduating David spent time in America where he performed and choreographed for Burklyn Ballet Theatre.He also performed touring works across the USA and at the famous Joyce Soho Theatre in New York with Denver based modern dance company Kim Robards Dance
David has also worked with companies including:
CHOREOGRAPHER:
David founded Collisions Dance Company in the UK in 2008. The company presented work in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe three times. David’s choreography has also been presented in London at the Actors' Church in Covent Garden, and Resolutions at The Place. Recently he has also collaborated with Lush Cosmetics and Gorilla Perfume, choreographing and dancing in everything from flash mobs and music videos, to fragrance inspired works which were performed in High Streets and venues across the UK as part of a multi art form collaboration.
TEACHER:
Whilst in America with Kim Robards Dance, David had the opportunity to teach for the company's school and educational department. He also taught for the Colarado Ballet School.
In the UK, David has taught for numerous schools and colleges including:
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
PERFORMER:
David trained in classical ballet from an early age and graduated from the Laban Centre in 2007 with a BA Hons in Dance Theatre.
While studying and after graduating David spent time in America where he performed and choreographed for Burklyn Ballet Theatre.He also performed touring works across the USA and at the famous Joyce Soho Theatre in New York with Denver based modern dance company Kim Robards Dance
David has also worked with companies including:
- Secret Cinema
- Gleich Dances
- Aegis Live Arts
CHOREOGRAPHER:
David founded Collisions Dance Company in the UK in 2008. The company presented work in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe three times. David’s choreography has also been presented in London at the Actors' Church in Covent Garden, and Resolutions at The Place. Recently he has also collaborated with Lush Cosmetics and Gorilla Perfume, choreographing and dancing in everything from flash mobs and music videos, to fragrance inspired works which were performed in High Streets and venues across the UK as part of a multi art form collaboration.
TEACHER:
Whilst in America with Kim Robards Dance, David had the opportunity to teach for the company's school and educational department. He also taught for the Colarado Ballet School.
In the UK, David has taught for numerous schools and colleges including:
- Cecchetti Society
- London Studio Centre
- Italia Conti
- London Boy’s Ballet
- Highgate Ballet School
- West London Academy of Dance
