CREATIVE TEAM
Michael John Heatley
Founder and Artistic Director
Michael Heatley is the Founder and Artistic Director of Hit The Ground Running Dance Theatre Company, established in 2015.
Following the successes of ‘Macho’ in 2016 and the 2018 North East Regional tour, Michael has successfully transcended Macho from stage to screen with his first film debut in which he directed and produced.
In 2021 Michael directed, produced and choreographed the second chapter of his creative trilogy ‘Suitcases’ in which he collaborated with international artist Jon Crispin from Massachusetts USA. ‘Suitcases’ has been brought to life though the creation of an online performance for virtual audiences. A live tour of ‘Suitcases’ is currently in production with discussions underway for international touring.
Also in early development, is the third instalment of the trilogy, ‘The Tinkerbell Syndrome’.
Choreographer & Dance Facilitator
In addition, Michael Heatley is a Choreographer/Dance Facilitator based in the North East, with 20 years of teaching experience. Working with all age groups from children to adults, beginners to professionals, Michael aims to develop physicality, creativity, confidence and musicality through dance.
Michael’s Key teaching areas include:
- Specialising in boys dance in mainstream and SEND schools.
- Delivering classes and workshops for Dance City, Theatre Royal Newcastle, YDT Northumberland, Epinay Business & Enterprise School, Newcastle University, Newcastle College & Peanuts Casting Agency.
- Lecturing Movement Studies and Dance Performance for Actors at New College Durham.
- Lecturing physical theatre at Gateshead College.
- Assistant Franchise Manager and dance coach at Stagecoach Theatre Arts School, Newcastle.
Jonathan Ackley
Filmmaker and Photographer
Jonathan is a filmmaker and photographer operating out of his own studio in Newcastle upon Tyne. When taking an image or creating a film, Jonathan, likes to find a way to creatively communicate an idea or document the story in front of him in a way that captivates the viewer or audience. To do this he tries to establish a connection, either emotionally or abstractly, which he hopes, in turn, will lead to a personal response from the viewer and stay with them.
“I enjoy collaborating with Hit The Ground Running Dance Company as the work they produce combines both aesthetic beauty and meaningful stories; often giving a voice to marginal groups or subjects.”
MEET THE CAST
Cora Jay Williams
Professional Dancer
Cora Jay graduated from a degree in professional dance practice in 2016 which led her to become a professional freelance dance artist working and touring for numerous dance theatre company’s and choreographers in the UK.
Interested in all aspects of the arts, Cora Jay has worked in rehearsal directing and project management/ assistant producing some companies. She also teaches within the community and in a professional setting as a teacher/choreographer for the Centre of Advanced Training Program at Dance City in Newcastle. Alongside various community classes of all ages in care homes, inclusive practice classes and fitness sessions.
Jackson Watson
Professional Dancer
Jackson comes from Washington Tyne and wear and originally started breaking in 2007 under the teachings of the UK Champions ‘BAD TASTE CRU’. Jackson then went on to be one of the founding members of Battalions Cru in 2010, one of the current top Crews in the UK.
Jackson transitioned into Contemporary dance in 2014 graduating with a BTEC diploma in dance at Gateshead Collage/Dance City studying Contemporary, Ballet and modern dance. He now works with ‘Hit The Ground Running’ and touring theatre shows with Battalions Cru around the UK.
With over 10 years teaching experience in breakin, contemporary and creating local theatre pieces with schools and community groups.
Phoebe Dodd
Professional Dancer
Phoebe is a dancer and actor from Newcastle and is currently training at Leeds Conservatoire on their BA Acting program. She began her training in acting and musical theatre and went onto dance for Youth Company, Youth Dance Tynedale as well as attending MGA Theatre Arts in Edinburgh. Phoebe also culminated her training in pure acting at the Theatre Royal of Newcastle.
Phoebe has a particular passion for physical theatre and hopes to combine her dance and straight acting into a hybrid of the two. She is thrilled to be working with Michael and Hit the Ground Running on 'Suitcases'.
Catherine Muckle
Professional Dancer
Catherine has been involved in performing arts, movement and dance from a very young age, graduating from Newcastle College with a Performing Arts Diploma in 2010 and went on to specialise in Contemporary Dance at The Northern School Of Contemporary Dance, Leeds where she graduated with a First Class Honours and the Outstanding Performers Award. Since graduating, Catherine has worked as a dancer, singer & circus artist with a diverse range of companies and artists both nationally and internationally including James Wilton Dance, Parkour Dance, Abbott Dance Theatre, Gary Rowntree (Ireland), Lets Circus, LoGiudice Dance,The D Project & Mad Ramblings Dance Theatre.
Jordan McGowan
Professional Dancer
Jordan Mcgowan hails from Blyth Northumberland. Previously trained with the national youth dance company (Sadler Wells). Toured the UK with Akram Kahn. Graduated Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and collaborated with the likes of Ben Wright, Stephanie Schober & Wayne Mcgregor.
Alongside performing with Hit The Ground Running Dance Theatre company’s North East Regional Tour of Macho in 2018, and currently plays ‘the grave digger’ in 'Suitcases, the company’s second chapter of work focusing on the stigmas of mental health.
Jordan has co-lead numerous outreach workshops for the company for both children and adults of all abilities.
Kathryn Ackley
Acting Coach
Kathryn began her professional journey with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain’s’ company performing in various productions, Heart Of Ice Battersea Arts Centre, Lionel Barts’ Maggie May Royalty Theatre, Amphibious Spangulatos Greenwich Theatre. She was inspired by North East director Ed Wilson (NYT’s director) who empowered young actors from across the country to aim high in the creative arts industry. Kathryn then carved a career in acting and drama facilitation for companies such as Live Theatre, The Customs House, Barbican Theatre, BBC Radio Four, Berwick Arts Centre.
Kathryn then progressed to become Principal at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Durham where her passion empowering young performers became priority. Students performed regionally in professional theatre projects (with national acclaimed companies).
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