CREATIVE TEAM

Michael Heatley is the founder and Artistic Director of Hit The Ground Running Dance Theatre Company which was awarded a grant from Arts Council England in 2016 to research and develop a professional Physical Theatre piece which challenges the stigma surrounding men's mental health. 

Following the success of ‘Macho’ in 2016 and 2018 Regional tour of the North East, supported by Arts Council England, the company is now planning its National and International tours and Macho Digital. 

Michael is also embarking on the next part of his creative trilogy in ‘Suitcases’ in which he will be collaborating with international Artist Jon Crispin from Massachusetts USA.

Michael Heatley is also a Choreographer/Dance Facilitator based in the North East, with over 15 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.

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).

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, Jordan has co-lead numerous outreach workshops for the company for both children and adults of all abilities. 

Currently in production with his next role playing  ‘the grave digger’ in the company’s second chapter of work focusing on the stigmas of mental health ‘Suitcases’.

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. His main passion is competing in battles, competing all over Europe, America, China, as well as being the Red Bull BC one UK champion in 2019 to then go on and make the Top 16 at the Red Bull Last chance Cypher in India.

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 has then went onto to work with companies such as ‘Hit The Ground Running’ and touring theatre shows with Battalions Cru around the UK. 

Jackson has over 10 years teaching experience in breakin, contemporary and creating local theatre pieces with schools and community groups. Experienced in teaching all levels and ages including elderly groups and groups with disabilities.

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.