Who are we?
More than Dance is an exciting initiative supporting the development and regeneration of communities and enhancing the potential of groups and individuals. Based in the North East of England our reputation takes us countrywide. Working under the guidance of our artistic Director, Kevin Atkinson, we have a track record of delivering high quality creative dance and movement programmes in local community and school environments.
Kevin Atkinson
Kevin is our Artistic Director and a qualified dance practitioner (BA HONS Dance). He has previously held the post of Dance Entrepreneur for the University of Sunderland.The work consisted of teaching dance at the University and community outreach work. Kevin has had over 8 years experience in the community dance field, previously holding a qualification in Social work, where he specialized in the area of children and learning disabilities.He has a love of music, the arts, books, films and the theatre and is passionate about dance and its positive life changing effect.
Oonagh Atkinson
Oonagh shares her husband's passion for dance and has been involved in community dance projects for over 20 years. For the past 7/8 years Oonagh has been Co-ordinator of the Christian Dance group Beyond the Barricades, which is based in the North East of England. She is also the Regional Co-ordinator for the Christian Dance Fellowship of Britain. Oonagh is in the final stages of her Counselling qualification and has 22 years experience of working as a PA/Secretary in the health service and both the voluntary and private sector.
Sue Holton
Sue is a qualified social worker with a wide range of experience in the child-care field. She is also an accredited NLP Master Practitioner and Coach and currently works part time as an Independent Consultant to a number of childcare agencies. Sue's interest is in the power of personal communication and the capacity for dance and movement to enhance self-esteem, resilience and confidence and the challenge that the creative arts provide for individual, team and community development. Sue has over twelve years experience of using dance and movement in a community setting and as creative worship. She has completed a 'Dance in Health Care' course and is a member of Beyond the Barricades and the Christian Dance Fellowship of Britain. Interested in extending her own and the Company’s creative capacity, Sue is currently undertaking an MA in Somatic Dance and Well-Being at the University of Central Lancaster.
Philip Holton
Philip is an experienced, senior, NHS manager and a certified NLP Master practitioner and Coach, supporting individuals and Companies through the process of change and development. Philip is continuing his studies, leading to psychotherapy accreditation and currently works for a National Management Development Consultancy.
Gitte Carr
Gitte's experience is in the use of dance in both community based projects and worship settings. Gitte has been an active member of Beyond the Barricades for over 13 years. In her 'day job' Gitte is a senior radiographer with 26 years experience in the profession, who specialises in general medical ultrasound and is registered with the health professions council.
Peter Carr
Peter is a civil servant with 26 years experience. He is currently studying part-time for a degree in Christian Theology through the University of Gloucestershire.
