Helen is responsible for the artistic and strategic leadership of the company. She is passionate about raising the profile of dance for children and young people to improve the professional sector. Helen’s commitment to youth dance was nurtured during…
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Luke Antysz
Associate Director
Luke has worked with RISE since 2015. He trained at London Contemporary Dance School (The Place), graduating in 2009, and has worked as a professional dance artist and educator ever…
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Hannah Nelmes
RISE Teacher
Hannah began her training in contemporary dance at secondary school and joined RISE at the age of 15, first with RISE Youth and later as part of Performance Group. Alongside RISE…
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Murilo Leite
administrator and Project Co-ordinator
Originally from Brazil, Murilo has been dancing his whole life. At 16, he co-founded Re*Flex Dance, a youth-led dance company, after attending a residency by RJC Dance…
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Charlie White
RISE Teacher
Charlie began her training in contemporary and jazz dance as a teenager before discovering circus and aerial arts. She trained at The Big Act Theatre School, completed the RISE Trainee…
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Youth Committee
At RISE we believe that young people have a real voice in shaping the company and the experiences we create together. Our Youth Committee is made up of young dancers from across RISE who represent their peers, share ideas and help influence the direction of the company.
The committee meets regularly throughout the year independently and with RISE company leaders, creating an open space to talk about what matters to our young people, what they need from RISE, and how we can continue to make the company a welcoming, inspiring and supportive place for everyone.
Our committee members take an active role in company life. They help organise fundraising events and activities, contribute ideas and content for our social media, and champion diversity, inclusion and belonging across RISE. They also act as ambassadors for promoting positive health and wellbeing, helping us promote the importance of confidence, connection, movement and looking after ourselves and one another.
Most importantly, the Youth Committee ensures that the voices of our young dancers are heard. We want young people to know that their ideas, experiences and opinions matter, and that they can play a meaningful part in shaping the community they belong to. Through the committee, our dancers have opportunities to develop their confidence, leadership, teamwork and communication skills, while making a genuine difference to RISE and the wider community.
“To recognise and nurture talent the way Helen does is a very special thing. To recognise and have the generosity of spirit to offer other artists the opportunity to work with such gifted young people is, again, a very special thing. RISE can only ever go forwards”
Sara Mather (Artistic Co- Director, 3rd Stage Dance Company)
Associates
Sam Amos
Associate artist
Sam Amos is a choreographer and filmmaker based in…
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Imogen Sansum
AssociatE producer
Imogen danced with RISE as a teenager before…
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Shadi Alcott
AssociatE artist
Shadi is a dance artist and published poet…
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Board
Polly Crockett
Polly is a Senior Lecturer in Business & Management at Bath Spa University’s…
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Frazer Meakin
Frazer is a Director, Movement Director, and Educator working across theatre, film…
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Ruby Portus
Ruby is a dancer, choreographer and movement director. A proud Bristolian, she grew up…
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NickYoung-Wolfe
Nick Young-Wolfe is a director at MUTI Live, a Bristol based training partner supporting…
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Helen Wilson
Director
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Helen is responsible for the artistic and strategic leadership of the company. She is passionate about raising the profile of dance for children and young people to improve the professional sector. Helen’s commitment to youth dance was nurtured during her apprenticeship in a professional company led by Phoenix Dance Founders, where she learned the importance of technique, creative and performance skills, as well as leadership, teamwork and teaching.
Helen went on to dance with companies like RJC Dance, Les Commandos Percu, and Neshima Dance, as well as project work with other companies. She includes mass movement in her practice and helped to choreograph mass movement events, including the Rugby League and Rugby Union World Cups and Big Dance 2014/2016.
She is part of the Library of People for Gather Up, supporting Bristol dance artists with advice on working with children and young people, and was the Dance Hub Champion in Bristol, working closely with Creative Youth Network and Bristol Dance Futures. In 2022, Helen was shortlisted for the Young People’s Champion award by One Dance UK, further recognising her dedication to this area.
More recently, Helen has worked closely with the RISE team to make us more visible, locally, nationally and internationally.
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Luke Antysz
ASSOCIATE Director
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Luke has worked with RISE since 2015. He trained at London Contemporary Dance School (The Place), graduating in 2009, and has worked as a professional dance artist and educator ever since. He is a Senior Lecturer in Dance at Bath Spa University, where he teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate courses in dance technique, choreography, performance and professional dance practice.
Alongside his university role, Luke continues to work independently as a choreographer, performer and teacher, leading professional and community dance classes across Bristol.
Within RISE, Luke plays a central role working alongside Helen to develop the organisation’s artistic vision and opportunities for young people. Together, they promote a nurturing, creative environment that empowers dancers to explore their potential, build confidence, and become the best versions of themselves through dance.
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Hannah Nelmes
Teaching and Admin
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Hannah began her training in contemporary dance at secondary school and joined RISE at the age of 15, first with RISE Youth and later as part of Performance Group.
Alongside RISE Hannah studied for a level 3 dance diploma at SGS, training in other styles such as commercial and jazz.
She continued her training in London for a year before returning to RISE to extend her experience in youth dance.
Hannah is excited to be working with RISE creatively and learning about all aspects of the Company.
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Murilo Leite D’ Imperio
ADMINISTRATOR and Project Co-ordinator
credit: Hugo Glendinning
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Originally from Brazil, Murilo has been dancing his whole life. At 16, he co-founded Re*Flex Dance, a youth-led dance company, after attending a residency by RJC Dance.
Murilo studied dance in Bristol and graduated from Middlesex University. He has performed with local companies; Neshima Dance Company, Julia Thorneycroft Dance and Untold Dance Theatre, and toured nationally with Earthfall Dance in At Swim Two Boys which was turned into a ‘fulldome’ film using 360º technology.
With a passion for inspiring young people, Murilo has led engagement programmes for Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and managed youth dance projects for Theatre Royal Plymouth.
In recent years, his career has expanded into the social sector, both as a Creative Youth Worker at CYN and Foster Carer with Amicus.
He’s now joined Rise Youth Dance as an administrator, excited to support the company’s work in empowering young people through dance – a cause close to his heart.
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Youth Committee
About US
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The Youth Committee are elected annually and meet once a term.
They are the voice of the dancers and are involved in decision making, come up with ideas for developing the Company and lead some social media and fundraising ideas.
They are encouraged within their various roles to support each member of RISE to be involved in the development of the Company.
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Diversity
Maya, Ruby, Sylvie & Tallulah
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Tallulah – ‘I wanted to be a social media rep to help our company reach new audiences and make new connections.’
– ‘I’m excited to work with diversity and includion so we can make RISE a more accessible place for all people.’
– ‘Diversity and inclusion is so important in growing our company and developing healthy connections with each other.’
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Wellbeing
Bea, ethan, juno & morag
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– ‘I truly believe that the wellbeing of our RISE students should be prioritised and all our voices heard. A healthy mind means a healthy body. So supporting each other as a community contributes to creating a happy and safe environment. A space where we can express ourselves through not only movement but also voice. This creates the opportunity to get to know our RISE students as individuals, and be able to support young adults into independence.’
– ‘I wanted to be a wellbeing champion because I think it’s important that everyone feels comfortable and listened to. RISE is like a family, and so going into the next year I want to continue that support for everyone and make sure everyone feels loved!’
– ‘I chose to be a RISE well being champion because being in RISE and meeting new people has created such a strong support system for me personally. And I want people to feel comfortable and have a safe space created for them so that everyone can feel comfortable and confident within themselves to not only do the best in dancing but be the best version of themselves.’
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Social Media
anouk, dixie, maisie & martha
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Anouk – ‘Being in RISE has given me a place to express myself and I hope to create a safe environment for others to express themselves as well.’
– ‘I am a social media rep because i want RISE to be more well known and seen more on the socials.’
– ‘I chose to be a social media rep to broaden our horisons and show people what RISE is all about. I’m interested in making dance more visual for all young people.’
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Fundraising
Evie, Ianthe, Isabelle & meabh
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Ianthe– ‘I wanted to be a fundraising hero as fundraising is such a key part of RISE and essential to ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to dance. I think it’s important for us young people to have a chance to help the community.’
Meabh – ‘I chose to be a fundraising hero so i can have a positive impact on the company and make sure we are able to keep RISE affordable and accessible for all.’
– ‘I want to be a fundraising hero to help make a positive impact on RISE and make it easier for RISE Youth to do more things like workshops and events.
– ‘I wanted to do fundraising at RISE Youth Dance because RISE isn’t just for dancing, it’s also the community and people you meet.’
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Charlie White
RISE Teacher
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Charlie began her training in contemporary and jazz dance as a teenager before discovering circus and aerial arts. She trained at The Big Act Theatre School, completed the RISE Trainee Programme, studied at Copenhagen Contemporary Dance School, and later graduated from Circomedia Circus Academy.
She now works as a professional circus artist and dancer, performing across the UK and co-directing Above and Beyond Circus.
Charlie is a staff member with RISE, teaching and supporting company administration. She has a strong passion for creativity, collaboration, and helping young people discover confidence and expression through movement.
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Sam Amos
associate artist
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Sam Amos is a choreographer and filmmaker based in Bristol.
As a child Sam was inspired by the freedom and expressive nature of Breaking and has dedicated a life to developing a distinct movement style, which he is known for today. Breaking was the catalyst and outlet for his creativity, and later inspired an interest in filmmaking. This provided an opportunity to use his movement as a vehicle to explore themes and tell stories.
In 2014, Sam founded TrashDollys, a dance and film company that places movement and physicality at the heart of visual story-telling. Through his work, Sam aims to challenge the creative possibilities of dance and connect with wider audiences through film and theatre.
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Imogen Sansum
associate
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Imogen danced with RISE as a teenager before completing a degree in Dance at Falmouth University. After graduating she undertook a variety of freelance roles in the arts industry before spending some time travelling.
In 2017 Imogen joined the RISE trainee programme, extending her experience in the youth arts sector.
Imogen works as the Diploma Courses Coordinator for Bristol School of Acting. Here she assists in the planning, execution and producing of both the Acting and Dance courses and shows.
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Shadi Alcott
associate
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Shadi is a dance artist and published poet based in Bristol and London with a special interest in Caribbean contemporary technique.
She began her training in contemporary and flow-based techniques at Rise Youth Dance in 2017. And in 2021 started her training in traditional west African and Caribbean forms at IRIE! dance theatre obtaining a First Class Honours degree in Diverse Dance Styles. Whilst also continuing her studies in contemporary and hip hop languages.
She began her work with professional touring company IRIE Dance Theatre in 2024 where she will be showcasing traditional dances from the African and Caribbean diaspora with a contemporary fusion.
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Polly Crockett
board member
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Polly is a Senior Lecturer in Business & Management at Bath Spa University’s Bath Business School, where her teaching focus is on Innovation Management, Creativity for Business and Arts Management. She has a particular research focus in the arts industries and cultural partnerships; current research involves working closely with and exploring the independent artist’s career.
Polly has worked within the Arts Industry for over 30 years whilst also incorporating work in Health Care, running a dance company and providing consultation for varying arts organisations. She is particularly keen to see arts and business work together and for arts based initiatives to support business development and project initiatives.
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Frazer Meakin
board member
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Frazer is a Director, Movement Director, and Educator working across theatre, film, and immersive arts, with credits spanning the UK and the West End.
Alongside his creative work, he has extensive experience in schools, having served as a Head of Year, Cover Manager, and teacher, bringing strong expertise in working with young people and safeguarding processes.
He is a steering group member of the West of England Music and Arts Alliance Cultural Education Hub and is passionate about widening access to the arts, ensuring all young people have the opportunity to participate, create, and thrive.
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Helen Edwards
board member
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Helen is the Senior Producer (Artist Development) for Paraorchestra, an organisation who are reinventing the orchestra for the 21st Century.
Some of her producing credits with Paraorchestra include SMOOSH! at Brighton Festival 2022 and in partnership with Filwood Community Centre & Bristol Beacon in 2021; The Love Unlimited Synth Orchestra at Grace Jones’ Meltdown Festival; & Death Songbook at Llais Festival. Prior to joining Paraorchestra full-time Helen was a freelance producer, specialising in artist development and participatory work, and has also worked with Travelling Light Theatre, Bristol Old Vic and the National Theatre.
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Ruby Portus
board member
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Ruby is a dancer, choreographer and movement director. A proud Bristolian, she grew up dancing with RISE, Kinesis and National Youth Dance Company as well as acting with Bristol Old Vic Young Company.
Ruby is a graduate of London Contemporary Dance School and VERVE at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. She was also an inaugural Young Associate at Sadler’s Wells 2018-2019.
Ruby’s professional performance credits include DeNada Dance Theatre, Autin Dance Theatre, Southpaw Dance Company, Corey Baker Dance (Birmingham Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony 2022), Extended Play (Jamaal Burkmar), Glyndebourne Opera, Sita Ostheimer and Liz Aggiss.
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Nick Young-Wolfe
Board Member
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Nick Young-Wolfe is a director at MUTI Live, a Bristol-based training partner supporting the live arts and events sector’s training and skills needs.
Prior to setting up MUTI Live, Nick was Creative Director at Creative Youth Network, where he championed arts-based opportunities for young people. He also worked as Civic Engagement Manager at the University of Bristol, leading the Barton Hill Microcampus project and building bridges between the university and the local community.
An advocate for social justice, Nick was an inaugural member of the Mayoral Commission for Race Equality, helping shape policy and promote fair representation across Bristol’s cultural life.
As an educator, Nick has taught across Further and Higher Education, forging strong connections between the arts, academia, and the local creative economy. He has collaborated with Rise Youth Dance on numerous projects and is proud to support the organisation’s long-term sustainability and impact.
Support Us
At RISE we want to make sure that anyone who wants to dance with us can do so. Please donate to support our work, or learn more about how you can help us on our campaign page.
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