Izzy Catterall
I am Izzy Catterall and I am 21.
I first took part in Hastings Festival when I was either 7 or 8 years old. During my years of taking part in the festival I performed in solos, duets, mini groups and groups, and in an array of different dance styles. The dance festival was brilliant for me because each year I felt that it really pushed my confidence and artistic qualities as a performer. It was really helpful to get feedback on each of my performances each year, as I would use this feedback to my advantage to try and improve my performance and technique for next year, and it would always be reassuring and fulfilling when I would see my improvement. Not only that, but the festival was always a very exciting time - with all the bizarre costumes, the chaotic rehearsals, the buzz you would get backstage with your dance pals before going on stage. I’m really happy that I took part in the festival every year, because I think that it really helped shape who I am as a dancer, performer, choreographer and creative artist.
I trained at Laton Ash Dance Centre from the age of 5 to the age of 18. Whilst at Laton Ash I also trained on the CAT (Centre for Advanced Training) Scheme at The Place in London from the age of 13 to the age of 18.
I then went on to studying in a BA Hons in Contemporary Dance at Trinity Laban, where I have recently graduated from with my degree.
Whilst I was studying at Laban I had the opportunity to perform in numerous music videos, I was selected to perform two solos that I choreographed for the second round of BBC Young Dancer 2019, I was selected to perform for Burberry at London Fashion Week 2019, as well as taking part in loads of workshops and professional intensives with a variety of different choreographers and dance companies such as Hofesh Shechter Company, Peeping Tom, Alleyne Dance etc.
At this current time, I am still trying to find my way in the dance world and I have had to take a slight break because I recently had knee surgery so I am recovering from this.
Not only this, but coronavirus has affected a lot of dance work and opportunities, meaning it is very difficult to find a dance job at the moment. I am hoping that in the future I will either get into a dance company, or will work on different projects with a variety of different artists and eventually create my own work and choreography.
In terms of advice for young performers, my biggest recommendation would be to explore as many dance styles as you can, which may mean exploring new dance styles outside of your hometown (such looking for classes in London). It’s so important to be a versatile dancer and to be open to a variety of different dance styles rather than just the dance styles that you were brought up learning, as every dance style will help aid your technique and ability in other styles, which will overall help shape you as a dancer.
Entry to the 2024 Festival
Entries for 2024 Festival are now closed
