We represent Dancers in Equity.
As the Dance Committee, we advise the Equity Screen and New Media Committee and the Stage Committee. We take approved action on issues affecting Equity members working as dance artists in the entertainment industry. We also submit industrial claims to relevant employers and agrees settlements of claims.
Keep an eye on this page for NEW 2025-27 Dance Committee priorities to be published in September 2025.
Who we are
About the Dance Committee
Polly Bennett is an internationally acclaimed British movement director, choreographer and director, renowned for creating emotionally truthful, character-driven movement across film, television and theatre. Blending expertise in dance, performance and behavioural psychology, she has shaped award-winning performances including Austin Butler’s Oscar-nominated portrayal of Elvis Presley, Rami Malek’s Academy Award-winning Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, and multiple acclaimed performances in The Crown. Her work spans major productions for Netflix, Amazon MGM, Warner Bros., Marvel, BBC, RSC and National Theatre collaborating with many of the industry’s leading directors to redefine movement as an essential storytelling language across screen and stage.
Sam Burkett is a dance artist and comedian whose work has been presented across the UK and internationally. In addition to performance making, they work as a movement director and teacher. They are passionate about supporting the independent and grassroots performance sector and building solidarity amongst arts workers.
Xolani is a movement director, choreographer, performer, director and intimacy coordinator based in Leeds. She is driven by collaboration and creativity to bring positive change and takes pride in working to allow voices to be heard.
MJ (they/them) is a non-binary creative making waves across dance. Starting their career as a professional dancer, they’ve worked across TV, film, and stage before carving out a reputation as a creative leader, and unapologetic champion for change.
As the co-founder of Unapologetic, MJ is on a mission to amplify underrepresented voices and create spaces where artists don’t just survive, they thrive. They’re also the co-founder and producer of Pride In Kingston, bringing communities together through bold, inclusive events that celebrate queer joy and creativity.
Never one to wait for a seat at the table, MJ builds new ones. Fiercely passionate about representation, they combine lived experience with relentless drive to push the industry forward. Expect big ideas, bigger energy, and absolutely no settling for “the way it’s always been.”
Gareth Mole is an award winning Choreographer, Movement Director and dance artist working across stage and screen in the UK and internationally.
Opera credits includes: Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried, Gotterdammerung & The Complete Ring Cycle (Teatro alla Scala, Milan); Turandot (Scottish Opera); Maria Stuarda (Teatro
Real, Madrid); Il Tabarro, Sour Angelica, Gianni Schicchi (Scottish Opera); Il Trittico (Welsh National Opera).
As Revival Choreographer: Guilio Cesare (Deutsch Oper Berlin); Il Trovatore (Royal Ballet & Opera, London); Death in Venice (Volksoper, Austria).
As Associate Choreographer: Guilio Cesare (Glyndebourne Opera); Death in Venice (Royal Ballet & Opera).
Screen credits include: Associate Choreographer on Belfast (Focus Films); Sandman S02 (Netflix).
Fashion credits include: Movement Director on Sabirah (London Fashion Week); The Unseen Beauty (Somerset House); Kitty Joseph (NOW Gallery); Associate Movement Director on Hermes
Store Launch (Hermes); Vogue World (Theatre Royal Dury Lane).
Theatre credits include: Gabriel (Oxford Playhouse); Dance Nation (Rose Bruford); Tom’s Midnight Garden (Frankly Speaking Productions).
As revival choreographer: A Christmas Carol (Bridge Theatre); Smoosh! (ParaOrchestra).
Ellen Kane is an Olivier and Tony nominated Choreographer.
Theatre includes: as co-director and choreographer, Why Am I So Single? (The Garrick Theatre, West End); as choreographer, Paddington: The Musical (The Savoy, West End), Ballet Shoes (National Theatre); Dear England (National Theatre, West End & UK Tour); Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Donmar Warehouse); A Chorus Line (Sadler’s Wells & UK tour); West Side Story (The Curve, Leicester); Cold War (The Almedia); Legally Blonde (Regents Park Open Air); The Hills of California (The Harold Pinter)and on Broadway; as co-choreographer, Groundhog Day TheMusical (Broadway & The Old Vic, London - Tony and Olivier Award nominated); as Worldwide Associate Choreographer, Matilda the Musical (RSC, West End & International); and as International Choreographic Supervisor and Associate, Billy Elliot the Musical (West End, Broadway & international touring).
Screen credits include: Choreographer on The Sheep Detectives (Working Title), Knuckles (Paramount) and Matilda (Working Title/Netflix – World Choreography Award for Best Motion Picture Choreography).
Stephen Moynihan is a movement director, choreographer, and intimacy coordinator working across theatre, film, and television. His credits include House of the Dragon, The Witcher and Ted Lasso. A member of the Equity Dance Committee, he is passionate about supporting performers, championing fair working practices, and advocating for the vital role of movement across the creative industries.
Giselle Parker is a performer, movement director, choreographer and certified intimacy coordinator with over 20 years’ experience in the performing arts industry. She is passionate about championing dancers, choreographers and movement professionals, working to strengthen recognition, improve industry standards and ensure movement is valued as an integral part of storytelling.
Sarah Perry is a Movement Director, Movement Choreographer and Character & Performance Coach working across film, high-end television, animation and immersive productions. Her credits include The Salt Path, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, His Dark Materials and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic. She is founder of Shapes in Motion and co-host of The Shapes in Motion Podcast, both of which support dialogue, learning and greater visibility for movement professionals. As Vice Chair of Equity's Dance Committee and Vice Chair of the Choreographers & Movement Directors Network (CMDN), Sarah works to strengthen recognition, fair contracts, equitable credits and professional representation across the industry.
Casting guide for deaf, disabled and neurodiverse dancers
What you can do to remove barriers across your creative process.