Hello, my name is
Katie Murray
My love of dance began when at the age of 5 when my Mum took me to my first ever dance lesson and ever since then I have been hooked.
Once I had left school I began my professional training at Dance Academy South West where I completed 3 years professional training in all aspects of the performing arts gaining my I.S.T.D. Dance teaching qualifications as well as dancing alongside renowned companies such as The Ellen Kent’s Russian Ballet ‘Swan Lake’, Bristol Hippodrome, and the Ballet Russe ‘Nutcracker.
I have worked with various companies around the world, choreographing and dancing in large scale productions. My Credits include:
- ‘Pikanti’ (NH Hotel Resort Dominican Republic)
- Pianeta Danza Italy (Choreographing for Galas/TV/Show cases)
- First Choice and Thomson’s Family Resorts
- As well as ‘Grease,’ ‘Chicago,’ ‘Lord of the Dance’ for the Louis Chain Hotels Cyprus; ‘Sister Act’, Her Majesty’s Theatre West End.
I have always been passionate about working with young people and since settling back in Devon 3 years ago have set up my own dance company ‘ Step Up & Dance’ with my main aim to develop dance workshops for children of all ages and abilities within primary and secondary schools. I firmly believe that dance can be enjoyed and beneficial to all improving physical and mental wellbeing as well as developing confidence and belief in young people through the medium of dance.
I am constantly developing new material for my workshops, shows and displays that I believe my students will enjoy and I will continue to get youngsters active and share my love for the performing arts.
Thanks for reading
“Having Katie teach dance in school is brilliant. She delivers lessons that are a fantastic and fun approach to the curriculum. It’s great to see the children, even the shy ones, really joining in and developing their movement and performance skills.”
Amanda Pow, PE co-ordinator, The Beacon CE Primary School.
“Katie came to our school to deliver Street Dance sessions to our pupils across KS1 and KS2. All of our children had a great time, finding the sessions fun, very active and purposeful. The sessions culminated in a short performance in front of family and friends. The children relished the opportunity to show off their skills. I believe these sessions offered an opportunity for both boys and girls of all abilities to enjoy working and performing together as a group.”
Jacky Pinder-White, P.E. Co-ordination, Drakes Primary School
Examples of my work
West Hill Primary School
I was first introduced to West Hill Primary school 3 years ago when I was asked to lead a Rainforest dance Workshop day for Key Stage 1 and a Street Dance workshop for key stage 2. After two great days of dance with the children and lots of positive feedback from...
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
Initially I came to St Joseph’s Primary school 2 years ago to run a one off Street dance workshop, but as it proved to be so popular with the children was then asked to teach dance throughout the school on a regular basics. I enjoy creating workshops that inspire...
Otterton C of E Primary School
Over the years I have run dance clubs for Otterton Primary school which have proved popular with students of all ages and abilities. The students were delighted to make the paper with their Michal Jackson Thriller routine which they soon learnt and costumed and gave a...