Phoenix Dance Theatre has today announced the appointment of Executive Director, Charis Charles, who will assume the role with the company with immediate effect.

Charis joined Phoenix Dance Theatre almost 12 years ago and has held a number of posts within the organisation; from Education Manager to Director of Access & Education. During her tenure, Charis has spearheaded Phoenix’s Access & Education department through monumental growth. Notable achievements include: expanding the company’s Youth Academy provision to Gateshead and York, Christopher Bruce’s Shadows being featured on the national GCSE curriculum and establishing the Schools Partnership Scheme.

Pamela Doherty, Chair of Phoenix Dance Theatre said “we are thrilled to appoint Charis as Executive Director. There were a range of exceptional candidates making the selection process incredibly competitive. Charis stood out in this process for her understanding of the contemporary dance landscape and her track record of exceptional leadership which has seen organisational growth.”

Charis trained at Central School of Ballet and The London Studio Centre. During her professional dance career, she performed works by Michael Popper, Mark Baldwin, Ramon Oller, Tom Roden, Gary Clarke, Anthony van Laast, Viviane Newport, Kerry Nicholls and Jan de Schynkel. Charis then moved on to join site specific touring & education company Ascendance Rep. It was here that she realised her passion for teaching and dance education and made the transition into full time education work.

Having joined Phoenix Dance Theatre in 2008 Charis’s level of expertise and management has developed the company’s access and education remit significantly, delivering in the region of 6000 workshops annually reaching up to 36,000 people.