Charis Osborne

Executive Director

Charis Osborne took on the role of Executive Director in April 2020. As Executive Director, her roles involve working alongside the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer in delivering Phoenix’s artistic ambition through strategic planning and implementation and business and financial management.

Prior to this role, she held the role of Director of Access & Education. Charis oversaw the management of the nationally recognised Youth Academies, Saturday School, Illuminate (dance programme for young people with additional needs), Schools Partnership Scheme and all other dance education and outreach programmes in the wider community.

Having developed a passion for ballet and contemporary dance at a young age, Charis trained at Central School of Ballet and The London Studio Centre. During her professional dance career Charis 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 developed the company’s access and education remit significantly delivering in the region of 6,000 workshops annually.