Meet Our
Team
Rosie Lehan
Co-Director
Trained at Laban Centre (Trinity Laban) BA (Hons) Dance and Middlesex University MA Performing Arts. Working with Beverley Glean since 2000 Rosie has worked on a diverse range of projects, including Connecting Vibes Dance Company, established with Beverley Glean to provide opportunities for young artists at an early stage of their career. Other ventures include the Dance and Diversity project, an action-based research project originally funded by NESTA and ACE to investigate the place of African and Caribbean dance. The Project ongoing since 2004, included a research trip to the USA, Jamaica, Cuba and Ghana.
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Rosie worked as a Dance Lecturer at City and Islington College working on partnership projects with organisations such as Creative Partnerships, conducting research projects and establishing links in the USA and China.
Together with Beverley they created and subsequently led The Foundation Degree in Dance and in 2018 successfully launched the BA(Hons) Diverse Dance Styles validated by University of Roehampton.
Beverley Glean - MBE
Co-Director
Founder, Artistic Director and CEO of IRIE! dance theatre Beverley has been working in the field of dance, in particular African Peoples Dance for over 20 years. Trained at the Laban Centre London (Trinity Laban), The Jamaica School of Dance and The Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba; she has continued her training and development in dance & culture by working alongside artists from West Africa, Europe, America, and the Caribbean. Beverley founded IRIE! dance theatre in 1985. The company pioneered the move towards representing and promoting reggae music and its movement nuances on stage. Over the years, IRIE! has grown in stature. As well as its touring dance theatre company, it has developed a much sought after education & community outreach programme.
Since 1992 Beverley has developed the relationship between IRIE! dance theatre and City and Islington College, delivering workshops, lectures and performance projects. Since 2000 she has co- directed a number of performance/research projects in partnership with the College and IRIE! dance theatre including; Connecting vibes Dance Company and the Dance and Diversity project, funded by NESTA and ACE to investigate the place of African and Caribbean dance within performance and education She has worked to develop the new BA(Hons) Diverse Dance Styles, launched in 2018. In 2016 Beverley received a Lifetime Achievement Award from ADAD and in 2017 was awarded an MBE for services to the promotion of African and Caribbean Dance.
Leroy 'FX' Dias Dos Santos
Choreographer
Leroy 'FX' Dias Dos Santos is a passionate dance artist who continues to perfect his craft as a hybrid performer and choreographer. Born in Angola and raised in North London, Leroy was inspired by Michael Jackson and his cousins to pursue dance from a young age.
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In 2007, he graduated from Middlesex University studying Dance Performance, where he developed his ballet, contemporary and jazz technique. Throughout his career Leroy has worked with HM The Queen, Prince Charles, Jermaine Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Jason Statham, Will.I.AM, Jessie J, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, Sugababes, Aston Merrygold and choreographers such as Jermaine Brown, Rafael Bonachela, Shobana Jesaysingh, Mavin Khoo as well as The English National Ballet.
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Leroy performed in theatre productions 'Carmen Jones' (2007) at The Royal Festival Hall, 'La Travaita' (2007) and 'Aida' (2008) conducted under The Welsh National Opera. He is also a member of the street dance sensation Flawless, who were finalists on ITV’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. They featured in movies such as ‘Street Dance 3D’ 1 and 2 by Vertigo films (2009) and have currently been touring their new theatre production ‘Chase the Dream 2’ (2018-2019) across the UK and internationally.
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As well as performing, he has also had the opportunity to choreograph and collaborate with Susie Mckenna on ‘Mandem On The Wall’ Live Show at Hackney Empire (2015) and ‘Macbeth’ with Twist Theatre Company (2015-2016), ‘Hosea’s Girl’ (2015) a Hip Hop spoken word play written by Anastasia Osei- Kuffour.
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Leroy currently teaches dance technique and choreography across different sectors and has had the opportunity to work with different dance institutions such as Urdang Academy, Middlesex University, IRIE! Dance Theatre, Frantic Assembly, Dance College London, Wac Arts, Springs Dance Company and Hertford Regional College, which has all played a significant role to his teaching. Nurturing the younger generation and mentoring them through dance is a key part of Leroy’s teaching and philosophy
Nii Kwartey Owoo
Choreographer
Nii Kwartey Owoo is a dynamic force in the world of African dance and music, a true embodiment of his Ghanaian heritage. His journey as a percussionist, dancer, choreographer, and educator is deeply intertwined with the traditions of West Africa, particularly his Ga lineage, which he infuses into his vibrant artistic expressions.
Born and raised in Ghana, Nii's passion for the performing arts ignited at an early age. He recalls his first performance as a baby, cradled in his parents' arms during a production at the National Theatre of Ghana. This early exposure, coupled with growing up in a household that served as a hub for artists, solidified his destiny on the stage.
Nii's artistic creations are a powerful fusion of traditional and contemporary, a testament to his deep understanding of African dance and its evolution. He masterfully blends rhythmic movements, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures, often incorporating symbolic elements that tell stories of spirituality, history, and cultural identity. His choreography is not merely a visual spectacle; it's a conduit for communicating the essence of African culture, its resilience, and its enduring spirit.
As the lead artist of the Asasaa Ensemble, Nii creates a captivating soundscape that complements his dance work. Their music, rooted in highlife, is a vibrant blend of traditional Ghanaian rhythms and global influences, reflecting the dynamism of the African diaspora.
Through his music and dance, Nii bridges the gap between generations, inviting audiences to connect with the rich tapestry of African culture.
Nii's contribution to the dance of the African diaspora extends beyond performance. He is a dedicated educator, sharing his knowledge and passion with students at institutions like SOAS, University of London, Roehampton, Goldsmiths, University of London and IRIE! dance theatre. He empowers students to explore the nuances of African dance, fostering an appreciation for its cultural significance and its potential for creative expression.
Furthermore, Nii's work as a Trainee Music Leader with Spitalfields Music and Orchestras Live demonstrates his commitment to community engagement and artistic development. He has collaborated with George Fenton on ‘Together is Beautiful’ and organizations worldwide, leading workshops and delivering educational programs that celebrate the diversity of African dance and music.
Nii Kwartey Owoo's impact on the dance of the African diaspora is multifaceted. He is a performer, a choreographer, a musician, and an educator, all interwoven into a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression. Through his artistry, he preserves and celebrates the traditions of his ancestors while pushing the boundaries of contemporary African dance, ensuring its continued relevance and evolution in the global landscape.
Photo: Beth MacInnes