Biography

jonichols@eircom.net

Phone:087 7787320

Jo Nichols

A keen advocate of dance for all

Born in Hertfordshire, England, Jo worked as a qualified nursery nurse (N.N.E.B) in primary education for five years before re-training to undertake her present career in community dance. Jo commenced her education in dance in 1996, aged 23, during a two-year Foundation Dance Diploma and A’ Level Dance at Swindon College, based at Swindon Dance (National Dance Agency). Funded by ongoing nursery work and supply posts as a care assistant to the elderly, Jo continued her studies in dance, gaining a first class honours degree, B.A. in Dance, at Middlesex University (London College of Dance – Bedford campus, 2001).

On leaving University, Jo taught G.C.S.E and A level dance at secondary school level. She also ran various community classes for Dance East (N.D.A.) and set up her own classes with adults and children in Bedfordshire, before accepting a new, full time post as a dance facilitator in Ireland.

In April 2002, Jo moved to Cork, Ireland, where she began a two-year contract based at the Institute for Choreography and Dance (ICD), Firkin Crane. The focus for this post lay predominantly in train-the-trainer style facilitation. This involved youth workers, disadvantaged groups and training for schools.

A major project during this contract related to the delivery and development of The Older People in Dance training programme. This was a joint initiative between the Health Promotion Department of the HSE – Southern Area and the Institute for Choreography and Dance. The programme was piloted initially in 1998/1999 in association with Green Candle Dance Company (UK) and involved training people to work with older people in the use of creative dance and movement.

The course was taught by Jo with some assistance from the HSE, who covered the health and safety aspects of the training. This programme is accredited by FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council), entitled Dance Applied / Level 2. Jo continues to run regular in-service-training, refresher days, for those who have passed this qualification.

Enjoying the variety of opportunities and challenges available by working in Cork, Jo established herself as a freelance community dance worker and facilitator in 2004. This covers all aspects of dance education, community classes, choreography, dance for health and workshop facilitation.

Now able to spend more hands-on time with groups, Jo is currently working with older people, young children, teenagers, health care workers; children with Autism and their parents; young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities and other adult groups.

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