ABOUT US
MISSION
We bring together and upskill Hip Hop dancers and artists from different backgrounds across the UK and internationally.
We work with artists and young people from Black and ethnic minority and lower socio economic communities and are committed to removing geographic, economic and social barriers that prevent people from taking part in arts and culture.
We support Hip Hop freelance creatives, develop Hip Hop performers, exchange internationally and strengthen the UK Hip Hop ecology.
We pride ourselves on staying connected to practising, developing artists, and being a vital conduit for arts organisations and the sector to diversify.
WE WANT TO:
Demonstrate cultural leadership where everyone can have ideas and feel valued
Provide alternative routes to consider higher education as a pathway, encouraging more Black & ethnic minority creatives into dance
Develop resilient artists and future leaders, nurturing creatives entrepreneurial instincts
JUST US DANCE THEATRE
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JUST US DANCE THEATRE —
VALUES
a simple principle that ensures excellence across our work
Inspire.
Unlock creativity, increase productivity, and boost happiness for Hip Hop creatives and audiences by opening doors to different artistic experiences through participation and performance
NURTURE.
Listen to Hip Hop creatives and dancers and varying career levels and respond with bespoke artistic development programmes
SUPPORT.
Career pathways, valuing artists with substantial resources and networks to promote growth and develop Hip Hop, improving the quality of partnerships and the UK dance sector
Joseph began Just Us Dance Theatre in 2007 with a group of friends who shared a passion for Hip Hop culture, theatre and community work. They wanted to create and deliver programmes for local young people from ethnic minority and low-income backgrounds and give back to the communities they came from.
In 2013 the first ever Let’s Shine Mentorship programme was delivered, connecting a variety of educational establishments across Newham and providing weekly training and performance opportunities in London.
In 2014 JUDT began workshops for training and curated annual performance platforms ‘Just Us and Friends’ that gave creative and presenting opportunities for artists at a range of levels and introduced Hip Hop artists to venues who were yet to programme Hip Hop.
THE JOURNEY
Alongside developing his own personal practice as a maker and creating a touring portfolio, in 2016 Joseph founded Artists 4 Artists alongside two creative producers. This was a trailblazing artist-led initiative activating industry change for the UK Hip Hop community. The initiative aimed to address inequality and the lack of developmental avenues for Hip Hop artists and curated responsive opportunities nationally to further artists and the position of Hip Hop in the dance sector.
Bringing these two organisations together under the Just Us umbrella consolidated support for the sector - using Hip Hop to inspire young people, create progression routes for diverse artists, and opportunities for professionals and developing artists in the UK and Internationally.
In 2023 Just Us Dance Theatre became an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, cementing our work in supporting and developing the UK Hip Hop dance theatre scene.
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WE have created transformative development programmes for nearly two decades, arming the next generation of Hip Hop performers and makers with tools, resources and information so they are equipped to continue developing and breaking the boundaries of the Hip Hop form and circumstances they are in
In 2014 JUDT began workshops for training and curated annual performance platforms called ‘Just Us and Friends’ that gave creative and presenting opportunities for artists at a range of levels and introduced Hip Hop artists to venues who were yet to programme Hip Hop.
While developing his own personal practice as a maker and a touring portfolio in 2016 Joseph and Emily founded Artists 4 Artists along with Emily and another Hip Hop Producer Lee Griffiths. This was a trailblazing artist-led initiative activating industry change for the UK Hip Hop community. They aimed to address inequality and the lack of developmental avenues for Hip Hop artists and curated responsive opportunities nationally to further artists and the position of Hip Hop in the dance sector.
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Bringing these Just Us Dance Theatre and Artists 4 Artists together has now consolidated support for the sector, using Hip Hop to inspire young people, create progression routes for diverse artists, and opportunities for professionals and developing artists in the UK and Internationally.
In 2023 Just Us Dance Theatre became an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, cementing our work in supporting and developing the UK Hip Hop dance theatre scene.
MEET OUR TEAM
Joseph Toonga
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Joseph Toonga, hailing from Cameroon and raised in East London, is an inventive and visionary choreographer rooted in the vibrancy of hip-hop culture, crafts and performs compelling dance productions deeply entwined with contemporary narratives. His distinct choreographic style fuses the essence of hip-hop with genuine life experiences, challenging societal norms, dismantling racial stigmas, and sparking transformative conversations.
Acknowledged for his outstanding talent, Joseph was honoured with the Best Choreography Award at New York’s Reverb Dance Festival, showcasing his innovative approach within the hip-hop dance realm. Renowned institutions such as the Dutch National Junior Ballet, Ballet BC Annex, National Youth Ballet/Bundes jugend ballett, Richard Alston Dance Company, Junior Ballet Madrid (Elephant in the Black Box), and East Wall (with Hofesh Shechter) have sought his choreographic brilliance, showcasing his diverse expertise across various dance forms.
As the appointed Royal Ballet’s Choreographic Residency artist for 2023/2024, Joseph’s contributions transcend boundaries, harnessing the power of hip-hop to reshape societal narratives. A driving force behind Just Us Dance Theatre and Artists4Artists, he remains steadfast in his commitment to cultivating innovation in both hip-hop and contemporary dance while nurturing the next generation of exceptional talent.
Hazel Singleton
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Hazel joined Just Us Dance Theatre in 2023, following the company’s transition to NPO status. With more than two decades of senior level experience across the dance and wider cultural sector, she brings extensive expertise in organisational development, strategic operations, company management, and artist support, gained through working with both independent artists and internationally recognised dance organisations.
Prior to joining Just Us Dance Theatre, Hazel served as Administrative Director at Studio Wayne McGregor, where she played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the company.
Francesca Padovani
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Francesca joined JUDT in January 2025. She has over 10 years’ experience working in theatres in the UK, where she relocated from Italy. She started her journey in London working front of house in the West End, to then join Sadler’s Wells as Operations Manager. In 2024, she transitioned to company management, working both in the UK and in Europe. She also works as a freelance Stage Manager and Theatre Technician.
Our BOARD MEMBERS
NADIA GARDNER (CHAIR)
I am honoured to serve as Chair of Just Us Dance Theatre Company in my first Chair role within an organisation. I bring over 20 years of experience as a dancer with Boy Blue Entertainment, as well as experience in commercial performance and directing my own award-winning dance films, which have received 15 international awards.
Deeply rooted in the Hip Hop dance movement, I am passionate about dance, creative development, and supporting the evolution of organisations and artists.
Alongside my work in the arts, I am Director of Safeguarding at the Artists Safeguarding and Wellbeing Hub, a qualified and accredited psychotherapist, and I am currently completing my Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, with a research specialism in embodiment and psychotherapy within Black trauma.
I am excited to be part of the future of Just Us Dance Theatre Company and to support the continued growth and development of the organisation.
Click on each headshot to learn more about our board members
GRAHAM AMBROSE
Theresa Beattie
Akosua Boakye
Heather Coke
Gayane Gyurjyan
Peggy Olislaegers
GRAHAM AMBROSE
Graham Ambrose is a Managing Director in Goldman Sachs’ Global Banking & Markets division, focussed on Asia Pacific Equities. He is also co-host of The Lift For Life podcast which promotes weight training, sustainable nutrition & longevity. He is also a Trustee of East London Dance, through which he originally met Joseph Toonga.
Theresa Beattie
Theresa Beattie OBE is an arts consultant specialising in dance. She has held curatorial roles at Southbank Centre, Dance Umbrella and the Royal Opera House, and was Director of Artist Development at The Place. In 2006 she founded Theresa Beattie Associates, providing executive search, board recruitment and organisational development services. She mentors artists and leaders, facilitates strategic planning, and serves as a trustee and governor across leading UK dance organisations.
Akosua Boakye
Akosua Boakye BEM is a distinguished performing arts educator, external examiner, researcher and industry leader with over 25 years’ experience across education, community arts and professional theatre. She is the Founder and Director of AkomaAsa Performing Arts Academy, where she leads an innovative curriculum integrating Western and African diaspora performing arts traditions. A former Children’s Casting Director for Disney’s The Lion King West End production, she has trained and developed hundreds of young performers for major professional opportunities. Akosua is also the co‑founder of the Thea Barnes Legacy Fund and a recipient of the British Empire Medal for services to dance education and community arts.
HEATHER COKE
Heather, a former performer, is a Dance teacher. At an East London School she crossed paths with the young Joseph Toonga, nurtured his talent and the rest is history. She currently teaches at the same school, mentors trainee dance teachers, moderates for AQA GCSE Dance and works as an independent dance consultant. She is also a co-founder of "Connecting De Dots" (CIC).
Gayane Gyurjyan
Gayane is an independent consultant, advising Lifesciences companies on strategic topics and commercial and digital transformations. Prior to this, she was a Partner at McKinsey & Company in London, where she led McKinsey’s new business building service line in Lifesciences for Europe, helping clients adopt new, agile ways of working, drive business model innovation and scale their new businesses.
Born and raised in Armenia, she has lived and worked in 10+ countries, including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, and the USA. Gayane is passionate about dance as a force for good for individuals and society and enjoys dancing in her spare time. Outside work, she is also involved with healthcare and humanitarian charities, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Peggy Olislaegers
Peggy Olislaegers (1966) is a dance artist providing artistic and strategic advice to choreographers and performing art institutes in Europe. She directed the Dutch Dance Festival (2010-2016) and co-created the innovative European projects Act Your Age, Pivot Dance and Performing Gender. She has been Artistic Associate of dance company Rambert/London (2015-2019) and is Associate on Research and Development of Dutch National Ballet/Amsterdam (since 2019).
She advised leaders in the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, Lebanon, Taiwan, and the Netherlands.
JUDT are committed to an
active agenda to challenge
underrepresentation
We are committed to creating a staff team and Board that celebrates intersectionality across gender, ethnicity, disability, social class and, as a company with a national focus, geographical representation outside of London. We continue to work towards these aims.
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Inspire.
SUPPORT.
NURTURE.