.png)
ABOUT
ASPIRE@
At the heart of Aspire@ is a commitment to celebrating artistic expression, personal
growth and promoting integrity and inclusivity.
We believe that every competitor deserves the opportunity to shine in a safe,
supportive and professional environment.
Our ethos is grounded in the belief that competition should nurture and inspire.
Through our organised, welcoming festivals we provide high quality adjudication
and a focus on our community. We strive to create experiences that not only reward
technical excellence but also nurture creativity and confidence.
OUR FESTIVALS
Aspire@ Festivals are much more than competitive dance spaces, Aspire@ creates environments where dancers from all backgrounds and capabilities can develop, learn and express themselves freely.
We believe that dance festivals should serve as a platform to inspire passion, encourage artistic development and build confidence in every dancer.
Aspire@ festivals offer the valuable opportunity to dancers to connect with others
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy centres on integrity, respect and encouragement. We pledge to ensure every competitor feels safe, valued and appreciated in Aspire@ spaces.
We believe that dance festivals should be an inspiring an positive experience for every performer. Our ethos and philosophy is built on the principle that competition should encourage growth rather than create pressure, celebrate individuality and provide opportunities for dancers at levels to shine.
We are committed to:
Fair and professional adjudication
- Delivered with care, respect and constructive feedback
A welcoming and inclusive environment
- Where every dancer feels valued, supported and encouraged
Celebrating both artistry and technique
- Rewarding not only technical capabilities but creativity and expression
Meet the Adjudicators
ASPIRE@RADSTOCK 2027
Adam Scott
Adam is a choreographer & teacher working at vocational and HE colleges such as, Urdang Academy, Wilkes Academy, Arts Educational, Laine Theatre Arts, London Studio Centre, Italia Conti, Stella Mann College and many others over his 10 years experience in education. Adam is also a regular tutor and faculty member for “Can You Dance”; the biggest touring dance convention in the UK, and has been working with the company for 7 years now teaching at large arenas and to a variety of ages, so has lots of experience working with dancers from ages 6-25. Adam has had a well established class at Londons’ prestigious ‘Base Studios’ for over 3 years and loves sharing his passion and creativity in the arts. Adam's teaching and adjudication experience ranges from competitions and events both in the UK and internationally including France, Belgium, Spain & Dubai. Training: Laine Theatre Arts, Acrobatic Arts Level 2, ISTD, Trinity Diploma. Adam is extremely grateful to be working with the AED as an adjudicator and looks forward to working with festival organisers to bring joy to dancers and spread the love of dance.
ASPIRE@BACKWELL 2027
Helen Leek
Helen trained at Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts and was the winner of The Doreen Bird Bursary. After dancing professionally in the UK and overseas, she moved back to her hometown of Worcester in 1992 and founded her own school. Many of her students have made dancing their career, performing in the West End, ballet companies, pantomimes, on cruises, abroad and teaching as well as becoming choreographers themselves. Helen has always loved dance and the theatre and has experimented with choreography from a very young age. It is a joy for her to have the opportunity not only to teach and choreograph herself, but to see so much innovative and thought- provoking work. Her choreographic credits include 16 pantomimes, and she has also produced three full length ballets with the English Symphony Orchestra. Helen is also a member of the RAD, ISTD and IDTA and is thrilled to now be on the All England Adjudicating panel. "I find it a sheer joy and privilege to be asked to adjudicate and watch so many wonderful dancers perform. I am so aware that I am witnessing a bright and exciting future”
ASPIRE@TRINITY 2026
Lucy Banfield
Lucy has over 25 years of industry experience, having worked firstly as a professional Ballet Dancer, then moving into Musical Theatre, Film, TV, and working in the Commercial sector. She has had the pleasure of working with and assisting many notable Directors and Choreographers including Susan Stroman, Baz Luhrmann, Drew McOnie, Arlene Phillips, Carlos Acosta, Rob Ashford, Twyla Tharp, Andy Blankenbuehler, Karen Bruce, Lucie Pankhurst, Adam Cooper, Javier Frutos, & Kim Gavin.Lucy is a multifaceted dance professional, she choreographs and directs industry based projects, and has worked as a dance facilitator and educator for over 25 years, with senior leadership experience including roles as Head of Dance at ArtsEd, Head of Jazz at Laine Theatre Arts, and Head of Vocational Studies at The Urdang Academy. Lucy has lectured at numerous HE and FE institutions including Laine Theatre Arts, The Urdang Academy, London Studio Centre, ArtsEd, The Royal College of Speech and Drama, Italia Conti, Performers, The Hammond, Central School of Ballet and Bodywork Company. She currently adjudicates and guest tutors at numerous prestigious events both here in the UK, and internationally, and is an RAD Musical Theatre Examiner, as well as having served on the All England Artistic Committee. She is the Choreographer & Movement Consultant for BLOCH photoshoots here in the UK, has a diploma in Event Management, and an FAA Level 2 Award for First Aid in Mental Health.
