About the Company
Beyond Repair Dance formed in 2006 under the co-direction of Jane Coulston and Matthew Howells. Following the success of their debut work 'Beyond Repair' premiered at the Place's Robin Howard Theatre the company have performed extensively throughout England and Wales, while leading numerous workshops and residency programs.
The company recently appeared on 'Got to Dance' on Sky1 hosted by Davina McCall and were extremely proud to be selected from thousands of dance groups across the country. Beyond Repair feel passionately about bringing unique and cutting edge contemporary dance performances to larger audiences. Beyond Repair have toured numerous works across the country including Cube with Magic Ribbons, Beside You, Temperate Pulse and Seven for a Secret. To find out more go to our reviews page and gallery.
Matthew Howells
Artistic Director/Choreographer/Dancer
Matthew began dancing at the age of eighteen at Rubicon Dance (Cardiff), and then went on to train at Laban (London), graduating with a BA Hons in Dance Theatre. Matt then went on to dance for Transitions Dance Company, touring nationally and internationally, and achieving a Masters Degree in Dance Performance, and also performed nationally with Y Dance based in Glasgow. Matt has performed with National Youth Dance Wales alongside Random Dance Company, at PACT Zollverein Dance Festival in Germany (2005), and at the Hong Kong Dance Festival (2006). Matt has also performed with 28 Degrees Dance Company based in Cardiff, and performed in an all male version of ‘Second signal’ choreographed by Henri Oguike. Matt has worked with choreographers such as Athina Vahla, Wayne McGregor, Rashpal Singh Bansal, and Sarah Michelson. Matt has taught at TDM’s dance academy, Valley and Vale Community Arts, Stagecoach Theatre Arts, UWIC (University of Wales Institute Cardiff), Rhondda Cynon Taff Community Arts (RCTCA), and Neath College. Matt has been commissioned to create works on Dance Connections (UWIC), Expressions Dance Company (RCTCA) and Lift Dance Company (Neath College). Matthew also performs and teaches workshops for Beyond Repair Dance all over the UK.
Jane Coulston
Artistic Director/Choreographer/Dancer
Jane Began her full time dance training at Lewisham College to then go on to complete her dance training at Laban graduating with a BA Honors in Dance Theatre. After completing her study Jane went on to work as a choreographer in New York (USA) at Stagedoor Theatre arts Training Center, in this time she also danced in numerous projects in NYC. After returning to the UK Jane danced in numerous Dance film Projects in association with the American Academy of film. Including ‘Embrace me’ and ‘Together’ Directed by Yatta Calhoun . Jane has performed and choreographed numerous works for Beyond Repair Dance since it was founded by herself and Matthew Howells in November 2006. Including Co-Choreographing 'Beyond Repair' the Debut work for Beyond Repair Dance. Jane has also choreographed Temperate Pulse- a Sci Fi quintet, Seven for Secret which investigated the idea of superstition and most recenly Beyond Repair's 'Ziggy Stardust' inspired work piece for Sky 1's 'Got to Dance' hosted by Davina McCall. In addition to her choreographic work Jane currently runs the ContemporaryDance Program at The prestigious American School in London (ASL).
Roxanne Mortimer
Dancer
Roxanne began her training at Charnwood School of Dance and Drama in her home town of Leicester, while attending Charnwood she gained advanced I.S.T.D and R.A.D certifications in a variety of techniques ranging from Jazz to advanced Ballet Pointe work. She continued her training at Brooksby College where she achieved B tech national diploma in dance gaining the technical and choreographic skills that enabled her to continue her professional development at Laban (London). Roxanne teaches acrobatics and gymnastics as well as various dance techniques at various schools in Leicester. She has been a dancer for Beyond Repair Dance since November 2006 and has performed at various venues across the country.
Hana Saotome
Dancer
Hana began her training at Lewisham College (London) going on to complete her dance training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance (Leeds) graduating with a BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance. In her final year at Northern Hana was selected to join the resident touring company ‘Verve’ where she worked under the direction of Glenn Wilkinson. Hana has performed in various dance films including ‘stealing an arm aint a crime’ by Leonie Kubigsteltig (Yorkshire dance). She also teaches for Islington Arts Factory, delivering Ballet and Contemporary technique classes and for Movement Angol Dance Company as part of their outreach team in based in Islington (London). Hana has been a dancer for Beyond Repair Dance since October 2006 dancing in numerous works across the country. She also has a foundation certificate in from the British Wheel of Yoga and hopes to continue her development in this area.
Craig Coombs
Dancer
Craig began dancing at the age of seventeen at Neath Port Talbot College (South Wales) and on completion of his A Levels he began his BA (Hons) Dance & Theatre Degree at De Montfort University (Bedford) and following his graduation he went on to train at LABAN (London) achieving a Professional Diploma in Dance Studies. Craig began a dance apprenticeship with CASHDance (London) and then landed a principle role in the West Midland’s Theatre Company, touring for four months before returning to Wales, where he performed with National Youth Dance Wales for 3 consecutive years, becoming the principle male dancer, working alongside Jazz Exchange and Henri Oguike’s Dance Company. Craig then joined Dynion Dance Company, touring nationally and internationally, whilst working alongside Sean Tuan John, Douglas Company and Toni Mira, also performing in an all male version of Henri Oguike’s ‘Second Signal’. Craig currently course co-ordinates dance and performing arts at Neath Port Talbot College and has established both LIFT Dance Company and BLAST Dance Company, both of which are critically acclaimed. Craig has choreographed and taught for Stagecoach, TDM’s Stage School, Razmataz, Valley and Vale Community Arts, Dance Days, Neath Rugby Club and the University of Wales Institute Cardiff. He has also experienced commercial success, dancing on music videos for Lil’ Chris, Ally Love and The Kylie Show (ITV1). Craig has a PGCE (PcET) from the University of Wales Newport and is becoming an A Level Dance examiner in 2010.