Poldark choreographer keeps students on their toes

A choreographer currently working on BBC drama Poldark has been sharing his knowledge of dance from bygone eras with students at Teesside University.

Stuart Marsden, professional dancer, teacher and choreographer specialising in historic dance, spent time with students from the BA (Hons) Performance for Live and Recorded Media and BA (Hons) Dance degree courses.

He is currently working on dance choreography for the forthcoming BBC series of Poldark and has been involved in a variety of other historical television documentaries which have featured dances from the past.

While at Teesside he held workshops in historic dance with the students before putting them through their paces by introducing them to social dances which were popular during Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian times.

Stuart, a classically training ballet dancer who trained at the Rambert School of Dance and also works as a musician, said: 'I've been really impressed with the students' energy, they really got involved and it has been a real joy to work with them.

'I came directly from the Poldark set in Gloucestershire to Teesside University and it’s great to have so much variety in my work and have the opportunity to work with young dancers just preparing to embark on their own careers.'

Heike Salzer, Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Dance, said: 'It is a real honour to welcome someone of Stuart’s calibre to the University and it is great that our students are able to learn dance techniques from such a niche area which could become a lost art. It is something so completely different from the contemporary dance they are involved in.'

Ronan Paterson, Principal Lecturer in Performing Arts, added: 'We're thrilled to welcome Stuart who is so passionate about his work and it is a real boost for our students to be able to benefit from his knowledge and expertise.'

---