Weekend Masterclass Pass
Josh Wharmby
SUNDAY 20th APRIL, 2025
With over a decade of experience in live performance, television, and film, Josh has made a significant mark in the world of choreography. He was inspired by his parents, who owned a dance school for over 30 years. Teaching since the age of 16, Josh developed a signature choreographic style known for its energy, precision, and passion for a ‘full-out’ dance break.
His impressive credits include working as the Show Choreographer for the MTV European Music Awards and Associate Choreographer for the Billboard Arabia Music Awards. He has collaborated with global music icons, serving as Associate Choreographer for Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child) and Melanie Martinez’s K-12 movie.
In the world of television, Josh was the movement director for Netflix’s Squid Game: The ChallengeSeason 1 & 2 the biggest reality show of its kind, as well as working as choreographer on Seasons 3 & 4 of the hit dance competition Dance Dance Dance. He was also the Associate Choreographer on Netflix’s Dance 100.
His expertise extends to major music tours and live performances, choreographing Keen’V’s Equilibrium Tour and Sergey Lazarev’s I Am Not Afraid Tour. His work can also be seen on The Voice UK, as well as in music videos and performances for Will Young (My Love, All The Songs), Mimi Webb (House on Fire, 24/5), and Natasha Hamilton/Atomic Kitten (Manchester Pride performance & You Don’t Know Me music video).
Beyond the stage and screen, Josh has choreographed for major events such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games beach volleyball entertainment, Champions League Amazon Prime Advert and Rugby World Cup Closing Ceremony. His dynamic and innovative approach continues to make waves in the industry, cementing his reputation as one of the most sought-after choreographers in the business.
We’re really excited to have Josh join the Dare Dance Convention judging panel in 2025 and his Masterclass will be one not to be missed!
Olivia Higham
Olivia, now a choreographer, began her career in the industry as a dancer. She has worked with major global production companies, touring Europe with shows like Musical Rocks and appearing in music videos for internationally renowned artists, including Ellie Goulding and Mimi Webb.
Her television credits include a range of high-profile commercial shows, such as Alan Carr’s New Year Spectacular, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Surprise Surprise, and The Voice on both BBC and ITV. In 2016, Olivia performed at the esteemed Royal Variety Performance to promote the new musical Christmasauras at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, watched by members of the Royal Family. The performance was choreographed by Ashley Wallen, known for his work on The Greatest Showman. In 2017, Olivia danced for global music stars Rita Ora and Camila Cabello at the European Music Awards. She also performed at the Brit Awards in 2018 for Dua Lipa, followed by performances for Jason Derulo and Hailee Steinfeld at the European Music Awards later that year. Olivia has worked with the extraordinary artist Melanie Martinez, under the choreographic direction of Brian Friedman, for her movie K-12. She also performed at the MTV EMA’s, dancing for Akon and Dua Lipa. More recently, Olivia danced for rising British artist Mimi Webb, who currently has eight chart singles in the U.K.
In addition to her performance career, Olivia served as assistant choreographer for the music video Beyoncé Walk by Dominic Lawson. She also co-wrote and assisted in choreographing the 2016 commercial dance syllabus for the UK’s Associated Board of Dance. Olivia worked as assistant choreographer on Seasons 3 and 4 of the hit Dutch TV show Dance Dance Dance. Currently, she is choreographing music videos for several European artists set for release later in the year. Olivia has also worked as the movement director for Mimi Webb and danced professionally for her. Additionally, she collaborated with one of Russia’s biggest pop stars, Sergey Lazarev, for his tour. Most recently, Olivia choreographed five incredible shows for MSC Cruises, which now tours internationally.
As a well-respected teacher and choreographer, Olivia began her teaching career in New York, training dancers aged 6-18 for six months. She then went on to teach at various dance schools and colleges across the UK, choreographing for large-scale performances like Move It and Can You Dance. In 2019, Olivia founded her own all-female lyrical company, The O.H.C., which has gained significant recognition on Instagram and has grown four times its original size since its inception.
We can’t wait to see the magic in her Masterclass this year.
Natalie Relf
Natalie trained at Laine Theatre Arts gaining a full 3 year scholarship from 2007-2010. She was also formally an associate with The Royal Ballet Schooland Central School of Ballet.
Since graduating Natalie has gone on to work onboard luxury cruise lines for the last five years, such as Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines, working her way up to Dance Captain and Company Manager.
Between contracts Natalie has taught at various dance academy’s in the UK offering workshops in all styles, guest teaching and freelance. Whilst training she also gained her DDI in ISTD Classical Ballet and is now also a Registered Ballet Teacher with the RAD.
Natalie most recently taught at SPAA academy of Performing Arts in Sharjah, UAE training vocational students. Natalie has also judged and adjudicated many competitions internationally and in Dubai alongside her freelance teaching.
We look forward to having Natalie join our judging panel from the UK at Dare Dance Convention 2025.
Joanna Gregory
Joanna is a highly accomplished dancer and performer with an extensive background in dance, theatre and television internationally.
Joanna’s theatre credits include an impressive range of roles and positions, such as playing the swing role in Mary Poppins both in the West End and with Stage Entertainment in Germany. She also played Angelina in Angelina Ballerina: The Mousical in various productions, including at the Sydney Opera House and during the UK, Ireland, and Australian tours. She was Dance Captain for both Singin’ in the Rain at the Gordon Craig Theatre and Miracle on 34th Street during its UK tour. Additionally, Joanna has performed as a dancer in the Qdos Pantomimes at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.
Her television credits include performances with the cast of Mary Poppins on the Royal Variety Show at the London Palladium, as well as appearances on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and the Britain’s Got Talent Final Results Show. She also brought the character of Angelina Ballerina to life for the Carols at the Domain Christmas Spectacular in Sydney, Australia.
Joanna’s journey into dance began at the age of three, studying at the Royal Ballet Associates and later continuing her training at the London Senior Ballet Associates and Tring Park Arts Educational School. She completed her formal education at Bird College before receiving her BA Hons Degree at GSA (University of Surrey).
As a child and teen she danced with The English National Ballet at The London Coliseum in The Nutcracker and enjoyed performing yearly with The National Youth Ballet at Sadlers Wells. She also competed and won medals over the years at The All England National Finals.
Currently residing in Dubai, Joanna has transitioned into a career as an online fitness coach, continuing to inspire and motivate others with her passion for wellness and movement.
Don’t miss the chance to take class with her at DDC!
✨Competitors – please check with your school for discount code before booking this class ✨
Marjolein Elvers
Marjolein is a highly experienced former professional ballerina with extensive training and performance in the world of classical ballet and dance. She received her ballet training at prestigious institutions including the National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam, the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, and the School of American Ballet in New York on scholarship.
Her professional ballet career includes performances with esteemed companies such as Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, the Royal Ballet of Flanders, and De Stilte, where she performed in iconic works like Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and The Nutcracker, among many others.
In addition to her dance career, Marjolein is a certified Pilates teacher with a considerable teaching career spanning across Europe, Australia and the UAE. She integrates her knowledge of movement, anatomy, and body alignment to help dancers and fitness enthusiasts enhance their performance and well-being.
Competitors – check with your dance school for a discount code before booking this class