George Perez

George joined the Trinity Laban CAT programme in 2014, then continued at Laban for their BA(hon’s) degree. They have gone on to perform with various companies both in the UK and beyond.

When were you on the CAT programme?

2014-2017

How did you find out about the programme?

It was recommended by a dance teacher at my secondary school

What skills and experiences did the CAT programme give you to help you with your next steps?

I was taught at CAT to continue nurturing my own individual artistic perspective and continue creating a personal movement language. I was also taught the importance of full transparency, kindness, resilience and working collaboratively.
I was very nervous about attending technique classes as I had never done ballet or any contemporary techniques. I felt embarrassed about being a late starter to dance. But the incredible teachers helped to grow my self-belief and also taught me the importance of resilience and just trying something even when you don’t feel confident. This helped me to have less fear of failing and understand the importance of going for it!

What did you enjoy about your time on CAT?

The CAT scheme felt like a place of inspiration and growth , there was always a positive atmosphere through the building it was exciting to be somewhere full of creative people who wanted to help us progress on our individual journeys. Something I really valued was having live musicians in all of our classes this was a real treat and gave me so much inspiration to my movement. I also really valued the level of support, dedication and encouragement from the teachers who went above and beyond the expectations and without I would not be where I am today.

Where did you go after CAT – what has been your career trajectory?

After the CAT scheme I continued at Laban for their BA(hon’s) degree and then joined Jasmin Vardimon 2 for their professional development programme. I’ve since gone on to perform with various companies both in the UK and beyond, including:

• “Tannhäuser” by Richard Wagner Performed at the Royal Opera House- Jasmin Vardimon Company
• “Parade”- (German Wheel) Performer and Swing – Autin Dance Theatre
• “Nike” – Commercial “Own The floor” Campaign for Olympics 2024 choreographed by Holly Blakely
• “Making Your Mark’ R&D – Springs Dance Company
• London Fashion Week Edeline Lee Autumn Winter 2023 Directed by Zeina Durra
• “The Power of Performance: This is Us is produced by Pinwheel and commissioned for the Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival” Southpaw
• The Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Commonwealth Games (Queens Baton Relay + Puppeteer) – Corey Baker
• “Out Of the Deep Blue” – Autin Dance Theatre Dancer and Puppeteer
• “Alice in VR Wonderland ” – Jasmin Vardimon Company
• “Same Same…But Different”- National tour- Sonia Sabri Company as Urban Dancer
• “Fish Out of Water” – Michaela Cisarikova Dance Company (MCDC)
• “May You Listen” (Dance Film) – Commissioned by Sabrina Gargano
• “Tides of Resilience” – Boomerang Dance Company
• “Canvas” (Dance Film& Immersive Performance) – Jasmin Vardimon 2
• “Eterna”(Dance Film)- Commissioned by Anthony Matsena

What are your future aspirations?

I would like to continue performing in theatre and dance, in particular I am interested in collaborating within the creative process and the ways in which dance can interact with other art forms. I am also developing my skills as an assistant director/choreographer. As well, I am deeply grateful to all the mentors and teachers I had when I was a younger dancer, and therefore am seeking opportunities to meet and work with young artists.

If you received a bursary to cover all/or part of your fees when attending the CAT, what impact did the financial support have on you and your circumstances and your ability to dance?

Without the financial support I wouldn’t have been able to attend the CAT scheme and I think I wouldn’t be where I am today without the training and the connections I have made.

Anything else you would like to add?

The CAT Scheme at Trinity Laban was the first time I met other young people similar to myself, interested and obsessed with art! The sense of community I felt as a teenager and the safe supportive space created was pivotal to my future career as an artist. The inspiring mentors on the CAT teaching faculty were fundamental in shaping my growth as a young person and most importantly taught me the value of care and joy when approaching dance. I also got to work with a professional choreographer (Joss Arnott) which cemented my desire to pursue a career in dance.

Photo Credit: Katie Hutchinson