Jacqui Ison - Choreographer

Choreographer

Jacqui Ison, an award-winning choreographer with over thirty years of experience, is celebrated for creating powerful, evocative, and entertaining works of choreography. Her diverse repertoire spans contemporary, classical, cultural, and theatrical styles. She is particularly dedicated to crafting performances for children, teenagers, and young adults, using movement to inspire creativity, expression, and personal growth.

Jacqui Ison's journey began at Middlesex University, where she trained in Graham, Limón, and Cunningham techniques. Her early works, including Syncopated Colours (1999, Grove Theatre, North London), Filiae Maestae Jerusalem, and Chromatic Fantasy (2000, Rhodes Centre, Bishop's Stortford), showcased her talent for blending technical precision with artistic imagination.

Drawing inspiration from the emotive depth and reflective qualities found in art, particularly the works of Mark Rothko, Jacqui Ison incorporates these influences into her choreography. She creates vivid visual and sensory experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. Music also plays a central role in her creative process, shaping rhythm and narrative to enhance the connection between performers and viewers.

Her worldwide travels have further enriched her creative vision, immersing her in diverse cultural practices, histories, and artistic traditions. This exposure allows her to craft works that celebrate individuality while exploring universal themes, making her choreography accessible and meaningful for people of all ages.

Guided by Rogerian principles of empathy, authenticity, and individuality, Jacqui Ison's work fosters reflection and connection. She encourages dancers to engage personally with their movements, ensuring her pieces are not only entertaining but also transformative for those involved.

Jacqui Ison's celebrated repertoire includes:

  • Syncopated Colours (1999, Grove Theatre, North London)
  • Filiae Maestae Jerusalem (2000, Rhodes Centre, Bishop's Stortford)
  • Chromatic Fantasy (2000, Rhodes Centre, Bishop's Stortford)
  • Artemis (2011, Peacock Theatre, London)
  • Imitating the Peacock (2013, Bloomsbury Theatre, London)
  • Raitsa (2013, Brighton Dome, Brighton)
  • Caper Ceilidh (2013, Paris, France)
  • Celebration of Winter (2014, Freiburg, Germany)
  • The Flood (2015, The Core at Corby Cube, Corby)
  • The Naughty Goose (2015, Hackney Empire, London)
  • Ukrainian Harvest (2015, Hackney Empire, London) - Winner of the Joanne Marsden-Blackwell Solo Choreography Award
  • Saltimbanques (2016, St. Helier, Jersey) - Nominated for the Joanne Marsden-Blackwell Group Choreography Award
  • Medusa (2017, Hackney Empire, London)
  • The Lost Princesses (2017, Hackney Empire, London)
  • Beautiful Swans (2017, Hackney Empire, London)
  • Engine Room (2017, Hackney Empire, London)
  • Life on Mars (2018, Lowry Theatre, Manchester)
  • Untitled by Rothko (2018, Sitges, Spain)
  • Beriosksa (2019, Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage)

Jacqui Ison's choreography reflects her passion for using movement as a means of connection, expression, and storytelling. By blending artistic influences with a commitment to supporting the next generation of performers, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences across the world, earning recognition as an innovative and visionary choreographer.