I am an experienced dance teacher, professional dancer, acrobat and aerialist from Guildford, UK. I am a registered ISTD teacher having completed my Associate in Modern Theatre. Other qualifications include: Module 2 in Acrobatic Arts (an acrobatics specialist in Wellington, Kapiti and NZ), Advanced 1 Ballet RAD, Advanced 2 Tap and Modern ISTD, and trained/worked professionally in other styles including lyrical and contemporary.
I competed in dance competitions all over England and was a regular top finalist in the All England Finals annually. I trained at the Royal Ballet School- Senior Associates at the age of 15. Professional training: Laine Theatre Arts, London, UK. I then went on to working on board Norwegian Cruise Lines as a dancer and aerialist. I performed in Disney's Tarzan the Musical, in Germany for 3 years, and became Assistant Flight Captain which involved rehearsing 40 cast members daily. West End debut: London Palladium in Sinatra: The Man and His Music. Other credits in my performing career included: The West End Experience (UK Tour), An Evening with Kenn Dodd (London Palladium), ballet dancer for CBBC/BBC MI High, dancer on SKY TV Got To Dance, model for The London Olympics Campaign, various pantomimes as a dancer over the South of England, and choreographer for Thomson Holidays shows.
I am an international high jumper, having competed for Great Britain and Northern Ireland at multiple competitions around the world. I placed 6th in the world at the World Youth Championships in Morocco 2005.
Meet Charis
CHARIS O’CONNOR A.I.S.T.D and Acrobatic Arts Module 2 Certified
COTA started in 2017, which offered all dance genres, and a wonderful dance family. In 2021, I made the decision to downsize COTA, to be able to be mum to my two children, Lilia and Effie. My teaching approach gives students the platform to excel, either one on one, or as a group. I aim to safely nurture talent and potentially provide the basis for a career in the industry. Welcoming all students from all backgrounds and abilities, and striving to make classes fun and encouraging. I aim to provide teaching suitable for any student’s needs and capabilities.
All COTA classes have me (Charis) as your teacher. This means you have a certified and qualified acrobatics teacher every week, providing my expertise and knowledge. I offer classes with a variety of levels for all dancers to work their way through the progressions and learn correct technique from scratch, to avoid injury. My class plans incorporate learning skills, to then perfecting, adapting, and adding dance choreography.
Acrobatics Arts
All my acrobatics classes will follow the Acrobatic Arts syllabus. Acrobatic Arts is a training programme to learn skills safely and correctly, whilst having fun. AA was created in Canada. It has a huge input from Cirque du Soleil, and other talented professionals to put together this very careful and clever syllabus. It is designed to teach dancers to become advanced, strong acrobats and dancers. With over 23,000 teachers worldwide, this syllabus is incredibly successful. Acrobatics is a mix of dance and gymnastics, learning skills on mats, and eventually taking them to the stage for your dance performance.
Want to learn to cartwheel, handstand, or just burn off some steam?
Level 1 starts from age 4.5, with a whole lot of energy and fun to keep dancers engaged. Or, are you an advanced dancer wanting to learn some new skills to add to your dance choreography? Front aerials? Back handsprings? Our higher level classes and workshops are just up your street. COTA offers annual Acrobatic Arts exams and an annual stage show for extra fun opportunities. These are not compulsory, but very rewarding and a chance to showcase your acrobatics to everyone. Come and join the fun, and embark on your acrobatics journey!