AbouT

Introduction 

I’m Phao, a queer Movement Director, Choreographer, Theatre Director, Intimacy Director, Facilitator, Burlesque Performer, and Dancer based in South-East London. I create bold, expressive, and movement-driven storytelling across theatre, commercials, music videos, comedy, fashion, cabaret, education, and community projects. My work fuses physicality, theatricality, and narrative to provoke, empower, and resonate—whether through choreographic works, movement direction, theatrical productions, workshops, intimate scenes, or solo performances.

Expertise

I thrive where movement meets storytelling. My specialisms include Viewpoints, devising, group choreography, burlesque, character physicality, classical and contemporary dance styles, clowning, and inclusive practice. Rooted in theatre and dance training, my work also draws inspiration from photography, art, music, film, and everyday life. I am passionate about creating high-quality, ambitious, and playful work that feels both authentic and transformative.

Background

With over a decade of experience in the arts, I’ve collaborated with leading venues and companies such as The Bush Theatre, Soho Theatre, The Donmar Warehouse, The Roundhouse, National Theatre Connections, National Youth Theatre, and Rose Bruford College. My training spans both movement and theatre, including an MA in Movement: Directing and Teaching from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (2022) and an Acting Foundation from RADA (2014).

Alongside a childhood immersed in dance training, I trained in advanced burlesque performance at The Cheek Of It! School of Burlesque and Cabaret and continue expanding my physical vocabulary through Contemporary Dance at RAMBERT and Commercial Dance at Pineapple Dance Studios.

Approach

Whether working with professional performers, emerging artists, or community groups, I bring a collaborative, explorative, and storytelling-driven approach, helping performers unlock their full creative and physical potential. I lead with clarity and confidence, cultivating a space where creativity thrives. My goal is to ensure that whoever I work with feels safe to take risks, push boundaries, and bring their full creativity to the work.

"She was extremely collaborative, a good listener, and offered great suggestions in the room, over and above her movement sessions. She was always prepared, reliable, punctual, flexible, and focused. She was direct about asking what was required and had a lovely, positive energy in the room. She was generous, patient, and kind in her approach, but rigorous."
— Adam Pownall, Producer of Camp Phoenix

Process

My creative process is adaptive to the needs of each project but is always built on connection, experimentation, and challenge. I thrive in collaborative environments where different art forms collide, working with teams to enhance the overall artistry of a piece. For me, creativity isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about ensuring a fulfilling and transformative process, where confidence is unlocked, boundaries are pushed, and everyone involved discovers their full creative potential.

Vision 

In addition to continuing my work in theatre, I’m excited to expand my work into new creative spaces—bringing my theatrical movement style into fashion shows, editorials, music videos, film, and television. I want to collaborate with photographers, designers, musicians, and directors who are interested in using movement, theatricality, and intimacy to elevate their storytelling.

I’m particularly drawn to projects that explore queerness, gender, and feminism, as well as opportunities to integrate my burlesque expertise and spaces to lead impactful workshops that empower others to embrace theatre and movement as tools for confidence and connection.