Michael Flatley first stepped onto the world stage 30 years ago in Riverdance; a performance he created that caught the attention of millions around the world. He went on to create a full-scale show of the same name and two years later his next show Lord of the Dance. Since then, his name and live shows have become synonymous with spectacular artistry and grand scale productions that have mesmerised audiences around the globe. 

He has created, directed and produced several successful shows and has performed at iconic locations. With his conviction that “nothing is impossible” Michael Flatley has broken many world
records throughout his career.

Michael Flatley has been recognised by many establishments and received numerous awards for his contribution to the entertainment industry and the promotion and enrichment of the arts. His philanthropy extends across Europe and the Americas in a variety of sectors
from the arts to sports, medical research, children’s charities and supporting the elderly.

His determination and drive to succeed against the odds have been an inspiration to people from all walks of life and has encouraged many to follow their dreams.

I graduated in 2008 with a First Class Honours in Contemporary Dance and established Nuvo Wellbeing six months later to address a lack of suitable physical activity provision. Having performed as a professional dancer for TV, Bollywood, and motion capture film, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of dance and movement for physical and mental wellbeing. I also completed a PGCE and MA in Professional Dance, focusing on Community and Health, which deepened my understanding of how dance can support wellbeing and community development.

My Awards and recognition include Ernst & Young Future 50, The Gazette Chief Executive Awards, North East Young Business Person of the Year, David Goldman Prize for Innovation, Susan Dobson Business Woman of the Year, and inclusion in the Social Entrepreneurs Index 2020. I’m now also the founder and CEO of OptiMe, while continuing to serve as Chair at Nuvo Wellbeing, supporting its mission to make dance and movement accessible to all.

My connection to Nuvo Wellbeing goes back to 2008, when I attended dance sessions under our founder and witnessed the organisation being founded and grow into a successful social enterprise. I graduated from Newcastle University with a BA in Classical Studies in 2017 and soon after began working at Nuvo. Since then, I’ve gained a Dip in Mindfulness, Dip in Laughter Therapy, and a Certificate in Education and Training, and became a Visiting Researcher at Newcastle University, using research to inform, design, and implement Nuvo Wellbeing programmes. I am now COO of Nuvo Wellbeing and ActivCare Training, managing all operations, projects and the team.

I’m passionate about empowering communities through accessible wellbeing programmes and have been recognised as a ‘Change Maker’ in the Northern Power Women Future List 2024, as well as being highly commended at the Newcastle University Alumni Awards 2024 for my civic and social impact.

I’ve been part of Nuvo Wellbeing since childhood, attending community dance sessions and performing in many shows over the years. In 2022, I completed a Level 3 Sport Qualification and Level 2 Exercise to Music Qualification, which allowed me to deliver dance and fitness sessions. I then joined Nuvo full-time as a Business Administration apprentice, completing my apprenticeship in 2024, and now work as Project Administrator.

I’m passionate about supporting Nuvo Wellbeing’s mission and developing my skills to help grow the organisation’s ever-expanding community.

I’m originally from Manchester and trained at the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD), graduating in 2020. I’ve performed professionally in pantomimes and musicals, including Crossroads Pantomime of Cinderella, AJ Productions’ Snow White & Dick Whittington, and most recently as Tinkerbell in Peter Pan at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. I began teaching in early 2022 and have loved every moment. I deliver classes in Hartlepool and the Tees Valley, and I love being part of the Nuvo Wellbeing team, sharing my knowledge and passion for dance and fitness.

I’m from Hartlepool and work as a professional Musical Theatre performer, dance and musical theatre instructor, and Level 3 Personal Trainer. My background spans performance and teaching across a variety of styles, and I’m passionate about helping people build confidence, fitness, and creativity through movement. I deliver classes across Hartlepool and East Durham and love being part of the Nuvo Wellbeing team, where I can share my skills, experience, and enthusiasm with the local community.

I’m a passionate dance and fitness instructor with experience in exercise to music, gym instruction, personal training, and dance education. I deliver classes in Newton Aycliffe, Darlington, and the Tees Valley as part of the Nuvo Wellbeing team, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every session.

In addition to teaching, I perform and choreograph for shows and pantomimes, combining creativity with fitness. I love being part of Nuvo Wellbeing, inspiring and empowering people to lead healthier, more active lives through the joy of movement and dance.

I’m passionate about drama, dance, and performance, and I love using them to help young people build confidence and creativity. I hold a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts from Newcastle College and a Drama & Performance degree from Northumbria University, and I have professional acting experience on stage and screen (BBC, ITV, Talltree Productions). I deliver classes across Newcastle, Sunderland, and East Durham, and every session is a chance to see the positive impact on the community. Working in the Nuvo Wellbeing team is a joy because I get to share my love of the arts while helping people connect and grow.

My passion for dance started at a young age, training at Weguline School of Russian Ballet, Hammond Ballet School in Chester, and finally ALRA. I’ve performed professionally in cruise ships, touring shows, summer seasons, and abroad.

After many years on stage, I decided to share my experience with students. I’ve been a dance and performing arts teacher for over 25 years, and I’m also a qualified fitness instructor, coaching aqua aerobics, body tone, and chair aerobics. I deliver Nuvo Wellbeing classes in South and West Durham, and I love helping people get fitter while having fun.

I’m originally from North Carolina, USA, and moved to England in 2014. I trained in ballroom and musical theatre dance as part of my Musical Theatre degree, and continued my love of movement through swing and salsa dancing while completing my PhD in Archaeology. In 2024, I became a licensed Zumba instructor, bringing together my passion for dance, fitness, and community wellbeing.

I began teaching with Nuvo in 2025 and deliver classes across the Tees Valley, I am thrilled to be part of such a meaningful mission, helping to create a happier and healthier community through dance and exercise.

I’m a qualified nutritionist, tutor, and chef with over 30 years of experience in the food industry. I trained as a chef in hospital kitchens, ran a pub restaurant in London, and later managed a school kitchen in the North East. I also hold a BSc in Food Science and Nutrition from Northumbria University and a PGCE from Sunderland University.

As part of the Nuvo Wellbeing team, I deliver practical healthy eating sessions in the community, helping people learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices and cook on a budget. I love sharing my knowledge and seeing the positive impact on people’s lives.

After being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid at 25, I discovered the importance of staying active for both mental and physical wellbeing. I worked in the health and wellness industry for over 10 years before supporting businesses in promoting wellbeing.

As a Non-Executive Director at Nuvo Wellbeing, I help guide the organisation’s strategy and community initiatives, with a focus on promoting activity and wellness. I’m passionate about inspiring people to stay active, sharing how movement has helped me through health challenges and continues to play a vital role in my life today.

Appointed Chair and Non-Executive Director of Nuvo Wellbeing in 2026, I bring a background in creative leadership and purpose-led work, with over 15 years’ experience supporting organisations and founders to grow in a way that balances vision, delivery and long-term impact.

I’m the Creative Director at Venture Stream and Ada + Grace, where I work with organisations to build meaningful, values-driven brands. Alongside this, I founded and created Positive Baby & Beyond, a children’s affirmation book designed to support positive mental health and wellbeing from the earliest years.

Community, care, and impact sit at the heart of everything I do. As Chair, I’m passionate about supporting Nuvo Wellbeing’s team through positive governance and thoughtful leadership, helping ensure the organisation continues to thrive.