Dr Nathan James
Associate Lecturer - Tap
Early Training & Career
Nathan trained in the Midlands in all Musical Theatre disciplines. Additionally, he gained many of his early teaching qualifications. His first professional job was in 'Cinderella' with Brian Conley and Danny La Rue. Subsequent pantomimes included 'Snow White', 'Aladdin' and 'Cinderella' all at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
Cruise & International Work
For 3 years Nathan sailed the high seas for Celebrity and Princess Cruise Lines. He performed in a variety of productions aboard these cruise liners. This experience also sparked his passion for travelling.
Theatre & Performance
After returning to England and settling in London, Nathan performed in regional productions. These included 'Copacabana' and 'Hello Dolly' plus various trade shows and TV commercials.
Furthermore, he toured the UK in the national tour of 'Copacabana'. He also toured Europe in the Irish dance show 'Spirit of the Dance'. Additionally, he completed a season at Chichester Festival Theatre. Nathan's most recent appearance was in the Broadway Musical '42nd Street' in Stuttgart, Germany.
Teaching Career
Since 2005 Nathan has focused on his first passion, teaching. He specializes in Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre styles. Moreover, he has taught at many major Vocational Colleges in the UK. These include Arts Educational School, Bodywork Dance Studios and Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Until July 2019 Nathan was Director of HE Programmes at the Urdang Academy. There, he ran the ISTD teacher training courses. Currently, he works as an Associate Lecturer in Tap at Performer's College, Birmingham. Additionally, Nathan serves as Managing Director of The Dang Theatre and Dance Syllabus. He oversees the artistic development of the current syllabi.
Academic Achievements & Professional Development
Nathan regularly visits the USA to further his knowledge in tap and musical theatre. He was invited to perform in a showcase of new work at the Leonard Nimoy Theatre in New York. Furthermore, Nathan earned an MA in Professional Practice (Dance Education) with Distinction from Middlesex University. He also completed a PhD in Dance from the University of Roehampton.
Nathan works as a British Federation and Artistic Director and Trustee for All England Adjudicator. Moreover, he serves as a Modern and Tap examiner for the ISTD. He was also a former committee member of the Tap Faculty.
Recent Projects & Publications
In 2020 Nathan, alongside fellow tap teacher Alison Forrester, founded the UK Online Shim-Sham. This event saw over 200 tap dancers gather online on May 25th to celebrate National Tap Dance Day in the US.
Nathan writes articles for dance journals and presents at various conferences in the UK. Recently, he wrote a chapter for a new collection entitled 'Dance in Musical Theatre: A History of the Body in Movement'. This was published by Methuen Drama in December 2023.
For more information see www.nathanjamesdance.com
