Influx Dance Company has been committed to creating, performing and teaching a diverse and exciting range of contemporary dance in the south west region. Influx consists of graduates from the Laban Centre London (one of the leading contemporary dance schools in Europe) and was established by Joanne Willmott and Nicola Penfold who brought the company to the south west in 2001. All dancers are experienced performers, teachers and curators. © 2010 Influx Dance Company              Photography by Mark Pepperall Nicola Penfold is a dancer and teacher with Influx performing in projects which are: theatre based, site-specific and film orientated. In addition to this Nicola carries out work as a freelance dance artist in schools, colleges and specialist dance institutions.  In addition to contemporary dance Nicola has explored a range of world dance styles through her periods of professional development in: New York City at Dance New Amsterdam (2005), India at Facets International Dance Festival (2006), Thailand teaching at Nakhon Si Thammarat University of Performing Arts (2008) and Gambia performing in a West African devised piece inspired by history and culture (2008) Nicola is qualified teacher and has worked in further education as Programme Manager for BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) and A Level Dance courses. This experience allows her to make strong links between the professional dance world and the curriculum. Nicola worked with the students to devise a full length production ‘Your Comfort Is My Silence’ based on the Declaration of Human Rights, underpinning the company’s commitment to dance and broader education. Nicola is interested in increasing access to dance through working with young people and adults to improve health and fitness. As a qualified yoga teacher Nicola utilises contemporary dance and yoga principles to deliver classes that focus on both anatomy and creativity. "Nikki’s enthusiastic, committed and energetic approach to the art of teaching and choreography is without fail exemplary and inspirational" Junior Jones: Wise Moves Dance Company Director, choreographer, teacher and performer Joanne founded Influx Dance in 2001 after graduating from the Laban centre London. Joanne returned from London to Somerset where Influx became company in-residence at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre. Here she created a range of dances for the company which performed across the UK. Joanne gained her GTP in secondary education in 2004 and taught at Heathfield Community School as a dance and drama teacher, as well as delivering community projects and directing youth theatre. In 2005 Joanne visited India and collaborated with a teacher of Bharata Natyam in Chennai. She also participated as a choreographer in the international dance festival Facets 2006. It was here that Joanne created ‘New Journeys’ a site specific piece in Bangalore. Joanne received a mentorship with Siobhan Davies awarded by Dance South West. This questioned and explored choreographic intent, delving into new and exciting compositional ideas. In 2008-2009 Joanne managed a tour of Arrival with Influx Dance Company working with Yael Flexer and Bawren Tavaziva. Joanne participated in a performing arts course in The Gambia in August 2008 which looked at dance, drumming and story telling in West African performing arts context. Joanne has also been creating new work for young people and has been working in a range of schools and colleges whilst extending her creative vision. She has been the programme manager of the BTEC National Diploma in Dance at Bridgwater College having recently created a full length dance theatre piece entitled: A Murder Mystery. Joanne has also been teaching drama BTEC at Heathfield Community School having recently directed Junk written by Melvin Burgees and adapted for stage by John Retallack. Joanne is undertaking professional development in New York City for six months to create a new production with Influx Dance Company entitled: A Restless Mind.