Josh Slater

What is your name and what did you study?

My name is Josh Slater, and I studied BA (Hons) Dance with Theatre Studies and the  Arts & Media MRes.

Why did you choose Chester?

I chose Chester because it felt like the right balance of rigorous training and creative exploration. The course offered space to explore dance and theatre as connected, creative forms, and I could sense the staff genuinely cared about the individuality of each student. From the audition, I felt seen and encouraged. That care, expertise and support stayed with me throughout my studies. Looking back, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today without their inspiration and guidance. I’m very lucky to still call many of the team friends and collaborators now.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

The people and the sense of community. The staff team were extraordinary; generous, knowledgeable and deeply invested in helping us develop our own artistic voices. I loved that we were encouraged to take risks, to make and show work, and to learn through doing. I set up and co-ran a student theatre company, which gave us a way to make our own opportunities, and I was performing my own dance works in festivals in Liverpool and Manchester from my second year onwards. That early encouragement to put work out into the world really shaped how I approach my practice today.

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking of studying your subject?

Be present, dedicated and open. You’ll get the most out of the course if you throw yourself into every opportunity, whether that’s performing, choreographing, seeing work, or just having great conversations in the studio. Don’t wait to feel “ready” before sharing your work; apply to festivals, put yourself forward, and learn by doing. And most importantly, stay curious about what makes your voice unique.

What graduate role have you commenced? What area(s) are you working in and what does this entail day-to-day?

I’ve built a career that combines creative practice and higher education. I’m currently Director of Higher Education: Pedagogy & Enhancement at London Contemporary Dance School, The Place which is one of the UK’s leading conservatoires for dance. My role focuses on developing inclusive and innovative learning experiences for students and supporting staff to thrive. Alongside this, I’ve co-run several Arts Council England–funded companies, such as enCompass Collective Dance Theatre and Lord & Slater, a theatre company. I continue to create and research as a dance artist.

How did your time at Chester prepare you for your current role?

Chester and the staff team laid the groundwork for everything I do now. The course taught me the value of presence, dedication and curiosity, as well as how to connect thought with action. The mix of theory, practice and reflection has been central to my career as both an artist and an educator. My MRes in Arts & Media also opened the door to artistic research, which led directly to my current PhD exploring falling as a choreographic practice of risk and resilience.

Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, societies, or internships while studying?

Absolutely, I was always making or organising something! I co-founded a theatre company student society, and after graduating I co-created and was co-artistic director of the first graduate dance company at Chester, enCompass Collective Dance Theatre. We were company in residence for a few years, running regular classes and offering professional performance opportunities to students and alumni. Those experiences taught me a lot about collaboration, leadership and community. These values continue to guide my work today.