Davina Birch

DAVINA BIRCH, Director of Alchemy Dance Company & Academy

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Davina started ballet at the tender age of 2. She holds ISTD teaching qualifications and advanced certificates in Modern Theatre Dance and Tap. She has a BA Honours degree in Drama & Theatre Studies, and is a qualified gym instructor holding various fitness teaching certificates including an S/NVQ in Exercise to Music, Pilates and Body Pump.

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Since 1996 Davina has taught in a variety of capacities. She was a freelance fitness instructor in London teaching in gyms, studios and personal training. Once qualified as a dance teacher, she taught in several dance schools and colleges around London. Davina was Head of Dance at Finchley Youth Theatre and taught the dance aspect of GCSE performing arts in secondary education. She has entered many students for dance exams, and choreographed for numerous showcases, theatre productions, and competitions.

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Davina was first introduced to salsa in the late nineties in the iconic London salsa club La Finca. On a trip to Cuba in 2000 she took lessons in Son, Cha Cha and Cuban Mambo. In 2003 she discovered cross-body salsa and attended classes with Marchant who soon spotted her potential and undertook her training. It was from this that Alchemy Dance Company was formed, Davina's jazz dance experience being part of the core technique training for the company. With Marchant, she co-choreographed Alchemy's debut show 'Timbalito'.

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Davina is one of the leading ladies of the UK salsa scene. She is described as having a smooth, sophisticated and sexy style. She has a reputation for the highest standard of teaching, excellent following techniques, and how to style within the natural flow of partner work with smooth rhythmical body movement and flowing arms.

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Also a popular salsa DJ, Davina has been invited to DJ at salsa events and congresses across the UK, Ireland, Trinidad, South Africa. She is resident DJ at the Alchemy Social.