What makes a great teacher? We meet the three nominees – all dancers – who are in the running for the educator category of this year’s Black British Theatre awards
Dollie Henry started dancing when she was four and by seven had already moved on to choreography. “I used to take my tape recorder into the playground,” she says proudly, “and teach all my school friends.” By her late teens, she was attending Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey, and beginning to wake up to the implications of being the only black student. “I realised I was going to have problems: one, because I’m black; and two, because I’m a woman. The only way I’ve learned how to deal with it is to be the best you can.”
Henry is still a choreographer but is now also a teacher – and one of three nominees for the award of best teacher of the performing arts at this year’s Black British Theatre awards. The BBTAs celebrate black artists in theatre and dance. Founded by Omar F Okai and Solange Urdang, the awards are one of the only performing arts ceremonies to celebrate educators. “It’s very important for a black student to see a teacher who reflects you,” says Okai. “We want to illuminate these teachers as role models, not just for black students but for all students.” This year’s awards will be hosted at the Young Vic Theatre and aired on Sky Arts.
