My name is Fiona Richardson and I am the Artistic Director of what is proudly known worldwide as ‘The Big Dance Company’. I started this journey in Goldsithney, a small village on the outskirts of Penzance, Cornwall over twenty years ago as a new beginning for me and my son after escaping a life of domestic abuse. Surviving a traumatic life experience at such a young age has left me with a grateful and empathetic heart, a strong will to help young people reach their full potential. I strive to instil them with core values, life skills, self-belief, personal development and the ability to see the beauty in themselves and in others.

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With a handful of beautiful souls from St Hilary School, whose children now also train at The Big Dance Company, I started the Fiona Richardson School Of Dance. Together with my dancers and an army of enthusiastic dance families whose Grandchildren now dance with me, we started attending small competitions and creating our own fundraising shows and events. It was when we made the live semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2008 with my group ‘Flava’ that the studio spiraled into a full time mission. Led by my own son Kyle Richardson, it gave us a platform to do the work that we are most passionate about. Using our gift of dance to transform lives, make a difference in the community and embark on educational international outreach projects and performances.

 

The Big Dance Company, a family run local business forged by myself, husband Ben and son Kyle, strives to offer BIG Dreams and BIG opportunities to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Our studio has performed in twelve different countries and holds titles for Cornwall in National, European and World Championships.  We have been awarded with Pride of Penwith, Teacher of the Year Penwith, Teacher of the year CYD, Woman of the year finalist , Unlocking Human Potential and the Honorary Philip Lawrence Award presented to us by Sir Trevor McDonald for our anti-bullying initiative. We have been invited to an intimate lunch with HM Queen Elizabeth II amongst many other incredible recognitions and world class awards, putting Cornwall on the map for international arts and culture.

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