Joel Chapman

Joel has been an attender of the Rock all his life. At the age of three he was singing gospel songs at the weekly church meetings. On turning 14, he became an official member of the music team, greatly contributing with his powerful vocal ability.

Everyone at the Rock knew Joel would someday pursue a career in the arts. What they didn’t know is that his passion would move towards dance.

Although a late starter, Joel was invited to join the Rocks dance troop, Destiny, which earnt him the chance to perform on a regular basis to large audiences. But it was at 17, when a good friend introduced him to the hit Latin and Ballroom Stage show, ‘Burn the Floor’, that his journey started.

Totally inspired and excited, Joel just had to find a way of learning more about this incredible dance form. So with a partner, he attended weekly lessons at a local school. Before long, his thirst to be a great dancer pushed him into contacting, ‘Burn the floor’ lead dancer, and 'Strictly Come Dancing' star, Nicole Cutler. Within two weeks, Semly Studios in London became his new dance school, the home of the world’s greatest Latin American dancers. Joel with his partner, Sarah, have intense training on a regular basis which is essential in his continued development
as a dancer.

When he is not having lessons, or teaching, Joel spends time in the studio with Sarah, working on new

ideas, choreography and technique. There is a constant drive to understand more about dance and how he can break the boundaries through various means.

Joel became the official Academy Director in 2002. Although a slow start, The Rock Academy of Dance is now an extremely significant part in the development of the arts in York. His aim is not only to teach dance to the highest standard he possibly can, but to give students, both young and old, the chance to develop their skills through performing in annual events.

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