Robert Nicholson

Robert Nicholson is a Senior Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Dance programme at the University of East London, and his specialisms are Contemporary Dance technique, Dance Producing and Employability. He studied at the Urdang Academy, London Studio Centre (BA), Royal Academy of Dance (PGCE (QTS) and Laban (MA) and is now completing his PhD at the University of East London,  researching into the histories of drag performers and their roles in progressing the political causes and social change for the LGBTQ+ community within the UK.  

He has worked as a professional dancer/performing with contemporary dance companies and choreographers including; Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Retina Dance Company, Lea Anderson, Green Candle Dance Company, State of Emergency, Foot in Hand Dance Company (Louise Katerega), Liz Lea for ROH2 (Royal Opera House) as well as for Royal Caribbean Productions and Paul Holman Associates productions. 

Before joining the University of East London, he was a Lecturer in Dance at the University of Lincoln, Course leader in Dance at Lewisham College and Head of Dance at Newham Sixth Form College. He has also been an external examiner at the Institute of the Arts, Barcelona, Chichester University and Leeds City College. 

Whilst at UEL, he has been successful in receiving two Civic Engagement funding bids, as well as establishing the UEL Dance Collective and setting up industry partnerships with Sardines Dance, Agudo Dance Company, Artists4Artists and Far From The Norm.