ENTREPRENEUR. DANCER. ACTOR. TEACHER. CHOREOGRAPHER. BUSINESS WOMAN. SPEAKER. ROLE MODEL

See Zoe's Storify Blog for her journey, press, photos and quotes!

THE STORY

As a result of being offered a place at the National Youth Theatre, Zoe set up Living the Dream Performing Arts Company in 2006 at the age of 16. She decided that a way for her to subsidize her course fees would be to create her own performing arts company and produce shows in order to provide a spotlight for young people to showcase their talent. She also wanted to make it as affordable and accesible as possible, as growing up she struggled to afford the expensive performing arts training in her area.

Zoe is committed to giving back to the community and many of Living the Dream's activities have supported charities in the past including Teenage Cancer Trust and Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital. Recently, she to created an anti-bullying DVD for schools, Voices Within which she directed and produced and was inspired by being bullied during some of her teenage years. This led to the launch of the Dream Foundation to provide subsidised or free access for young people to performing arts training and performance opportunities who would otherwise not have access through financial hardship.

Since its inception, Living the Dream has grown beyond her wildest dreams and she is committed to building an empire. As Zoe would say 'nothing is impossible, if you can dream it, you can do it!'

EXPERIENCE IN THE PERFORMING ARTS

In 2011 Zoe graduated from the The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (established by Sir Paul McCartney) with a BA Hons in dance and performing arts.

Zoe has received extensive training with performers in the industry including: Lavelle Smith JR - Michael Jackson's choreographer, Neisha Jones - performer in Dirty Dancing and The Lion King in the West End, Jacqueline Jones - Rambert Dance Company, Steve Nestar - Madonna’s lead dancer, Gavin Persand - Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake and Benji Reid -  pioneer of hip-hop theatre. She has also trained at the Broadway Dance Centre, New York and worked at American Idol Camp in California.

She is trained professionally as an actress, singer and dancer in Street Dance, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-hop, Ballet, African contemporary, Latin American, Tap and Musical theatre.

TALENTS

Zoe is exceptionally talented and versatile in many aspects of the performing arts and business world, having run her own business for the past six years whilst juggling A-Levels and a degree in dance.

Zoe has extensive experience of working with young people from all walks of life. She is a very enthusiastic, vibrant and positive individual. She excels at building rapport with her students, increasing their confidence and inspiring them to believe in themselves and their futures.

She is a brilliant inspirational speaker and is available for schools and corporate events. Contact us if you would like to engage Zoe's services in your organization

AWARDS AND ACHEIVEMENTS

2012 - Selected by Virgin Media to help Richard Branson lobby MPs at the Houses of Parliament about the Youth Investment Fund.

2012 - Selected by Virgin Media to go on BBC News to talk to about Youth Unemployment and the Control Shift campaign.

2011 - Selected by Virgin Media to meet Prime Minister David Cameron to talk to him about the Control Shift campaign and setting up a youth investment fund.

2011 - Selected by Virgin Media as the only young entrepreneur to speak at Richard Branson's book launch for 'Screw Business as Usual'.

2011 - Selected by Virgin Media as one of three young entrepreneurs to launch Richard Branson's Control Shift Campaign, including speaking on a platform, alongisde Vince Cable, Secretary of State, about issues facing young entrepreneurs.

2011 - Women of the Future in the Arts, Media and Culture award - Real Business

2011 - Future 100 Social Entrepreneurs award - Striding Out, Ernst and Young

2011 - St Albans Mayor's Pride Award for Cultural Innovation

2009 - Top Ten Teenagers in the UK - role in inspiring young people. PR Company - Ing Media

2007 - Top Ten in the UK for Drama A-Level (recieving 100% in her exams)

Read Testimonials about Zoe and Living the Dream