The Creativity Clinic

Olivier Award Winner for his work alongside Arlene Phillips for Guys & Dolls, James Cousins is a choreographer and artistic director.

James has been previously recognised by Time Out magazine as one of the future faces of dance, called 'a rising star’ by The Independent, and described by Matthew Bourne as ‘one of the UK’s most promising choreographic talents’.
 
In 2012, he was the winner of the inaugural New Adventures Choreographer Award, selected by Matthew Bourne for his ‘refreshing desire to entertain’. The award culminated in a sold-out performance at Sadler’s Wells, London, where his work was critically acclaimed as ‘outstanding’, ‘visually breath-taking’, and ‘spellbindingly beautiful’.  James’ duet, ‘Within Her Eyes’ is also the set professional study for AQA GCSE Dance.
 
As a freelance choreographer, James has been commissioned to create work for companies around the world including Vogue magazine, the National Ballet of Chile, Oper Graz, Royal Ballet of Flanders and Scottish Ballet. He has also worked across a range of genres and mediums with artists including Anne-Marie, Nadav Kander, Zena Holloway, and Beatrice Gibson. 
 
As a dancer James performed in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake on two international tours including a four-week run at the New York City Centre, and also appeared in the 3D film version of the show. He has also performed internationally including tours with Marc Brew Company, Yorke Dance Project, and also appeared in Joe Wright's 2012 film Anna Karenina starring Keira Knightley choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaou. 

 
Follow James: 

Insta: Jamescousinsco

Website: https://www.jamescousinscompany.com/

Explore James’ work:

Guys & Dolls playing at The Bridge theatre until January 4th, 2025

Book Here: https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/ 

Watch: Within Her Eyes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLNxAGDPNVo 

Watch: We Are As Gods

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3wRopiSsiI 

James’ Recommendation:

Renaissance: A film by Beyonce - available on Apple TV+

Pina Bausch  - Rite of Spring - Playing at Sadlers Wells 6th - 10th November 2024

Watch a trailer or book tickets here: https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/pina-bausch-the-rite-of-spring-common-grounds/

If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:

Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/

In this inspiring episode of The Creativity Clinic, we sit down with Laura Kelleher-Byrne, an extraordinary dance teacher breaking barriers by teaching dance to deaf students. Laura walks us through the unique challenges of creating a dance experience that doesn’t rely on sound, exploring innovative techniques that allow her students to feel the rhythm through movement, vibration, and visual cues.  By night, she transforms into a DJ, spinning beats that keep the dance floor moving.

Learn how Laura has crafted a teaching style that connects students to the universal language of dance, proving that dance is about more than just hearing the music—it's about feeling it. From overcoming initial barriers to building confidence in her students, this episode highlights the resilience and creativity required to make dance accessible to all.

Watch now as we explore how movement transcends sound, and discover how Laura is making dance an inclusive art form for the deaf community!

Topics Discussed:

• The challenges of teaching dance without sound
• Innovative techniques for engaging deaf students through movement
• How dance can be a powerful form of self-expression and confidence-building
• Bridging deaf culture and the world of dance
• How creative practice and learning a new skill can provide escapism like nothing else

Tags:
#DeafDanceCommunity #InclusiveDance #DanceWithoutSound #CreativeTeaching #DeafCulture #EmpoweringThroughDance #MovementWithoutMusic #DanceAndDeaf #FemaleDJ #DanceTeacher #CreativityClinic

Laura’s Recommendation:
Guys & Dolls https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/ (running until January 4th 2025)

Follow Laura

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ljdexx/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acedancestudios/ 

If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:

Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/

In this episode of The Creativity Clinic, we dive into the dazzling world of drag with the fabulous Tiana Biscuit, a drag queen making waves with her unique style, charisma, and powerful performances. From the glitter and glam of the stage to the hard work behind the scenes, Tiana shares her inspiring journey to becoming a rising star in the drag community.

Join us as we explore how drag culture has evolved, the challenges faced by drag performers, and how Tiana uses her platform to inspire others to embrace their true selves. Whether you're a fan of drag, an aspiring performer, or curious about the artistry behind it all, this episode will give you an inside look at the world of drag, glitter, and self-expression.

Watch now to follow Tiana Biscuit’s rise to fame and hear her story of perseverance, creativity, and empowerment!

Topics Discussed:

• Tiana Biscuit’s journey in the drag world
• The challenges and triumphs of being a drag performer
• The creative process behind Tiana’s iconic looks and performances
• How drag empowers self-expression and inspires others

Tiana's Recommendations:

Chappell Roan instagram @chappellroan

Tiara Skye: Instagram @tiara_skye

Hello Dolly - https://hellodollyldn.com/

#TianaBiscuitofficial #DragQueenJourney #DragCulture #GlitterAndGlam #DragPerformance #SelfExpression #RisingDragStar #DragInspiration #LGBTQCreatives #CreativityClinic

Follow Tiana:

@tianabiscuitofficial (on all platforms)

linktree:https://linktr.ee/TianaBiscuitOfficial

Upcoming Events:

Saturday 26th October - The HalloQueen Ball

https://stanleyarts.org/event/the-halloqueen-ball/

Wednesday 2nd October - New Queers on the Scene

https://www.outsavvy.com/event/19275/new-queens-on-the-scene

If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:

Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/

In this special Mental Health Awareness Week episode of The Creativity Clinic, we’re joined by Ella Stewart, the inspiring founder of Bake Well-Being, a unique side hustle using baking to promote mental health awareness and well-being. Discover how Ella turned a passion for baking into a powerful tool for creating social impact, fostering emotional resilience, and supporting mental wellness.

Learn how baking can be used as a therapeutic outlet for reducing stress, practicing mindfulness, and connecting with others. Whether you're looking to start your own social impact side hustle or just curious about the connection between creativity and mental health, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories.

Watch now to find out how baking can make a difference in both your life and the community, and how you can use your creative skills to support mental health!

Topics Discussed:

• The journey of starting Bake Well-Being
• Using baking as a form of self-care and mental health support
• Tips on creating a side hustle with a social impact
• The importance of raising awareness for mental health through creative projects

Ella’s Recommendation: The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris

#BakeWellBeing #MentalHealthAwareness #SocialImpact #BakingForWellBeing #SideHustleForGood #MindfulBaking #CreativeWellness #SelfCareThroughBaking #MentalHealthWeek #TherapeuticBaking #Worldmentalhealthday2024 #Worldmentalhealthday

Follow Ella:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bakewellbeing 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakewellbeing/?hl=en

Facebook: Facebook: Bake Well Being

If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:

Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/

In this special episode of The Creativity Clinic, we close out Sustainable Fashion Week with an inspiring conversation with Melinda Styles, founder of The Curious Edit and a visionary in sustainable fashion. From eco-friendly materials to ethical production practices, Melinda shares her journey in creating a brand that prioritizes both style and sustainability. Tune in to explore the challenges and triumphs of building a sustainable fashion brand, the future of eco-conscious clothing, and how consumers can make a positive impact through their fashion choices.

This episode is packed with insights into slow fashion, upcycling, and the importance of ethical supply chains. Whether you’re an aspiring sustainable designer, a conscious shopper, or simply curious about the future of fashion, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the clothes you wear and the planet we share.

Watch now and learn how you can embrace sustainable fashion in your everyday life!

Topics Discussed:

• The rise of eco-friendly fashion
• Challenges in building a sustainable brand
• The future of ethical fashion
• How consumers can make a difference
• Insights on upcycling and circular fashion

Melinda's Recommendation: What Colour is your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles

Tags:
#SustainableFashion #EthicalFashion #EcoFriendlyFashion #SlowFashion #Upcycling #CircularFashion #SustainableFashionWeek #FashionInnovation #SustainableLiving #GreenFashion #EcoConscious

Follow Melinda: 

Website: https://www.thecuriousedit.com/

Instagram: the.curious.edit

Facebook: The Curious Edit

If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:

Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/

Nicole Akong is a Designer and Maker with a passion for creating, collecting, altering, transforming and embellishing everything she loves, from clothes to jewellery, footwear, eyewear and more!

Nicole was the runner up for The Great British Sewing Bee and since then has gone on to grow her Instagram following to over 170k, officially securing her as an influencer in sustainable fashion.

Instagram: @nicole_akong

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicole_akong

Nicole's Recommendation: Creative Visualisation by Shahti Gawain

#sustainablefashion #sustainablefashionweek #sfw 

If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:

Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/

Sarah Desmeules (or Lady Boo as most people know her), is the founder of Lady Boo Salutes You, a sustainable vintage fashion brand with an emphasis on fun.
Lady Boo curates collections of vintage gems offering a true alternative to the high street, allowing women to express their individuality through the wonderful world of sustainable fashion.
Alongside her extensive collection of vintage wares, Lady Boo shares her handcrafted jewellery, creating bold statement pieces to add the finishing touch to your look.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyboosalutesyou/
Website: https://www.ladyboosalutesyou.co.uk/
Next Open House: Saturday 23rd November 2024

Lady Boo’s Recommendation: The Bear, Disney+

#Sustainablefashion #sustainablefashionweek2024 #SFW
#vintage

If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:

Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/

The Creativity Clinic is a brand-new podcast where we dive deep into the vibrant, diverse, and sometimes unexpected world of creative professionals.  Whether you're a seasoned creative or just curious about the minds behind the artistry, this podcast uncovers the struggles, triumphs, and the inspiring journeys of those who live and breathe creativity. Get ready for an honest, fun, and unfiltered look at what it really takes to thrive in the creative industries. 

Tune in, and let's explore where passion meets profession!

If you want to connect or are interested in working with me then you can find me here:

Website: https://www.thecreativityclinic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativityclinicuk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyhunterthecreativityclinic/