DANCING BOOKS KINGSTON
Fun, active sessions for children under four and their carers, held in local libraries!
Dancing books, encourages early literacy, phonetics, imagination and storytelling through creative movement. Our inspiring DanceWest teachers make learning to love books an exciting adventure. Sessions are engaging, interactive and designed to support your child’s development.
Tolworth Library
37-39 The Broadway, Surbiton KT6 7DJ
Wednesday 14th January - Wednesday 25th March 2026
10:30–11:10
11:20–12:00
Hook & Chessington Library
13 Hook Rd, Hook, Chessington KT9 1EJ
Wednesday 14th January - Wednesday 25th March 2026
11:00 - 11:40
11:50 - 12:30
Kingston Library
Fairfield Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2PS
Thursday 15th of January - Thursday 26th March 2026
10:15 - 10:50
10:55 -11:30
No need to sign up for these sessions, we operate a first come first serve policy. If you are interested to the project please email Zeynep Gunaydin, DanceWest Producer: Producer@dancewest.co.uk
Lead Artist Holly France
Holly is a compassionate, generous and warm dance practitioner, she delights in finding new ways to engage people through music and movement. Her aim is to give a sense of achievement for all her students in each of her sessions with a healthy dose of fun and laughter. She is formerly trained in Contemporary dance and furthered her training in Jazz roots under the swing dance umbrella. Her career in dance has taken her all over the world teaching, performing and choreographing. Meeting people from all walks of life has informed her choice to work with the inclusive dance sector where she feels most passionate. “I am really looking forward to getting creative with everyone at Hook & Chessington Libraries, I'm super excited to explore story telling through the use of movement and dance". Holly teaches for DanceWest as part of the Children and Young peoples programme.
Assistant Artist Hannah Lenehan
Hannah is a community dance facilitator that grew up dancing in Dayton, Ohio and danced with the Miami Valley Dance Company from 2008-2016. She received her BA in Theatre Studies from Wright State University in December of 2019. Hannah is currently based in London, England, where she recently graduated with her MFA in Dance Leadership and Community Practice from Trinity Laban Conservatoire and where she has been involved in the facilitation of a variety of community dance projects. Hannah is especially excited to be a part of delivering Dancing Books sessions at Hook & Chessington Library!
Lead Artist Maria Jell-Shah
After training at Rambert School and completing the Royal Academy of Dance Teacher Training Maria performed, choreographed and taught in the UK and Europe. Maria teaches dance in many different settings, ranging from ballet schools to community projects and also works within Early Years Education. “I am extremely excited about the Dancing Books sessions as they combine two of my passions- dance and books! Dancing Books is such a special project and I can’t wait to create new memories with the participants!”
Assistant Artist: Juliana Ruiz Torres
Juliana is an interdisciplinary dance artist and educator, blending contemporary dance, Somatics, and improvisation. She earned an MFA in Dance and Embodied Practice from the University of Roehampton in 2023.
Lead Artist Beth Ackroyd
Beth holds a BA (Hons) in Dance Studies, an MSc in Dance Science, FHEA status and RAD RTS. She teaches across DanceWest, Sadler’s Wells, and RAD Step into Dance and additionally works as an academic tutor and researcher. “I started working on Dancing Books 7 years ago and I am delighted to be bringing these sessions to Tolworth. I am excited to dance, read and have lots of fun together”.
Assistant Artist Moyra Silva Rodriguez
Moyra Cecilia Silva Rodriguez (PE) is a Peruvian choreographer and teacher with a strong background in physical theatre and dance. She has performed in Latin America, Europe, the US, and the UK. Her practice blends contemporary dance, physical theatre, and object-based performance to create inclusive, imaginative experiences. Moyra is excited to bring something special to Tolworth Library, sharing dance as a playful, accessible way to spark creativity, connection, and storytelling within community spaces.
