The Company

Samantha Blackden - Artistic Director

Samantha graduated from Middlesex University in 2006 with a BA Hons in Dance Performance. With experience in a variety of contemporary techniques such as Cunningham, Release and Lyrical Dance, Samantha fuses together styles with an aim to motivate and inspire her audiences.
Alongside Cascade, Samantha works as a part time youth worker for KCC in the Maidstone area holding a youth worker qualification and first aid training. She is also an accredited Sports / Dance Leader and Arts Award Advisor.

Ricia Coleman - Artistic Director

Ricia trained in contemporary dance at Middlesex University and gained a BA (Hons) in Dance Studies.  Having studied musical theatre, ISTD tap and ballet for many years, along with modern & Cecchetti ballet, Ricia has gained vast experience in both the performing and teaching world. She currently teaches dance for one of the UK’s leading performing arts companies whilst choreographing for Cascade’s forthcoming productions.
In addition to her responsibilities at Cascade, Ricia teaches classes throughout the South East. She is a qualified YMCA Aerobic and Ballet fitness instructor and is also a Pole Instructor.

Jessica Maple - Dance Practitioner

Jessica graduated from the University of Chichester in 2010 with a BA (Hons) in Dance having studied various contemporary dance techniques alongside choreography. She has since joined Cascade through an apprenticeship role, working with the Cascade Youth Companies and leading educational and community workshops. Having trained under the ISTD syllabus in ballet, modern and tap since a young age Jessica is also currently studying for her ISTD teaching qualifications and this year gained a Level 3 Diploma in Dance Instruction. Jessica is now a dance artist with Cascade and is also a performer within the company.

Our Dancers

Melanie Ward
Melanie trained at Bretton Hall College, University of Leeds and gained a first class BA Honours degree in Dance. Since joining cascade in 2007, Melanie has developed her skills as a performer, particularly within site specific performance. Her time spent with Cascade has lead to choreography with the youth companies and various freelancing work in Kent. Alongside this, Melanie also has a career in teaching and is currently KS3 Curriculum Leader for Arts at Saint George.s school in Gravesend. Melanie is also the founder of Wasted Grace Dance Theatre and Wasted Youth Dance Theatre.

Charlotte Greaves
Educated in Contemporary Dance at London Contemporary Dance School, and trained as a Checcetti Scholar at the London Studio Centre. Charlotte has taught both children and adults at all levels and abilities in England, India, Thailand, Nepal, and Cambodia. Charlotte gained a PGCE in Secondary Dance at Exeter University, Devon and a BA (Hons) in Dance Studies at Middlesex University, London. She is currently working as Curriculum Area Leader of Performing Arts at Dartford Grammar School for Girls.