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Team

BETTY MUKHERHJEE

Trustee

Hi, I’m Betty! My journey has been anything but ordinary. You might recognise me from the BBC’s Race Across the World, where I embraced the chaos, the challenges, and the beauty of stepping way out of my comfort zone. But what truly defines me isn’t just the show, it’s my passion for sharing my story, my highs and lows, and my journey with MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome).

Talking about MRKH wasn’t easy at first, it’s such a personal part of who I am but I realised that by being vulnerable, I could connect with others and spark conversations that matter. It’s been humbling to hear from women who’ve said my story has helped them feel less alone. That’s what drives me – to use my voice to empower and uplift others. That’s what also drove me to Flamingo Chicks, as it is a charity which champions those who otherwise might feel isolated, and misunderstood. Flamingo Chicks provides that safe, nurturing space to all the Chicks and team members.

Outside of that, I’m just someone who loves living life to the fullest. I’m into health and fitness (though I won’t pretend I don’t love pizza just as much), traveling to new places, dancing my heart out at music festivals, and discovering hidden foodie gems.

Betty bio pic

 

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SOFIA BURNAY

Dance Teacher

Sofia is a performance artist, teacher and Dance Movement Psychotherapist based in Southeast London. She trained in Contemporary Dance at Escola Superior de Dança in Lisbon, Portugal, obtaining a BA in Dance in 2014. Later she moved to London to continue her studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where she completed an MFA in Choreography in 2018. While teaching, Sofia also performed at various venues across London, including with Scirocco Dance Theatre.
Sofia has 10 years of experience teaching Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Creative Dance, and Musical Theatre. She also spent 5 years as a Teaching Assistant, providing support for children with autism. In 2024, she earned her MA in Dance Movement Psychotherapy from Goldsmiths University of London.
Sofia aims to deepen her teaching skills by integrating her new therapeutic practice, while continuing to share her love for movement as a valuable and fun tool for self-expression, exploration, and communication.
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MIKAYLA JONES

Dance Teacher

Mikayla began her dance training in Bristol, aged four, training in RAD ballet, tap, modern and contemporary. In 2021, Mikayla decided to further her career and took a place on the BA(Hons) Ballet Education degree at the Royal Academy of Dance. Throughout her time here, she continued training in ballet and contemporary, as well as gaining knowledge in dance science, dance teaching pedagogy and child development. She graduated in 2024, gaining a first class degree as well as licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance and currently holds Registered Teachers Status.
Mikayla currently works as a freelance dance teacher in London, delivering weekly dance lessons in private and state schools, recreational dance schools and nurseries. Mikayla is very passionate about encouraging a fun and welcoming class environment and ensuring that dance classes are inclusive to all.
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NAT RIDGEON

Dance Teacher

Nat is a freelance dance teacher based in South Bristol running creative community classes for early years and primary-aged children.

Nat trained full-time at Elmhurst School for Dance & Performing Arts from the age of 16 where she qualified as an Associate of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. Nat went on to University where she continued to be involved in teaching, performing and choreography and had the opportunity to perform as a dancer in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.

She relocated to Bristol and graduated from The Royal Opera House / The Royal Ballet School’s ‘Ballet in Education’ course in 2014, teaching creative dance in a variety of community and educational settings in London and Bristol as well as assisting on the Royal Opera House’s ‘Chance to Dance’ initiative.

She has taught for The Royal Ballet School’s ‘Primary Steps’ programme in Swindon and Cardiff both as a workshop leader and an after-school class teacher and loves experiencing children’s ability to embrace creativity and move freely.

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MARIAN BAO

Intern

Marian is currently a second year undergraduate student at University College London majoring in Education Studies. Her study includes exploring children’s experience in society through an anthropological and sociological perspective. She is passionate about supporting an inclusive community for all children through developing an understanding on education policies and child protection. She had plenty experiences in volunteered teaching for primary school students in China. 

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MINA CUI

Intern

Mina is a second-year Education student at University College London.  Her academic pursuits are complemented by her active participation in Flamingo Chicks as a volunteer, a role she embraced to directly impact children’s lives through dance and movement therapy.

 

Her experience working with children extends beyond academia into practical engagement. Mina’s outgoing and cheerful nature makes her a beloved figure among the kids she works with, enabling her to effectively communicate and foster a supportive learning environment.

 

Looking forward, Mina is excited about the opportunities to deepen her involvement in Flamingo Chicks. She is particularly passionate about initiatives that enhance educational outcomes and provide enriching experiences for children. Mina sees her volunteer work as a vital part of her professional and personal development, aiming to further her impact in the field of education and beyond.

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FREYA ZHENG

Intern

Freya Zheng is an undergraduate year 2 student in the Department for Education, Practice and Society at the UCL，IOE Faculty of Education and Society. Freya was born and raised in Hangzhou, China. She used to volunteer for a variety of different groups. During her first year at university, she actively participated online in public welfare activities organized by the Nanjing Qingteng Youth Service Center in China which provided educational support to children with autism and their families. Freya has the sense of responsibility and confidence to help children with disability participate in dance classes in Flamingo Chicks.

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CHLOE SAXTON

Dance Teacher

Chloe has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She started out with Ballet lessons and continued to enjoy contemporary Dance into adulthood. She has been a school teacher for 20 years, teaching children and young people a range of creative subjects including Art and Design, Textiles and Food Preparation. Alongside this Chloe has been running Kids Yoga classes and Adult Dance Fitness classes in the community through which she facilitates safe, fun and inspiring spaces that lift peoples’ moods and encourage people to find freedom in movement.
Chloe has a therapeutic approach and Trauma Informed practice which calls on her work as a therapeutic mentor at the Trauma Recovery Centre in Bath. The driving force behind Chloe’s work is to enable children, young people and adults to feel valued and welcomed and part of something bigger and from this place to enjoy movement and its life-giving power.
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HELENA WEBB

Dance Teacher

Helena is a choreographer, performer, rehearsal and movement director and facilitator. She collaborates with a wide range of people including; professional dancers, film makers, people with and without disabilities, dads, theatre makers, young people and men in prison. Choreographically Helena likes simple, striking images, huge buoyant moments transforming into something more demanding and true stories told by the people who experience them.
She is passionate about making dance accessible to all and creating spaces where everybody feels welcomed. Her work has been commissioned/supported by Chisenhale Dance Space, Battersea Arts Centre, South East Dance, Greenwich Dance, Yorkshire Dance, Barnet, Enfield and Harringey NHS Mental Health Trust and Arts Council England.
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KATIE SERRIDGE

Dance Teacher

Katie is a freelance dance artist, inclusive dance teacher and adaptive movement specialist based in South East London. She trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and Copenhagen Contemporary Dance School and has performed, choreographed her own work and co-founded MassHysteria Collective. Katie trained with Stopgap Dance Company to specialise in inclusive dance teaching. She has taught in several SEND schools, community settings and with charities, across a broad and varied spectrum of disabilities and additional needs.
Katie is familiar teaching and supporting students with PMLD, moderate to severe learning disabilities, complex needs, autism, ADHD and sensory processing difficulties. Katie believes dance and movement support the holistic development of children and young people with additional needs as well as provides opportunities for enjoyment and fun!

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