With auditions for the Chester Station Synchronised Tap & Parasol Ant Dance Company underway, the Office is pleased to introduce the judging panel:
🕷️ Julian Mercer, Choreographer
Julian has enjoyed a distinguished career in dance, both as a performer and choreographer, including six seasons as Lead Choreographer on Strictly Come Prancing. Prior to this, he spent several years performing aboard international cruise liners as a backing dancer for singing legend Jane McDonald.
In his spare time, Julian enjoys watercolour painting and completing cryptic crosswords with his husband, Miles Mercer, who is currently working on Phileas Moss’s Flying Harness Engineering Team as Materials & Webbing Engineer.
🦗 Edmund Rattle, Conductor & Musical Director
Edmund is a celebrated conductor and percussionist. His particular expertise lies in musical interpretation, rhythm and timing, and he will be responsible for assessing the ants’ ability to remain precisely in sync with both the music and one another.
When he puts down his baton for the day, Edmund is an avid armchair cricket fan.
🦔 Moira Sibley, Former Principal Ballerina
Moira began her classical ballet training at White Lodge before enjoying a distinguished professional career with The Royal Ballet, where she rose to the rank of Principal Ballerina. Particularly celebrated for her performance as Lise in La Fille mal gardée at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, a road accident brought an end to her illustrious stage career. She has subsequently developed a passion for coaching the next generation of dancers.
Away from ballet, Moira is a keen gardener and enjoys foraging in hedgerows.