Tamsyn Russell is a New Zealand born choreographer, dancer and teacher based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
She is a graduate of Unitec New Zealand majoring with a Bachelor in Contemporary Dance.
As a dancer she has worked with many established and emerging choreographers in New Zealand, UK and internationally. From relocating to Edinburgh in 2008 -2014 she had been lead dancer and choreographic assistant for Janis Claxton Dance touring nationally and internationally.
As a choreographer Russell has created works 'ID Me', 'Hunting Dust',' In the hearts of humans', 'Go Get 'em Kid' and 'Scene Stealer' which have been performed on several Scottish and UK platforms. She has made several works on youth dance companies in Scotland, New Zealand and Finland.
What interests Tamsyn as a choreographer is exploring the complex nature of being human and questioning, challenging and compelling the audience to reflect on their own world. Through her work she exposes private thoughts and ideologies and reflects the complexities and idiosyncrasies that determine what it is to be human. Examining different human behaviours and challenging popular stereotypes, with results that are sometimes bleak, funny and bizarre
As a performer, Russell has been a notable presence on the Scottish dance scene for a while. But now she’s moved into choreography, things are really hotting up, with Hunting Dust one of the most exciting moments at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. The List's HOT 100 list.
https://www.list.co.uk/article/76020-the-hot-100-2015-90-81/
'compelling to watch, a fabulous work indeed' Reviewer: Zoe Parker for The Culture Vulture. Work: ID Me.
http://theculturevulture.co.uk/blog/dance/live-bites-thatll-tantalise-your-northern-palette/
Almost immediately, there’s an air of excitement in the room – a collective understanding from the audience that we’re going to be entertained by good dancers, performing fun and accessible choreography. At no point does Russell disappoint. Not only can she make interesting dance, but her eye for talent (Adrienne O’Leary, Freya Jeffs and James Southward) and ear for strong musical choices make Hunting Dust the full package. Any funders reading this take note – here is a talent worth investing in'. Kelly Apter Scotsman Hunting Dust
http://www.wow247.co.uk/2015/08/12/dance-reviews-nijinskys-last-jump-oog-underneath-between-us-hunting-dust-special-edition-2015/
'Go get em' Kid' is such a great piece. I normally watch 'comedic' dance with one eye open but this was fab! Tim Nunn, Programme Manager, Tramway.
Hunting Dust, choreographed by Tamsyn Russell, makes mischief out of what constitutes “success” with a swaggering James Southward roundly ignored by an unimpressed Freya Jeffs while Adrienne O’Leary and Russell herself join in the jockeying for position, the rush to be in with the in crowd.. but standing out/standing up as an individual. Fresh face to look out for beyond the Fringe. Mary Brennan HeraldScotland
http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/13586456.display/
'ID Me' is exactly the kind of dance work Scotland doesn't produce and desperately needs to. It manages to be both sinister and halarious. Performed by exceptional dancers and never taking a conventional or predictable turn in its choreography, it's totally refreshing. Bold, witty and inventive - it's sophisticated enough to stop any dance connoisseur in there tracks, but totally accessible at the same time. John Lyndon, Dance Base.
She is a graduate of Unitec New Zealand majoring with a Bachelor in Contemporary Dance.
As a dancer she has worked with many established and emerging choreographers in New Zealand, UK and internationally. From relocating to Edinburgh in 2008 -2014 she had been lead dancer and choreographic assistant for Janis Claxton Dance touring nationally and internationally.
As a choreographer Russell has created works 'ID Me', 'Hunting Dust',' In the hearts of humans', 'Go Get 'em Kid' and 'Scene Stealer' which have been performed on several Scottish and UK platforms. She has made several works on youth dance companies in Scotland, New Zealand and Finland.
What interests Tamsyn as a choreographer is exploring the complex nature of being human and questioning, challenging and compelling the audience to reflect on their own world. Through her work she exposes private thoughts and ideologies and reflects the complexities and idiosyncrasies that determine what it is to be human. Examining different human behaviours and challenging popular stereotypes, with results that are sometimes bleak, funny and bizarre
As a performer, Russell has been a notable presence on the Scottish dance scene for a while. But now she’s moved into choreography, things are really hotting up, with Hunting Dust one of the most exciting moments at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. The List's HOT 100 list.
https://www.list.co.uk/article/76020-the-hot-100-2015-90-81/
'compelling to watch, a fabulous work indeed' Reviewer: Zoe Parker for The Culture Vulture. Work: ID Me.
http://theculturevulture.co.uk/blog/dance/live-bites-thatll-tantalise-your-northern-palette/
Almost immediately, there’s an air of excitement in the room – a collective understanding from the audience that we’re going to be entertained by good dancers, performing fun and accessible choreography. At no point does Russell disappoint. Not only can she make interesting dance, but her eye for talent (Adrienne O’Leary, Freya Jeffs and James Southward) and ear for strong musical choices make Hunting Dust the full package. Any funders reading this take note – here is a talent worth investing in'. Kelly Apter Scotsman Hunting Dust
http://www.wow247.co.uk/2015/08/12/dance-reviews-nijinskys-last-jump-oog-underneath-between-us-hunting-dust-special-edition-2015/
'Go get em' Kid' is such a great piece. I normally watch 'comedic' dance with one eye open but this was fab! Tim Nunn, Programme Manager, Tramway.
Hunting Dust, choreographed by Tamsyn Russell, makes mischief out of what constitutes “success” with a swaggering James Southward roundly ignored by an unimpressed Freya Jeffs while Adrienne O’Leary and Russell herself join in the jockeying for position, the rush to be in with the in crowd.. but standing out/standing up as an individual. Fresh face to look out for beyond the Fringe. Mary Brennan HeraldScotland
http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/13586456.display/
'ID Me' is exactly the kind of dance work Scotland doesn't produce and desperately needs to. It manages to be both sinister and halarious. Performed by exceptional dancers and never taking a conventional or predictable turn in its choreography, it's totally refreshing. Bold, witty and inventive - it's sophisticated enough to stop any dance connoisseur in there tracks, but totally accessible at the same time. John Lyndon, Dance Base.