Third Row Dance Company is a student-led company of dance students based at the University of Roehampton. The Company has been running since 2008, and has evolved each year as it is passed on and led by a new group of undergraduate or postgraduate dancers and company directors. The company is selected through a yearly audition process to ensure the company continues as a small-numbered group of strong and committed artists.
Third Row Dance Company aims to provide its dancers with the opportunity to experience involvement in the professional dance world, by commissioning professional choreographers to create works for the company. These works are then performed and also taught by the company to other students within Roehampton and to communities further afield. Company members and outside guests hold regular contemporary classes teaching current repertoire, technique, and creative workshops with many opportunities throughout the year to perform.
Previous choreographers for Third Row Dance Company have included James Finnemore (Hofesh Shechter Company), Mari Frogner (Nutshell Dance), Kennedy Muntanga (Kennedy Muntanga Dance Theatre), Shaun Dillon (Dillon Dance), Jack Webb, Renaud Wiser, Josh Ben Tovim, Richard Causer, and Rachel Birch-Lawson.
Past members of Third Row Dance Company have continued in founding their own dance companies (Ceyda Tanc Dance, Sketch Dance Company), while others have been successful in continuing on to post-graduate companies such as Transitions and Map Dance.
Committee 2025/26
Artistic Director: Stephanie Harris
Stephanie Harris is a movement artist and choreographer born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2021, she received a BA in Contemporary Dance Performance from Southeastern Louisiana University and then began her path into the professional industry. Originally specialising in teaching, Stephanie has worked closely with youth dancers all over the country through organisations such as UDA, American Allstar, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and The American Ballet Theatre. Whilst obtaining her BA, Stephanie became a leading choreographer and took on several responsibilities within the undergraduate dance company including sound design and cinematography. Stephanie has showcased two works at the American College Dance Association and one work with Binge Dance Festival New Orleans.
At Roehampton, Stephanie is currently a 2nd year Choreography MFA student where her practice focuses on themes of nostalgia and transportive environments. She is excited to bring her own flare to the company and make it a memorable year!
Managing Director: Mads Waterman
Mads Waterman is a contemporary dance researcher and movement artist currently studying in their second year for their MFA in Dance and Embodied Practice. Originally from South Florida, Mads received their BA in Applied Dance from the University of Tampa in 2020. After receiving their undergraduate degree, they worked as a movement artist and teacher, presenting work for companies such as projectALCHEMY in St. Petersburg, FL. They have taught classes in styles ranging from tap to jazz and ballet, and acted as Director of Dance at the Lindsay School of the Arts in Fort Pierce, FL, from 2021-2024. Their current research focuses on transgender embodiment and queer interdisciplinary movement practices. As Managing Director of Third Row they hope to help foster an inclusive, professional and engaging company experience for all society members!
Rehearsal Director: Morgan Holder
Morgan Holder is a dance artist and writer originally from the United States. After winning a Fulbright grant, she relocated to London to pursue an MFA in Dance and Embodied Practice, where she is currently in her second year of study. In 2024, Morgan graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors) from The University of Alabama with a BA in Dance and English and a liberal arts minor from The Blount Scholars Program. Previously, Morgan has showcased her choreography at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe and the American Dance Festival Student Concert.
While at UA, Morgan was a member of Yonder Contemporary Dance Company, Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, and the inaugural Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase. She was also awarded the ASSURE (Arts and Sciences Support for Undergraduate Research) Grant, the Edith Barnes Awards for Choreography, Writing, and Dance History Award, the UA Dance Community Connections Award, and the Outstanding Senior Award from the UA English Department.
Morgan is excited to step into her new role as Rehearsal Director for Third Row Dance Company. With a passion for advocacy in the dance world, Morgan is looking forward to creating an inclusive, positive, and productive working environment within the company.
Welfare Officer: Emma Silagy
Emma Silagy is a creative movement practitioner and dance teacher from Long Beach, California. She engages in practice-based work, encouraging the art of expression with an emphasis on attaining proficiency in ballet, contemporary and modern dance techniques. Emma explores and instructs movement in both studio-based and community-based settings, eagerly pursuing connection in the joys and benefits of dance. Collaboration and communication are key facilitators in her practice, as she strives to provide spaces of kindness and inclusivity for all.
Emma earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance at California State University, Long Beach, graduating summa cum laude in 2019. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Dance and Embodied Practice at the University of Roehampton in London, England, where she is set to graduate summer 2026.