ResDance Series 9: Episode 7: Gemma Harman in Conversation with Kate Prince (Recorded Live at The Nest, Chichester Festival Theatre)
In this episode, Kate reflects on her journey through dance, theatre, film, and music, sharing how her early dream of becoming a choreographer shaped her career. We talk about the founding of ZooNation, her mission to championartists, and the company’s role in bringing hip hop to the main stage while challenging perceptions of the art form. Kate discusses her choreographic process, the role of storytelling in her work, and how hip hop helps her address real-world themes. We also explore the importance of nurturing young talent, and the need for greater visibility and opportunities for older practitioners in dance. Throughout the conversation, Kate speaks about the value of embracing uncertainty, being brave, learning from mistakes, and surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded people. Her message is uplifting and clear: keep dancing and keep finding joy—however it evolves throughout your life.
Biography
Kate’s work with ZooNation includes creating ground-breaking productionssuch as Into the Hoods (Novello Theatre,West End), Some Like it Hip Hop (Peacock Theatre & UK Tour), Groove on Down the Road (Southbank Centre), The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (Royal Opera House & The Roundhouse), Message in a Bottle (Peacock Theatre; UK, European, Australian & North American Tour), and SYLVIA (Old VicTheatre). The company has also delivered special performances for the 2012 London Olympics IOC Opening Ceremony, the 2011 and 2023 Laurence Olivier Awards, the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Handover Ceremonies, and Nelson Mandela’s 90th-birthday celebrations in Hyde Park. Beyond ZooNation, Kate’s theatre credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Sheffield, West End & UK Tour), Bacchae (National Theatre), Dream Ballets (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Ballyturk (National Theatre), Shoes (Sadler’s Wells), I Can’t Sing: The X-Factor Musical (Palladium), and It’s a Mad World My Masters (RSC).
Her film work includes choreography for Everybody’sTalking About Jamie (Warp, Film4, New Regency & Amazon), Message in a Bottle (PBS America), StreetDance 3D (BBC Films & Vertigo), as well as The Holloway Launderette, whichshe wrote and directed for BAFTA/Channel 4. For television, her credits include Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance, The Royal Variety Show, Top of the Pops, Ant &Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, CD:UK, Blue Peter, Sport Relief, The Album Chart Show, and Popworld.
Kate’s personal achievements include an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Winchester, an MA from the University of Edinburgh, and an MBE (2019) for services to dance. In 2020, Kate was the subject of the BBC’s Imagine documentary series, Kate Prince: Every Move She Makes, presentedby Alan Yentob. She has been nominated for five Olivier Awards, a South Bank Sky Arts Award, a WhatsOnStage Award, and two Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards. In 2024, ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company won the Critics’ CircleNational Dance Award for Best Midscale Company.
Website and Social media channels
@zoonationuk
Linktr.ee/ZooNews
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