Phil Winston

Phil Winston was born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. He began training in dance locally at Nellie Stagles School of Theatre Dance, later attending the Royal Ballet School. As a professional dancer, Winston worked primarily in commercial styles, appearing in television and theatre shows, before deciding to pursue a teaching career and opening a dance school. As a choreographer. Winston has worked on numerous productions, both in the UK and internationally. He is a resident choreographer for Stageworks Worldwide Productions, which produces theatre and cabaret shows for various venues in Blackpool, most notably at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. In 1998, Winston was awarded the Carl Alan Award for services to dance.

In 1984, Winston was appointed as an Examiner of the International Dance Teachers' Association, a leading international dance examination board. In 1992, he was elected to the Modern Jazz Technical Committee, responsible for the redevelopment of the technique and syllabus for the IDTA Modern Jazz. He is also a member of the Theatre Council, which maintains standards across all the IDTA theatre dance faculties, which also includes ballet, tap and theatrecraft. As a member of the IDTA, Winton is a recognised authority on modern jazz dance, and frequently lectures at dance schools and colleges, seminars and summer schools.

Winston is the Principal of the Phil Winston Theatreworks College in Blackpool, a professional training school for students seeking to pursue a career in dance and performing arts. Former students include:

• Hayley Tamaddon
• Olivia Phillip

• Phil Winston's Theatreworks
• Stageworks Worldwide Productions