David Blake

David Blake is an international creative direction, choreography, leadership, and mentorship and coaching. His work spans stage, screen, education, and public space, shaped by sustained experience across performance, creation, and leadership.

Performance

As a performer, he has appeared in award-winning productions, including playing Banzai in Disney's The Lion King. His career also includes performing as a Principal Dancer with the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) and with professional dance companies in Southern California, alongside extensive work in film, television, and theatre. Most recently, he appeared in Universal's Wicked for Good (2025).

Creative Practice

His creative practice encompasses choreography, movement direction, and large-scale collaborative projects that integrate movement, technology, and community. This work often explores themes of identity, connection, and resilience. Melanin Migration: Brothers in Arms was nominated by One Dance UK and presented at the ScreenMiami Festival at the Pérez Art Museum Miami.

Education & Leadership

Alongside his creative output, he is an experienced educator and institutional leader. As the inaugural Director of Dance and Musical Theatre at Urdang City St George's, University of London, he shaped curriculum and mentorship frameworks that align professional training with current industry standards and practice. His teaching has extended internationally across conservatoires, universities, and professional schools.

Beyond institutional settings, he delivers audition intensives and professional training programmes preparing artists for employment in the West End and international markets. This work focuses on technical excellence, professional literacy, audition strategy, and the adaptability required to navigate careers across performing and commercial sectors.

Education & Qualifications

He holds a BA in Business Administration for California State University and an MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy, grounding his creative and educational work in organisational leadership, cultural strategy, and sustainable practice.

Recognition

Recognition for this work includes the Best Teacher of Performing Arts honour from the Black British Theatre Awards, alongside funding from Arts Council England and the University of London Federation, acknowledging both creative and educational impact.

Blake Arts

Through Blake Arts, he supports emerging, mid-career, and transitioning artists through periods of growth and reinvention, offering mentorship, professional development, and strategic guidance grounded in real-world industry experience.

Community & Speaking

In addition, he delivers talks and presentations on Kingdom Economics through ICAN Community Church, exploring leadership, purpose, stewardship, and long-term thinking within creative and professional contexts.

Philosophy

At the core of this work is a people-centred, integrative approach, grounded in the belief that meaningful creative work and strong professional lives and community are built together.