John Darvell creates thought-provoking, darkly cinematic, twisted scenarios which are firmly rooted in the here and now. His choreography explores human realities, laying bare individual vulnerabilities, so often wounded and unseen in the new world order of mega-corporate faceless forces.

John’s professional journey into dance began in his late 30’s when he took the courageous step to leave his IT job security behind and risk a full career change by retraining in contemporary dance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Fundamental aesthetics developed as a visual designer influence his distinctive approach to choreography which is all about creating immersive and interactive dance experiences.

As Director, Choreographer & founder of NOCTURN since 2007, John Darvell has focussed on creative, innovative & participatory projects. Involving & affecting local communities and/or other professionals in John’s work, people’s lived experiences inspire him. Community participation is key to his creative practice. A recurrent theme is the dependency we have on modern technology & its impact on society. He asks individuals/groups to use or try NOT to use their mobile devices or favourite social media. It’s serious but upbeat. It’s online or anywhere in your daily life. It’s accessible, often free & always fun.

Charlie completed the ‘Artist in Process’ professional training program at the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance (AT), majoring in choreography. He graduated from the Professional Dance Course at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts (UK), having commenced his formal training at the Centre for Advanced Training, London Contemporary Dance School and been founding member of the English National Ballet Youth Company.

Currently a dancer with Russell Maliphant Company (UK), Charlie has performed with Kale Companhia de Dança (POR), Helder Seabra (POR/BE), Christine Hassid (FR), Milan Tomášik (SLO/SK), Julyen Hamilton (UK/ESP), Helen Parlor (UK), Barnaby Booth (UK/AT) and in projects with Rambert Dance Company, English National Ballet, the Royal Opera House, East London Dance and Dance GB, amongst others.

His choreographic work is performed internationally and he regularly delivers commissions for dance companies, training institutes and festivals. Charlie is a sought-after rehearsal director, working across a variety of artistic environments and ventures for companies and independent projects throughout Europe. His teaching includes National Dance Company Wales (UK), Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance (AT), Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Arts (CRO), Northern School of Contemporary Dance (UK), Jasmin Vardimon II (UK), English National Ballet, EN-KNAP Dance Company (SLO), Dans Punt Festival (BE), Liptovské Divadlo Tanca (SK), Divadlo Studio Tanca – Banská Bystrica (SK), London Studio Centre (UK), National Youth Ballet of Great Britain, British Youth Music Theatre, Richard Chappell Dance (UK) and STKLH Conservatory (SK). In addition to his freelance portfolio Charlie has been Associate Artist at English National Ballet and is currently Rehearsal Director at Richard Chappell Dance and Artistic Consultant at the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain, having been Associate Creative Director from 2020 until early 2022.