Olivia Foskett, the London-based dancer blending classical technique, contemporary movement and creative expression across stage and screen.
By: Sanj Saigal
From stage to screen, Olivia Foskett brings movement, emotion and storytelling to life.
There’s something captivating about dancers. It’s more than just their confidence or presence—it’s the way they move through the world, fully aware of their bodies and the space around them. You can sense their devotion to the craft in every step, every gesture. What looks effortless on stage comes from years of passion, perseverance, and a love of storytelling through movement.
Dance is always evolving, finding new spaces beyond the traditional stage. Today, it’s everywhere—from theatres and contemporary performances to films, fashion shows, and music videos. The world of dance feels bigger than ever, filled with fresh opportunities and creative voices. In the middle of all this, staying connected to your own artistic identity matters more than ever.
Olivia Foskett – Contemporary Spark
One artist who stands out in this dynamic world is Olivia Foskett, a London-based dancer represented by Adam Cooper Talent Agency. Her movement is instantly recognisable—rooted in classical technique but brought to life with a contemporary spark. Olivia’s building her career on both stage and screen, always searching for new ways to express who she is.
A quick scroll through Olivia’s Instagram says it all: she dances with real joy, but her storytelling makes you want to watch again and again. Each performance goes beyond steps—it’s full of character, emotion, and her unique spark. That blend of skill and heart is what makes her work memorable.
National Dance Company
From performing with National Dance Company Wales and Welsh National Opera’s Peter Grimes to exploring film and music videos, Olivia’s journey has been anything but ordinary. I sat down with her to talk about how it all began, what it’s really like working in such a demanding industry, how she’s found her own voice, and what she’s excited about next.
Olivia Foskett Interview
Dance
For anyone who’s not familiar with your work, how would you describe yourself as a dancer and performer? What first drew you to dance?
I would describe myself as quite a versatile dancer, with a background in both classical and contemporary dance. I love the physicality of movement, but also the opportunity to communicate something through it. I’m creatively curious and enjoy exploring different styles and ways of moving, rather than feeling too tied to one discipline.
I’ve been dancing since I was young, and I think what initially drew me to it was the performance element. There’s something really special about being able to express yourself physically, sometimes without needing words at all. It’s something I’ve always come back to, and I still love that feeling of being completely immersed in movement.
Theatre, Live Performance to Film and Music Videos
Olivia, you’ve worked across quite a few different worlds, from theatre and live performance to film and music videos. Is there one that you particularly love, or do they all offer something different?
I think they all offer something quite different, which is probably why I enjoy moving between them. Live performance has an energy that you can’t really replicate anywhere else. There’s something exciting about sharing a space with an audience and knowing that every performance is slightly different. Film and music videos are interesting in another way, because you get to think about movement through a camera lens, and there’s often more opportunity to play with detail, character and storytelling.
I don’t think I could choose just one right now. I really enjoy the variety of freelance work and the different people you meet along the way. I also love being part of a creative process, especially when you’re working with a director or choreographer who has a clear vision, and you get to contribute.
National Dance Company Wales
You’ve had some brilliant experiences, including working with National Dance Company Wales and performing in Welsh National Opera’s Peter Grimes. Are there some moments or projects that have really stayed with you?
Working with National Dance Company Wales was a really valuable experience for me, particularly coming straight out of training. It gave me an insight into life within a professional dance company and the level of commitment, detail and collaboration that goes into creating work. Performing in Welsh National Opera’s Peter Grimes was another really special experience. It was my first professional opera job, working as a swing, which was a completely different world from anything I’d done before and taught me a lot about adaptability and being prepared.
I’ve also really enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to work in film and music videos. Being on a film set, seeing different departments come together, and understanding how movement fits into a bigger picture has been fascinating. I think the experiences that stay with you most are the ones that push you slightly outside your comfort zone and introduce you to a completely different way of working.
Creative Spark
Dance can be quite a demanding industry, both physically and mentally. How do you look after yourself and keep that creative spark alive, particularly when things get busy?
I think it’s about finding a balance and recognising that you can’t be switched on all the time. Dance is obviously quite physical, so looking after my body is a big part of my routine. I try to stay active in ways that feel good, rather than constantly pushing myself, and I think understanding when to rest is just as important as training.
I also think it’s important to have interests and experiences outside of dance. Freelance work can be unpredictable, so having a life beyond auditions and rehearsals helps me keep perspective. Sometimes stepping away from dance for a bit is actually what makes me feel most excited to get back into it.
Pilates Instructor
You’re also a qualified Pilates instructor. Has teaching changed how you approach your own body, movement, and performance?
Definitely. Teaching Pilates has made me much more aware of the body and how differently everyone moves. Coming from a dance background, you’re often so used to thinking about what your body can achieve, whereas teaching has made me more interested in the mechanics behind movement, how we build strength and how small adjustments can completely change an exercise.
It’s also made me appreciate the importance of working with your body rather than against it. I think that awareness feeds back into my dancing, particularly when it comes to understanding alignment, strength and control. It’s interesting to have another perspective on movement, and I think the two disciplines complement each other really well.
Olivia Foskett – Creativity
Who or what inspires you creatively right now? Are there any choreographers, artists, films or even common experiences that influence the way you move and create?
I’m really inspired by people who approach movement in an interesting or unexpected way. I love watching film and theatre, particularly work where movement develops a character or tells a story. I’m drawn to things that feel a little unusual, playful, or emotionally driven, and I’m increasingly interested in the relationship between dance, acting, and physical storytelling.
I’m also inspired by the people I get to work with. Every choreographer, director, and creative approaches a project differently, and I find it really interesting to see how different ideas come together. I think being exposed to different creative environments is one of the best ways to keep developing your own perspective.
Olivia Foskett – Projects
Going forward, what would you love to explore next? Are there any particular projects, joint ventures or creative directions you’d really like to take on?
I’d really love to explore more narrative-based work, particularly where dance and storytelling come together.
I’m also really keen to explore musical theatre! My background is primarily in dance, but I love the idea of being part of a production where you can combine movement, character, and storytelling over a longer period. I think I’m at a point where I’d like to keep saying yes to different opportunities, challenge myself and see where they take me. I’m quite open-minded about what the next chapter looks like, which is part of the excitement.
Credits
Editorial photography by Steve Fox / @TheCreativeFoxPhotos
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