Josh Denyer: Finding the Story in Movement

CHOREOGRAPHY BY JOSH DENYER

ARTIST: BON IVER - HEY, MA

LOCATION: THE MANOR LDN DANCE STUDIO, FINSBURY PARK, NORTH LONDON

For Josh Denyer, performance has always been about more than movement. His career began in Australia, where he took on the lead role of Billy Elliot in the Australian production of Billy Elliot the Musical, before training at Brent Street Performing Arts and receiving a full scholarship to Laine Theatre Arts in the UK. From there, his career moved between theatre, screen and international performance.

On stage, Josh has performed as Neleus in Mary Poppins across the West End, Germany and Australia, as well as joining the original UK cast of Newsies. His work has also extended beyond theatre, with credits including Kelly Clarkson, Jason Derulo and Dermot Kennedy, alongside projects with Disney, Sony, Microsoft and Stranger Things.

That experience now feeds directly into his work as a teacher and choreographer. Based in London, Josh teaches Contemporary at The Manor LDN, bringing the instincts of a professional performer into the studio — technique, musicality, storytelling and an understanding of how movement needs to connect with an audience.

For this choreography, Josh turns to Bon Iver’s “Hey, Ma”, the 2019 single from i,i. Released as one of the album’s lead tracks, the song sits within Bon Iver’s expansive, layered sound, giving Josh space to explore movement that feels expressive rather than purely technical.

At The Manor LDN, that connection between performance and movement is exactly where Josh’s work comes alive.

Watch Josh Denyer’s “Hey, Ma” choreography below and experience his movement language at The Manor LDN.