Ithalia Forel (Johnson) is a Transform Clore Fellow 2022/3. A Liverpudlian with African and Irish roots, she is passionate about how individuals can reach their potential regardless of their journey, understanding from first-hand experience how trauma, racism and neurodiversity can challenge one’s desire to bloom into their unique self.
Ithalia studied Business and Quality Management in Salford University and developed a passion for supporting and developing the voluntary sector and the arts. Gaining skills in capacity building, fundraising, and community engagement.
In 2009 Ithalia became co-founder of Movema, a World dance charity based in Liverpool and Bristol, after retraining in dance at the City College of Liverpool and Jose Limon Dance School NYC.
Ithalia has toured nationally and internationally. A highlight to her performing career was with CoCo dance theatre, directed by Cynthia Oliver, in the production “Rigidigidim De Bambe De: Ruptured Calypso.”, a piece that explored Afro-Anglo Caribbean identity.
Visiting lecturer at various colleges and Universities including Salford University, UCLAN and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), specialising in sharing African dance and culture through a contemporary lens to connect people, communities, culture and history. Award winner of Business Female of the Year, Liverpool Black History Month and Trailblazer Champion, One Dance UK.
Ithalia is excited how dance, creative practise, access and leadership can liberate and transform people, communities and the world.
Social media tags: @ithaliaforel @movema/ movemadance @cloreleadership
About Clore Fellowship
Ithalia is a 2022 Transform Clore Fellow supported by Arts Council England.
Read more about the Clore Fellowship programme and the 2022/23 Fellows cohort here
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