Katy Harris (nee Barrow) A.IDTA
Principal, Founder & CEO of SOSA Dance Ltd (SOSA Dance, Seated SOSA Dance and Simply SOSA Dance)
Co-Founder/Director of Dance SOSA Community Interest Company
‘A highly accomplished professional dancer, choreographer and dance teacher, Katy has a life-long passion for dance, that just like her incredible energy, knows no bounds! Her dream is to inspire people all over the world, regardless of their age or level of ability, to experience the pure joy and happiness that dance brings’
I had no idea where to start writing a bio about myself, so it made me think long and hard about the true underlying reasons that have led me to this place in my life, and subsequently, my chosen career path, as Founder of SOSA Dance Ltd, and now, Co-Founder of Dance SOSA Community Interest Company.
“I’ve loved dance with a passion from a very young age, and I feel so lucky and blessed that I get to wake up every morning, and do what I love the most”
It goes without saying that I’ve worked hard to achieve all the accolades, awards and qualifications I’ve gained along the way, but actually, it is so much more meaningful for me to dedicate this bio of my life, by sharing some truly personal experiences with you all, and paying tribute to all the INCREDIBLE PEOPLE who have been responsible for guiding and empowering me to achieve my destiny, along the way.
Without the influence of these very special individuals, I would not have learnt the inner strength, creativity, passion, inspiration, determination and self-belief, to follow my dreams.
For many years, alongside teaching dance part-time in the evenings, I worked in high-pressured, high-powered roles in the City of London, at the London Stock Exchange, and front-office trading floors at various International Investments banks. Looking back, I have no idea how I sat still at a desk for that long! But it did teach me all the professional skills I needed to run a successful business and communicate effectively on every level.
I was made redundant during the ‘banking crisis’ in 2012, so I decided to use my redundancy money to open my own dance school. I started off teaching line dancing classes, private lessons and wedding dance packages. Then, I had a great idea to open a class at my local village hall to teach people Salsa and Latin dance steps, without the need for a partner.
I never envisaged in my wildest dreams, that 10 years down the line, that idea would have grown to be a GLOBAL dance brand, making dance truly inclusive and accessible for ALL!
The people who inspired and empowered me…
1. Sue Wilson (Founder of Starlets, SOSA Dance Regional Pro Trainer & Ambassador for Essex & Greater London)
I was just 6 years old when my Mum enrolled me into my first Ballroom & Latin dance school. I have a vivid memory of looking up at Sue, who was training to be a dance teacher at the time. I was far too small to dance in Ballroom/Latin close hold with her, so we just held hands, or elbows, as she taught me the basics. My Mum said I used to come home from class and dance around the house, singing “2, 3, Cha-Cha-Cha!”
After 10 years, and countless trophies, awards and medals for amateur IDTA dance exams and competitions in Ballroom, Latin and Disco Dancing, I left the dance school, age 16, when teenage life and GCSE exams took over. Unfortunately, Sue and I sadly lost touch after that.
Fast forward 26 years later, our paths crossed again as if by fate at a Salsa event… and the rest, as they say, as history! Sue is now an integral part of SOSA’s Pro Team, and a wonderful personal friend, mentor and confidente.
Sue inspired me to fall in love with dance, and helped me realise from a very young age, that dance was not only my passion… but also my DESTINY.
2. Dennis Drew (Famous professional Ballroom & Latin competition dancer, Former President of International Dance Teachers Association)
I was 19 years old when I first met Dennis Drew, who was simply a LEGEND.
My memory of him the first time I danced with him, will remain with me forever. He danced with such ease, he literally glided over the dancefloor!! I’d never seen or experienced anything like it.
Dancing in closed Ballroom/Latin hold with this incredible man, who had so much strength, energy, power and control in his lead, combined with natural effortlessness, care, and elegance in every step…was mind-blowing!
Although he was in his mid-60’s at the time, his energy levels were off the scale, I literally couldn’t keep up with him!
I would arrive 15-20 mins early for my dance lessons on purpose, just so I could watch him
I had so much respect and admiration for him, because his passion for dance was so infectious, and INSPIRATIONAL beyond words.
Shortly after, I began training for my IDTA Ballroom/Latin Teaching Associate qualifications.
Above all else, Dennis had such a special gift to make everyone smile and feel instantly relaxed and welcome in his company the moment they walked onto his dancefloor. I would sit at the side-lines and watch his every move, studying and analysing his teaching techniques.
Dennis made me realise that DANCE IS FOR EVERYONE. People just need to be given the opportunity, encouragement… and most importantly, a happy, welcoming and non-judgemental environment in which to learn.
R.I.P Dennis Drew.
Lynda King (IDTA Dance Teacher/Founder since 1964, Former President of International Dance Teachers Association)
Ten years after qualifying as a Ballroom and Latin teacher, I had secured a great career, working full time in the city of London as a PA at an international investment bank. But also, four nights a week, I would get home from work, quickly get changed and then teach private dance lessons and group dance classes in the evenings, at various dance schools in the Essex and Greater London area.
In the meantime, I had discovered a huge personal passion for Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba, so I really wanted to gain further dance teaching qualifications in Salsa and Freestyle.
Lynda was a close friend and associate of Dennis Drew, so I knew immediately that she was the one to teach and inspire me.
I was 30 years old, and with over 10 years of teaching experience under my belt by this point, I thought I was an expert!
Until I met Lynda, I had always been told what to teach by the owner of the dance school I was working at, according to the grade I was teaching, and in line with the ‘set’ dance steps and routines dictated in the IDTA syllabus.
Lynda’s teaching style was so unique, she taught me to analyse and question every element of every step and styling movement.
She would set me ‘homework’ every week, to study the IDTA manual… so I’d spend hours picking it apart, then I’d turn up to each lesson with twenty questions in my mind.
But she never answered one of my questions. Instead, she would throw them back at me, and put me on the spot.
Her reply was always, “You tell me why the body moves in that way?” or “Why do you think the foot is placed in that direction?”
I realised very quickly, that the reason she was refusing to answer me, is because she knew full well that I already had all the answers, I was just doubting my own knowledge. The only thing I lacked…. was confidence and self-belief to think ‘outside the box.’
She made me really analyse how every step could be adapted, and how important it was to pay attention to the choice of words/language I used to explain and break-down steps to participants, to establish effective communication and build instant rapport, connection and trust, with a huge variety of different age groups and levels of abilities.
I went from just being able to teach people how to dance steps from a book…
To really EMPOWERING people to embrace the journey of dance.
It elevated my skillset from just being a dance teacher… to being an intuitive choreographer.
She made me realise that I could achieve anything…
IF I BELIEVED IN MYSELF!
LYNDA KING… I take my hat off to you. Without a doubt, the most inspirational, creative and talented dancer and mentor I’ve ever had.
18 months later, in November 2012…. SOSA was born, and the company ethos was set in stone.
SOSA is all about opportunity, equality and self-belief.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS.
Sharing the love, freedom, joy and positivity that dance brings, empowering people to change their lives forever.
WITHOUT JUDGEMENT.
Whether you’re Fred Astaire or Fred Flintstone, makes no odds.