Career History

“Music and movement go hand in hand for me. I rarely think about one without the other. Even when I am not composing for contemporary dance specifically I’m always looking to get people to move with the music, whether it’s just a small groove or a full-on headbang! The idea of groove is very important to me also. Even when I’m learning new guitar techniques or riffs, studying rhythmical patterns or different styles of music, I always try to apply what I learn in a way that gets people moving; trying to make the ideas that I come across both relatable and interesting – an ongoing challenge!”

Otis started learning to play the piano when he was around 10 years old, studying Jazz in particular. At the age of around 14 he started dancing at Swindon Dance, starting with creative youth groups before joining Swindon Youth Dance Company, and later the Youth Dance Academy (Swindon Dance’s CAT scheme). He then began training at NSCD in 2011. During his first year he started exploring piano playing in relation to contemporary dance, playing for sections in the student showcase piece he was in. He picked up the bass for the first time towards the end of his first year, and then the guitar midway through his second year.

“I incorporated music into my second and third year projects, playing for pieces and exploring music with improvisation; as well as playing for a few improv exchanges. I was also composing my own music and learning about the production side of music. I also began to tag along with some of the musicians accompanying classes, which eventually led to me covering classes solo, and eventually working full time!”

Once he graduated from NSCD, Otis formed a dance and music duo with Akeim Buck called Snakebox. They created an audience participatory improvisation piece with music and dance called P.L.A.Y, as well as wrote some original music. He has since composed music scores for Jamaal Burkmar, Gianluca Vincentini/Mobius Dance, and JV2.

Professional Activity and Research Interests

“At the moment I am working with Snakebox as a band, and working in a covers band: Electrocity. Outside of this I’m creating my own music, looking at some different genres to explore and to broaden/refine my recording skills. I plan to record music for dance improvisation, as well as music for classes. I am also beginning to get back into moving and seeing where that can take me.”