Our Story
About The Original Spinners
The Original Spinners is a community dance company founded by Rachael James in 2010.
Our ethos is about bringing people together and celebrating diversity.
Based in Bristol, our vision is to ensure that people of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to engage in and express themselves through inclusive dance, movement, and play. We are dedicated to making dance accessible and enjoyable for everyone, so that all can experience the transformative benefits of participation.
We believe that everyone deserves the chance to dance, move, and play—no matter their age, ability, or background.
Where it all began
Engagement
Working across all ages and all communities, we believe that through music, movement, creativity and play, individuals can feel valued and respected, transcending difference. This enhances wellbeing, reduces isolation and brings about positive change.
Complementing our use of music and dance we introduce elements of clowning, puppetry, storytelling and play to create honest, simple and magical experiences for audiences of all types and all ages. We create intergenerational events and have worked with Bristol’s Roma population.
Classes
Alongside these projects, we run regular dance classes for people living with Parkinson’s and offer weekly movement sessions with Misfits, a theatre company for adults with learning disabilities.
We are also trained to deliver dance and clowning for people with dementia.
All of our workshop leaders and assistants hold enhanced DBS checks and Public Liability Insurance.
Team
At the heart of our practice is a love of the feeling of freedom that dancing brings and the belief that with the right environment, permission and influences, we can all dance.
Rachael James
Founder and Artistic Director
I am the founder and artistic director of The Original Spinners CIC. At the core of my practice—and of The Original Spinners—is a deep love for the feeling of freedom that dancing brings, and a strong belief that with the right environment, encouragement, and inspiration, everyone can dance.
My work is rooted in improvisation and shaped by my background in contemporary dance, ballet, and clowning. I hold a BA (Hons) in Dance from the University of Roehampton and am a 500-hour certified yoga teacher through the Sri Sri School of Yoga. I have also trained in sound therapy.
Music is my first and enduring source of inspiration, and I love sharing it with others—something I explored during my time as a DJ. In 2013, I was honoured to be named one of Bristol’s 50 Happiness Champions, recognised for my contribution to making the city a more joyful place to live and work.
Outside of work, I enjoy many things—especially discovering new music.
Rachael Walsh
Co-director
I am a community dance artist and performer, based in Bristol. I trained at London Contemporary Dance School, Dartington College of Arts and DanceVoice Therapy Centre. Since moving to Bristol, I have performed with various companies at festivals and immersive events.
Taking part in The Original Spinners’ short course in 2012 reignited my joy and passion for dance, and I have been performing and laughing with them ever since!
I’ve also been working alongside Rachael James since 2013 in all our inclusive dance workshops, projects and hospital work.
Outside of work, I enjoy live music, nature, walks on the beach and cups of tea.
Bianca Bertalot
Co-director
I’ve been a member of the Original Spinners since 2011.
I will never forget my first experience; I felt I was in a dream where I was being lifted and spinning with joy. My background is in performing arts and therapy. I have studied different therapies such as Co-Counselling, Dramatherapy and Voice Dialogue, as well as holding a BSc degree in Psychology with Counselling. I am constantly working to combine and enhance the art of therapy and wellbeing through the art of clowning and play.
My passion is to bring people and community together. I am currently business development manager for one of the sites at Orchard Trust, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities.
In my free time I enjoy walking in nature, spending time with my toddler and playing rugby and trying not to get too competitive.
Sophie Marshall
Associate Artist
Bio coming soon
Associate Artists
We also work alongside a group of regular associate artists on events, our community work and happenings.
