Abi Mortimer

Abi co-founded Lîla Dance with Carrie in 2005. She choreographs and directs the touring productions, dances in the work, delivers commissions and does the book-keeping. Abi’s love for dancing began at a young age, through obsessively imitating Michael Jackson in his Dangerous concert.

From the company’s inception Abi worked collaboratively with Carrie to develop the languages and style of Lîla. She assumed the role of residential director to make 8 works on the company that have undergone national and rural tours, international performances and festivals.

Abi danced in company repertoire between 2005- 2012 and following a (short!) 7 year break from performing, returned to dancing for Lîla in The Hotel Experience in 2019. Amongst others, Abi has also danced for Yael Flexer and Nick Sandiland (YFNS), Charlie Morrissey and Detta Howe.

As a freelance choreographer Abi has extensive choreographic experience making work across a variety of settings including immersive theatre (The Deluge), non-theatrical spaces, dance for screen (Living is a Doorway, a part) outdoor work (MY BIT) and promenade performance (e.g. Gay Pride Parade). She makes work on people of all ages and abilities. Her work has been shown in high profile theatres including Sadler’s Wells, The Place, Trinity Laban, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Brighton Dome, The Point, Greenwich Dance, The Gulbenkian.

Abi received choreographic mentorship from Hofesh Shechter and has collaborated with a range of international artists and companies, working on projects with choreographers Gary Clarke, Simona Bertozzi, writer for the BBC Nick Walker and Stopgap Dance Company (integrated company of disabled and non-disabled dancers).

Abi is a senior lecturer at The University of Chichester and has a passion for extending her practice to creatively engage the community. She is a ‘silent’ partner at Instep Dance Company where she grew her love for dancing over 16 years as a youth dancer.