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Ian West, one of West College Scotland’s Dance Lecturers is the man behind the Choreography of latest smash hit show, The Fully Monty.

Full Monty

Since graduating from Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts in London, Ian has worked extensively in theatre, television and film as both a dancer and choreographer. With an array of productions under his belt including: The Blues Brothers, award winning show, The Oliver,  The Play What I Wrote and most recently, multiple projects for Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games, Ian has firmly established himself as a well-known professional freelance choreographer.

His latest accreditation is that of Oscar winning writer, Simon Beaufoy’s, The Full Monty.

Ian, said, “Producer David Pugh, who I had worked with on a variety of productions over the past fifteen years, approached me to audition to choreograph the tour.

I was sent the script and was inspired by the characters and excited by the music that drives much of the play. Once I had a feel for the play and created some choreography I successfully auditioned for the Director of the show, Mr Roger Haines. Subsequently, I work-shopped my choreographic ideas on West College Scotland’s dance students which all of us found an invaluable process.”

As well as choreographing Ian is a dance Lecturer at West College Scotland’s Paisley campus, where he teaches dance at NC, HNC and HND level.

Ian continued, “As a Lecturer I’m fortunate enough to be able to juggle work as a freelance choreographer and that of teaching; both of which I love. I think it’s imperative that our students are taught by industry professionals who are still actively working within the industry.”

Creative and Service Industries, Assistant Principal, Angela Pignatelli said, “We are immensely proud of Ian and his on-going, high calibre industry achievements. We feel so privileged that he teaches on our courses and that, in turn, our students are learning from a current, cutting-edge practitioner in industry who is so highly acclaimed in the world of Performing Arts. “