Q. What qualifications route did you take to realise your career?
 I took a BA in Performing Arts (Middlesex University), a diploma in dance and choreography (London Contemporary Dance School), a PG Cert in Performance Innovations (London Metropolitan University) and I’ve a number of years of professional experience as a dance artist.

Q. Please explain in detail what students will learn during your course?
 We work to develop the core dance skills of co-ordination, flexibility, strength and stamina. Additionally, we work to enhance musical appreciation, response to different rhythms, isolation of action so as to sharpen a sense of dancing style and a focus on the expressive potential of jazz dance.

Q. What’s the first thing you teach your students?
How to start moving through different actions and body shapes with a sense of balance and flow.

Q. What qualities do you need to succeed in your industry?
 Love of dance, dedication, fitness, tenacity

Q. What are the benefits of studying your subject?
 Fitness, well-being, dance skills, fun!

Q. Please explain why you love your subject?
Dancing is an all-consuming activity. When you are dancing – really connecting to the feeling of movement in space to music - there is nothing better!

Q. What skills do your students have by the end of the course?
In addition to the core dance skills already mentioned, learners develop an awareness of and ability to use rhythmical syncopation and isolation of limbs so as to coordinate with a range of music, including slow and up-tempo jazz, soul, R&B, garage, pop and folk.

Q. What do students normally do once they’ve finished their course?
Progress to other, more advanced dance classes or else they continue to attend for successive terms as they find the context and level works well for them and they are happy to do the course along-side other dance study.

Q. What’s the best way to go about getting a job in your industry?
To work with consistency and commitment to hone dance skills across a range of genres (ballet,  jazz, modern, contemporary) for a period of time – generally for a minimum of three to four years full-time training. Once ready for job-seeking, dancers often find where their particular qualities lie and they will pursue the kinds of dance context (commercial, hip-hop, musical theatre, ballet, experimental…) that best suit their skills.

Q. Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
As a professional teacher and dance artist, I divide my time between preparing and delivering teaching, doing class myself (in dance, singing and acting) and attending performance events to experience what other professionals are doing.

Q. What advice do you have for people interested in studying a course like yours?
Be daring, be patient and enjoy yourself!