THE TEAM
Kayleigh Sargeant,
RAD RTS, ISTD DDE
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Principal, Ballet, Tap, Modern & Progressing Ballet Techniques Teacher
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Kayleigh, who is a local girl, started Ballet at the age of 2. Soon taking up Modern and Tap lessons. At the age of 12 Kayleigh became a teaching assistant for younger classes and this is where she found her love for teaching dance. After leaving school she went to study at Roynon Dance Centre in Southampton where she gained her Diploma in Dance Education in Ballet, Tap & Modern. She then went on to train with the Royal Academy of Dance completing her CBTS (Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies) to gain registered teacher status. Kayleigh has taught in various schools in the Bournemouth and New Forest area as well as taking guest workshops in London and Guernsey. Kayleigh is also a certified tutor for Progressing Ballet Technique classes. Kayleigh is currently studying Anatomy and Physiology for dance gaining her Dance medicine certificate, with Philip Cutts Pain Management and is close to completing her Applied Anatomy and Physiology for dance certificate. Since taking over the school in 2015 the school has grown in size and success, in November 2016 Kayleigh was Awarded the Young Person in Business Award at the New Forest Brilliance in Business awards run by New Forest Business Partnership, Making ourselves more known in the area supporting local events and raising money for community projects. Producing Bi annual shows and other performances Kayleigh offers opportunities for students to showcase their achievements and build confidence to perform helping students learn more than just the techniques of the arts which can be used in everyday life! Kayleigh is very passionate about ensuring all students achieve their best in a fun and nurturing atmosphere, keeping classes fun and engaging for all.
Gemma Davis
BA (Hons) RTS
Ballet Teacher,
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Gemma has been dancing since the age to 2 1/2 and has studied a wide range of genres ballet, tap and modern being just some of them. She grew up in Bournemouth and has always lived there. In 2017 Gemma studied at the Royal Academy of Dance in London on their BA(Hons) Ballet Education programme for three years to gain her teaching qualifications. In 2017 she also studied with the ISTD to achieve her DDI in Modern Theatre. She also works as a choreographer, she has choreographed Cinderella at the Weymouth Pavilion and the annual summer pantomime Pirates of the Pavilion as well working over the country choreographing for other production companies. Gemma has performed in many theatres across the UK from up North in Billingham to the south of Devon. In 2017 Gemma qualified as a personal trainer and also holds her pilates qualification. Gemma has worked as a dance teacher across many schools in Dorset and Hampshire and is very excited to be joining the team at New Forest Academy of Dance.
Katie Neal
Contemporary, Progressing Ballet Techniques Teacher
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Katie trained at London Contemporary Dance School following prevocational training with The Royal Ballet School Associates and The Places CAT programme. Upon graduation Katie performed with companies such as Avant Garde, Jose Agudo and Just Us Dance Theatre alongside teaching at Laban, The Place and Studio 68. Katie currently teaches Ballet and Contemporary at a number of dance schools in the south in addition to her Contemporary technique tutor role at Arts University Bournemouth. Katie is a registered 200hr Yoga and PBT teacher, and is currently undertaking her RAD CBTS qualification.
Albey Brookes
Musical Theatre Teacher
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After staring in his first west end show at the age of 6 Albey hasn’t stepped away from the spotlight. His theatre credits include, Oliver!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (original cast) Grease, Singing in the Rain, Dirty Dancing, Aladdin (Original cast) and most recently Fame. As well as his expansive theatre career Albey has stared in TV and film. Training at The Arts Educational school, Tring, Dance and Drama he has been teaching for various schools sharing his passion and love of the theatre and dance. In addition to teaching at NFAD Albey will be teaching at a number of schools in the South and in London. Albey’s classes explore the theatre in a fun, exciting and engaging way to build students confidence and passion for the Arts.
Susan Tyne
RAD RTS
Ballet Teacher
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Susan started dance training in Cyprus when she was 3. Having arrived permanently in the UK she studied in Berkshire with Beryl Jarvis & auditioned for Bush Davis School, East Grinstead where she was taught by Noreen Bush, Joy Camden & Marjorie Davis, studying RAD Ballet alongside National, Character, Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Drama and Music. Susan trained as a teacher with the RAD & later became an international Examiner. She has had the pleasure of directing community dance companies & provided performances & workshops for a variety of academic & educational institutes, health care & hospitals & large outdoor events such as festivals. Susan trained to teach Pilates, Hatha Yoga, Qigong & nutrition to improve the health, wellbeing & technique of budding young dancers & also to benefit adults of all abilities. She is licensed to teach RAD Silver Swans. Susan's ethos is; we can all dance, be it with just the eyes or the hands or by using the whole body. Dance is a language, a therapy & a wonderful way to sustain good physical health & mental wellbeing. For the few like herself it becomes a lifelong career, passion and joy. She is lucky to be able to say this joyful element has filled her life & allowed her to have the privilege to meet & work with some amazing people from all walks of life. Susan loves to teach, share her knowledge & passion. Believing first and foremost it must be fun!
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Kevin Thatcher
Guest repertoire & Ballet Teacher
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​Kevin started ballet at a young age at a local dance school. After being offered a place he trained at the Royal Ballet School, and Elmhurst Ballet School before embarking on an extensive performing career, with various dance companies all over the world. Then training as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. Kevin runs fitness studios in London and the New Forest, as well as The Great Fitness Escape ​for dance and fitness inspired breaks. Kevin is passionate about dance. Making classes fun and inspiring for all. Kevin specialises in repertoire, conditioning and vocational/adult ballet classes.