meet the team

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. Kayleigh studied 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. As well as being a certified tutor for Progressing Ballet Technique classes, Kayleigh has studied with and continues to be in association with Philip Cutts School of Dance & Sport Medicine to ensure secure delivery of applied anatomy and physiology to all our students. Working with each students anatomy to ensure we are keeping all students pain and injury free.

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 then in 2023 winning the award for Business Growth at the New Forest Brilliance in Business awards run by New Forest Business Partnership. 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. Dance Education is more than just a dance class it is about developing the young person mentally and physically to unleash their potential.

Amber has danced from the age of 5 with a wide variety of genres including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary and freestyle. She also trained in a theatre school studying dance, drama and singing. Since the age of 15 she discovered her love of teaching and passing on her passion for the arts! Amber has worked in a number of theatre schools producing choreography and performances for a number of large productions. Amber is always looking to expand her dance, theatre and teaching horizons. Amber has been with New Forest Academy of Dance for a number of years and strives to make lessons fun and engaging working on students confidence, teamwork, and self-expression in addition to the wide range of skills and knowledge needed for musical theatre. We are proud to have her as part of the Team! 

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 ballet 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 is also an IDTA teacher of Belly Dance and holds qualifications to teach Pilates, Hatha Yoga, Qigong & is a Scientific Vegetarian & Vegan Nutritionist. Her knowledge aims 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!

Aged 4 Grace started dancing at her local dance school and successfully undertook exams in RAD and ISTD. Whilst at the school she had the great honour of performing with the English Youth Ballet in their productions of Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.

After completing her training at the age of 18 and discovering a passion for dance and performance she auditioned for dance colleges. A dream offer enabling her to continue her studies was accepted at the prestigious Bird College in Kent and allowed her to continue what she loves, successfully graduating with a First Class Honours Degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. During her training she was fortunate to of worked with some of the best choreographers and directors in the industry and gained invaluable knowledge and experience. 

Grace is excited to share all she has learnt over the years, to inspire the next generation of budding dancers.

Amy graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance in 2021 and is now a qualified and registered ballet teacher. Following her studies she worked professionally in London for 2 years.  Amy has a Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) certification and a Silver Swans Licence which underpins her teaching. She values a student centred approach where nurturing a healthy dancer to reach their potential is important to her. 

After joining the school for cover work last year, we are proud to have her join us as part of the full time teaching team. Amy has a passion for pre school and lower school classes where she has helped Miss Kayleigh develop our lower school programme to ensure students develop well during these early and vital years. 

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. Kevin runs lots of local dance and ballet sculpt classes all of which are very popular with attendees.

Ben has worked for a number of years in sales for local companies including electrical and Car sales, where he developed training programmes and worked his way up in various managerial roles. Ben recently retrained as an accountant to help support his family and to allow him to spend more time with them. He has been helping with the school in an unofficial capacity since Kayleigh took over New Forest Academy of Dance in 2014. Many will know him as the lighting and sounds man at the shows. He is excited to now be joining the team officially to help the school grow and reach its full potential. Ben will be working behind the scenes with the accounts, helping with administration as well as working on the technical aspects of the school.