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. 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 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 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.

Mellissa has a wealth of experience and knowledge in both performing and teaching. Melissa trained at The Hammond school from the age of 11, then continued to further her dancing, singing and acting training at The Urdang Academy. Since graduating she has held both teaching and performance positions in the UK and Dubai. Performing in various shows including two tours both international and UK based, worked on cruise ships, music videos, adverts, short films and events. Melissa has always held teaching positions while performing and loves to pass on her knowledge to students and help them grow and develop into well rounded performers.

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!

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.

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.