meet the team

HIGHLY QUALIFIED &
experienced team
Kayleigh Sargeant
Principal
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
Ballet Teacher
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 & Ballet Teacher
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. Katie has most recently started her post as Artistic Director for The Coast Youth Dance company!
Amber Tarrant
Musical Theatre Teacher
Meet Amber the newest addition to the team!
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 undertaking her IDTA dance diploma and is always looking to expand her dance, theatre and teaching horizons. Amber is very excited to join New Forest Academy of Dance 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 very excited to welcome her to the Team!
Susan Tyne
Ballet Teacher
Kevin Thatcher
Guest repertoire & Ballet Teacher
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 has most recently started ‘Life on an even Keel’ to help clients find balance through fitness, well being, personal development and relaxation consultations.

Ben Sargeant
Accounts and Administration
PUT ON YOUR
dancing shoes!
To sign up for your trial sessions fill out the registration form with details in the notes box about the classes you are interested in (Ballet, Tap, Musical Theatre and so on). We will then contact you with all you need to know about the best classes for you and how book your taster sessions! The NFAD team are looking forward to welcoming you to the school!