Kim Adam - Lyrical Jazz
Regarded as an industry icon, Kim Adam has established herself as Australia's foremost dance choreographer, mentor and teacher. With an extensive portfolio of work that extends globally, Kim is always pushing the boundaries of the dance discipline and innovating in every performance, masterclass or workshop she is a part of.
Kim's unique ability as a storyteller has seen her work extensively throughout Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Domestically, Kim's work as a choreographer and performer has been highlighted by her work as a founding partner of “ Collaboration the Project” in association with Paul Malek. “Collaboration the Project” is a company that inspires and allows dancers a chance to explore various avenues of contemporary dance and choreography, since opening Collaboration they have produced numerous award-winning productions with their 2013 production “Yours Truly” winning the Victorian Dance Award for ‘Best Independent dance production’. The dedication and Love installed into “Collaboration” has grown in recognition within the professional industry. In October 2012 Kim choreographed and directed her first show “4 LETTERS” at Theatreworks and in October 2015 Kim will be presenting her second solo work ”Distorted Pictures”.
Kim’s innate ability as a communicator sees her on a daily basis inspiring the next generation of Australian dancers. Working with Australia's elite performing arts schools and programs, Furthermore, Kim is regularly invited to teach workshops throughout Australia and to adjudicate eisteddfods.
Kim Adam's ongoing professional performing credits span 15 years in the areas of film, television, music theatre and corporate performances:
“Fire and Ice” Gasworks,‘Underground Events’ ’Golf Air Airlines’ ‘Wog Boy the Movie’ (Film Victoria) ‘Bad Eggs ‘(Film Victoria). Dance credits include Michael Ralphs “Now and Then”, Crown Casino “Shared Tables”, and Disney Live shows, The Footy Show Players Review, Countdown The Arena Spectacular.
Ruth Armstrong - Musical Theatre
Ruth began her training at The Pauline Howard School of Dance under the guidance of Miss Patricia Ellis FISTD Examiner/Committee. She continued to further her studies at Laine Theatre Arts and graduated with Diplomas in both Musical Theatre and Professional Dance, whilst additionally attaining ISTD Associate teaching qualifications in Modern, Tap and Imperial Ballet.
After several years working as a freelance teacher and choreographer Ruth joined the Dance Faculty at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in 1999 teaching Jazz, Modern and Tap alongside her role as resident choreographer for Dance and Musical Theatre productions. Ruth was instrumental in devising a structured course of study for Tring Park’s Outreach Dance programme which successfully encouraged the access to dance for children attending primary schools in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Having pursued her ISTD Qualifications to Fellowship Status, Ruth became a Dual Examiner for the Modern and Tap faculties in 2005. As a member of the Modern & Tap Faculty teaching teams, she regularly lectures at teacher and student courses throughout the UK and Internationally. Ruth has a true passion for theatre jazz and dance artistry and was proud to have been instrumental in creating new Optional Jazz Award Amalgamations. More recently she has choreographed the Musical Theatre Amalgamation for the new Intermediate Tap syllabus and a Musical Theatre Amalgamation for the Modern Grades syllabus. As a member of the ISTD Modern Faculty committee Ruth is proud to be able to contribute to the ongoing development of its syllabus and the evolution of training for dancers and teachers alike.
In 2013 Ruth returned to working as a freelance vocational teacher & choreographer and has since taught at various vocational colleges including Mountview, GSA & The Urdang Academy. She is currently part of the Bird College Jazz & Tap faculty where she additionally tutors the DDE Modern teaching qualification. Alongside her teaching commitments Ruth is a regular guest teacher for Chrysalis London, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, National Youth Ballet and Gielgud Academy of the Performing Arts. Choreographic credits include commissions for National Youth Ballet, Encore Dance Company, ’Move It’ Exhibition and Gala Performances at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and The Shaftesbury Theatre.
Robyn Baker - Ballet
Robyn was awarded a full scholarship at 16 to Elmhurst Ballet School. She completed her training and graduated with a Higher National Diploma and ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet & Modern. Robyn went on to dance with QDOS productions before joining Carnival Cruise Lines, with whom she travelled extensively for 3 years as a featured singer and dancer. On returning home in 2007, Robyn began teaching.
In 2010 Robyn founded Sussex Youth Ballet Company with the aim of nurturing talent and inspiring young dancers through performance. She has since choreographed and produced 10 original productions.
In recent years Robyn has achieved her Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in instructing Pilates Matwork, has become a ‘Progressive Ballet Technique’ qualified instructor and was awarded Fellowship status in Classical Ballet with the ISTD. She is also Head of Ballet and ISTD coordinator at Creative Academy University.
Jodie Clark - Jazz
Jodie trained at The Roshe School and Bird College where she graduated with Distinction. While at Bird College she toured throughout the UK and Europe as part of The Bird Theatre Company. Jodie enjoyed a diverse performing career across many genres including Musical Theatre, Cabaret and Contemporary Dance throughout the UK, Europe and Worldwide on board luxury cruise liners.
Jodie is currently Assistant Director of Dance at The BRIT School where she helps run a dynamic department providing training in dance technique and its related studies. Jodie teaches a range of techniques and related subjects, She also writes, choreographs, directs and produces performance work as well as running an extensive ISTD extracurricular programme.
Jodie has choreographed corporate events for clients including Superdrug, The Lion Awards and the Edge Awards and is part of the creative team for many theatre productions in her local area including Pirates of Penzance, Scrooge, Oh What a Lovely War! and many Pantomimes. She is often involved in project work, working with a range of organisations and client groups for example the aDvANCE programme at the Royal Ballet Upper School, TEDx, Big Dance and St. Christopher’s Hospice.
Jodie has successfully gained BA (Hons.) in professional educational studies at Canterbury Christ Church University, holds QTS and Fellowship status with the ISTD and is an adjudicator member of The British and International Federation of Festivals. Jodie has taught for the ISTD Janet Cram Awards, The Dance Summer School, Scotland and was part of the original cohort for the Dance UK Dance Teacher Mentoring programme where she worked closely with a variety of industry professionals including CDET and Arts Educational Schools and continues to do so.
Georgina Da Silva - Tap
Georgina studied at the prestigious Bush Davies School of Dance where she gained her ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap and Modern. After graduating from Bush, Georgina went on to embark on a successful career as a professional dancer.
Career highlights included Georgina dancing in the West End production of 42nd Street in London’s Drury Lane, and dancing with Wayne Sleep at a Royal Gala in the presence of Queen Elizabeth. Georgina’s professional career extended for 10 years during which time she worked as a dancer/Dance Captain on Cruise ships working with world class choreographers such as Vicki Davis and Gene Castle.
After finishing her professional career, Georgina performed in several amateur production including the lead role in 42nd Street. She then focused on teaching and has worked with children and adult groups over the last 18 years teaching a broad spectrum of dance styles, including tap, ballet, modern and musical theatre.
Whilst living in Australia she taught at 3 of Melbourne’s most renowned dance schools. More recently she had taught musical theatre at Godalming Stagecoach, Phillipa Hogans school of Dance and The Elizabeth Fenton School. She is currently runs classes at a private school in Surrey teaching both children and Adults the joy of dance. She is also the choreographer for their productions.
Charlie Donnelly - Modern choreography
Charlie trained at Bird College, gaining a degree in Dance & Musical Theatre. Prior to attending Bird, Charlie trained at Chichester College on the dance course, gaining her ISTD DDI in Ballet & Modern, whilst attending the Centre for Advanced Training Scheme at Trinity Laban. After graduating, Charlie performed in contemporary fringe work in London as well as freelance teaching at a number of schools, before joining the cast of Mary Poppins as a Swing in Hamburg. On her return, she attained her ISTD DDE qualification, before joining the cast of Mary Poppins in the West End as a Swing in 2021. Charlie has just gained her Licentiate Modern and is looking forward to continuing her study through to Fellowship.
Joanne Evans - Ballet choreography
Joanne trained at the Royal Ballet School, Central School of Ballet and London Studio Centre. She went on to dance with London City Ballet Company and then moved into Musical Theatre, performing in shows such as West Side Story, The King and I and Cats in the West End. She appeared in Pantomime and variety shows with Les Dennis, Bernard Breslaw, Susan Hampshire, Ann Nolan, Tom Jones and John Barrowman amongst others.
Joanne also appeared on TV shows such as The Hale and Pace Show, The Paul Daniels Magic Show, The Bill and the Russ Abbot Show. Following her performing career, Joanne taught at various vocational dance colleges and schools in London whilst also working at the Reigate School of Ballet. She become the Principal in 1998, and is extremely proud that it is celebrating its 50th year. Joanne is qualified with both the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ballet,modern& tap) and The Royal Academy of Dance. She is now ISTD Lead Examiner for ICB grades.
Sam Hills - Jazz
Samantha started dancing at the tender age of 5 taking part in Ballet, Modern and Tap exams. She then moved to London at 16 to train at London Studio Centre. During this time she found work dancing for Arlene Philips and from here she found herself on the West End stage in the hit musical Grease.
From starting out in the ensemble she progressed to understudy and play both Frenchy and Marty. From here Samantha went on to perform many roles in various shows including Fame, Happy Days, Saturday Night Fever, The Rocky Horror Show and Boogie Nights to name a few. She also danced in Royal Variety shows, pop videos and various film and television shows, working with choreographers such as Matthew Bourne, Karen Bruce and Alan Harding.
Samantha has since moved to Brighton and has had experience teaching all over the south coast. She has also been an associate lecturer for The University of Chichester on their musical theatre courses for the past seven years.
Hayley Ovens - Contemporary
Hayley is a freelance dance artist, specialising in contemporary and community dance. She graduated with a first class honours degree in Dance Studies from University of Roehampton and went on to complete an MA in Performance at University of Chichester. She is trained in contemporary techniques Release, Limon, Cunningham and Contact Improvisation, as well as Ballet and Jazz.
As a member of Mapdance 2012, Hayley toured 13 venues and festivals performing in work by professional choreographers, Nigel Charnock, Saju Hari, Matteo Fargion, Kiera Martin and Detta Howe. Since, she has performed in professional work by CoDa Dance and Ceyda Tanc Dance across the UK. In 2014, she took part in a research trip and tour of venues across Turkey with Ceyda Tanc Dance.
Hayley has experience facilitating dance for all ages and abilities, leading creative projects in a range of community, health and educational settings. She is currently Rehearsal Director for the YMCA's Youth Dance Company in South West London, and a teaching assistant for Rambert's Dance for Dementia project, as well as running workshops and regular classes for young people. Hayley is a founding member of Ceyda Tanc Dance and is Education Manager for CTeD, the company's education strand.
Heather Rees - Tap History
Miss Rees is a Senior International Examiner for the I.S.T.D and is author of the book ‘Tap Dancing – Rhythm In Their Feet’
Originally trained in Classical Ballet and Tap. She is now a Fellow and Examiner for the Modern, Tap and National faculties.
She holds Licentiate in Imperial Classical Ballet has and studied extensively with specialists of all genres in the UK and USA.
She has taught at many Theatre and Teacher Training Colleges (Inter Alia, Laine Theatre Arts, Bird College, London College, Bush Davies and Hammond School).
Miss Rees was part of the creative team for the new Intermediate Tap Syllabus.
Kim Rogers - The Butterfly Mind
Kim stepped into the world of dance, following in her mother’s footsteps at the renowned Rainbow School of Dance in Portsmouth, under the guidance of Mary Forrester. Her early passion quickly blossomed into a professional performing career, with credits in numerous shows, pantomimes, and television commercials throughout her youth.
At 16, Kim relocated to Essex to train at the prestigious Performers Dance College, where she completed a rigorous three-year programme in all aspects of Musical Theatre. After graduating, she toured the world as a professional singer and dancer, working across theatre, television, and on board leading cruise lines.
Upon returning to the UK, Kim transitioned into choreography, and soon after brought her vision to life with the launch of her own production, Divas, which later took her to southern Spain, where she continued performing and producing for the next three years. After gaining further qualifications and teaching at various schools and a vocational dance college, Kim fulfilled her lifelong dream in 2013 by founding her own dance school, a place where young dancers could grow, feel seen, and thrive.
In 2022, Kim became Licentiate-trained with the I.S.T.D., further deepening her technical expertise and commitment to excellence in dance education.
Alongside her dance credentials, Kim is also a qualified Mindset and Wellbeing Coach, with training in NLP, counselling skills, and a range of other mental health and coaching modalities. As a recognised expert in this field, she is passionately dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces for young dancers, and actively works with industry organisations to make dance a healthier, more inclusive space for all.
Callie Sant - Progressing Ballet Technique
Callie Roberts was born in Australia and trained under Marie Walton-Mahon (the founder of Progressing Ballet Technique) until the age of 16. After finishing all RAD exams including receiving her Solo Seal award and a silver medal at the Adeline Geneé awards Callie was offered a full scholarship to The Royal Ballet School. After graduating with honours, Callie took up a contract with Birmingham Royal ballet. Callie had 7 successful years as a professional ballerina with BRB then decided she was ready for a change. Callie is currently a freelance dancer and teacher specialising in the extremely successful 'Progressing Ballet Technique' program. Callie teaches PBT workshops for students and teachers throughout Europe.
Vivienne Saxton - Ballet Teachers' Workshops
Since graduating from the Royal Ballet School Teachers’ Training Course, Vivienne has run her own school and has worked at the Bush Davies Schools, the Royal Ballet School, Stella Mann College and Bird College. She holds an MA in Ballet Studies from the University of Surrey, Roehampton and has taught and lectured worldwide.
Vivienne is currently Director of Dance at MPAA, formerly Margaret Howard Theatre College, and the ISTD Coordinator at Bird College. She is involved in the development of the teacher training qualifications at the ISTD and is on the Panel that devised the Level 6 Diploma in Dance Pedagogy.
Vivienne is a Fellow and Lead Examiner for the Imperial Classical Ballet Faculty, responsible for examiner training and standardisation at all levels, as well as an Examiner for the National Dance Faculty. She was Chair of the Imperial Ballet Faculty from 2010 until 2019, also serving as Vice-Chair of the ISTD Theatre Faculty Board and as a member of Council.
Helen Steggles - Training Ballet Technique
Helen is an ISTD Examiner in Imperial Classical Ballet and trained at the Arts Educational School, London. After graduating Helen taught for a variety of schools whilst furthering her teaching qualifications including Junior Performers and shortly afterwards she became part of the Ballet Faculty at Performers College where she taught vocational students for many years. Helen achieved Distinctions in her Advanced 2 Ballet and Fellowship qualifications and was honoured to be invited to take classes at both the Imperial Ballet Junior and Senior Awards, which she helped organise for many years. Helen lectures for the I.S.T.D. on their Summer and Spring Courses in London, Chichester and Italy and was involved in creating the new syllabus and DVD, “Training Ballet Technique”, which she has been presenting to teachers both in the UK and internationally. Helen was an Imperial Classical Ballet Faculty Committee member from 2012 until 2020. Currently Helen is a freelance teacher, examiner and lecturer for the I.S.T.D. Working here at ACS Dance Centre and at other Approved Teaching Colleges teaching vocational and DDE Imperial Ballet. She is also a qualified Pilates Teacher.
Cathy Stevens - Pilates
Cathy trained at Bird College under the guidance of Miss Doreen Bird and after graduating secured performing contracts on the QE2. Cathy danced and choreographed extensively, including West End shows including “Underneath the Arches” at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and “Hi de Hi!” at the Victoria Palace Theatre alongside television appearances, pantomime, trade, and fashion shows. After Cathy’s performing career, she developed and ran her own theatre school in Surrey for over 20 years as well as teaching at vocational schools including Bird College, The Centre PAC, Italia Conti Academy and Elmhurst Ballet School.
Cathy is a Senior examiner for the ISTD Modern Theatre and Tap faculties and was a member of the Modern Theatre Committee for 13 years. During this time, she organised and developed the Janet Cram Awards for over a decade, initially with Myra Tiffin and then with Jackie Barnes. She is a member of the Modern Theatre Teaching Team and examines both in the UK and Internationally and is the founding member of the “Body Control Pilates Academy” having qualified in 2005.
Katie Stibbs - Mental Health/Mindset Coach
Dip, Hyp, Psych Diploma in Psychotherapy & hypnotherapy
Through my own personal struggles with anxiety and depression it became my life’s mission to understand how we can alleviate the suffering brought about by these conditions. After many years of studying and practising I believe every person is unique and carries their own story, therefore I use solution focused therapy, strategic intervention therapy and hypnotherapy to eradicate unhelpful habits and transform thinking.
I run a busy therapeutic coaching and teaching practise working with individuals, couples and young people. I am also head of Self Development at the Institute of ContemporaryTheatre and our mission is to equip training professionals with the tools to build mental resilience.
I use mindfulness, meditation and strategic intervention coaching to provide them with a toolbox that prepares them for life.