"Inspirational Teachers for Inspirational Dancers!"
Jade Groves RAD RTS - Ballet, Tap, PBT & Contemporary Teacher. PA to the Director.
Jade has filled her life with dance since the age of three and as a result exudes an infectious passion for teaching and everything dance related. Born in beautiful Suffolk she trained in classical ballet (ISTD and RAD), tap, jazz, disco, freestyle, modern, street and contemporary. As soon as she hit fourteen Jade started volunteering for her local dance school and immediately confirmed her career wishes to work in this field. Already winning an award for her teaching by the age of eighteen, she set off for the Royal Academy of Dance in London where she completed her BA (Hons) Ballet Education gaining Registered Teacher Status and where she also performed in works including Giselle, Agon, Cinderella and Ruby Tuesday. Working in both the private and community dance sectors offering a diverse range of non syllabus classes to all ages as well as RAD classes, has enhanced Jade’s wealth of experience, professionalism and hunger to motivate students in every way she can – a trait highly valued by Mrs Samantha at Inspire Ballet & Dance! Jade developed an interest in dance anatomy and sport psychology which she brings to the classroom when educating students and takes pride in ensuring every child is supported in their own individual way. Qualified and experienced at entering students for exams, organising showcases, holiday schemes and choreographing for performances and events such as London Youth Games. Jade’s recent claim to fame included composing a class for Prince Harry to watch, for which he ended up taking part in with the children! Beyond the classroom Jade also has an administrative, marketing and managerial background which make her a very helpful PA to Mrs Samantha too! Jade left three jobs in order to join our team at Inspire Ballet & Dance, and we are delighted to welcome her on board!
Simone Pinchera - Guest Ballet, Pointe Work & Conditioning Teacher
Simone Pinchera is an Italian dancer & teacher from Rome who started dancing age 9 at the Rome Opera House's Dance School. He went on to study at the highly acclaimed National Dance Academy in Rome and in 2015 he graduated with the highest possible achievement in classical ballet dance, with the maximum vote (110 with honour/110). Simone has performed many ballets including “The Nutcracker”, “The Sleeping Beauty”, “Petruska” amongst others with the Rome Opera House's ballet company. Simone has been passionate about the performing arts since he was a very young child and has delved in to acting and television too.
“The thing I always loved about dance, is that the dancer can tell a story and communicate strong emotions and feelings without speaking, singing or painting; simply by using his own body and gestures!” Simone has delved in to teaching ballet internationally over the past 4 years. He has a great patience and calmness about him which he combines with his valuable experience as a dancer taught by many of the greats himself, eager to pass on his knowledge and expertise to others. “In my opinion ballet is a real style of life, it brings so many health benefits to your body and mind; good not only for those people who practice in a professional way, but also for all people, regardless of their job or ability. Dance will awaken your mind and relieve stress from your body!”
As well as working at Inspire, Mr Simone is also lead ballet teacher at Ballet North for baby ballet, preparatory and primary (IDTA). At the University of the Arts London, he teaches the advanced ballet students in the Students' Union and work as choreographer, producing original ballet pieces for their annual shows and competitions. He also teaches the adult advanced ballet course at Raise The Barre studio and has his own virtual studio teaching ballet, floor barre, ballet conditioning and fitness barre class!
Ann Wall- Guest Ballet Teacher (photography by Sian Trenberth)
Ann Wall trained with Richard Slaughter, The Royal Ballet School Associate Programme and for 3 years at English National Ballet School. Whilst at school she had the opportunity to perform in the My First Ballet Series: Swan Lake at The Peacock Theatre London and on tour in Manchester and Woking, performing the roles of Big Swans and The Queen. Ann’s most notable school performances include dancing at The Royal Opera House in A Spring Celebration gala, dancing a soloist role in the ballet Raymonda at The New Wimbledon Theatre and appearing in Le Corsaire with English National Ballet. She was also a teaching assistant for the English National Ballet school’s Saturday classes for children. Ann has danced professionally with Ballet Cymru where she performed at The Sadler’s Wells Theatre and The Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff alongside The National Orchestra of Wales. Whilst with the company, she had the opportunity to dance the roles of Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet and Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She also taught on the company’s associate programme and school workshops.
Ann has a passion for ensuring everyone has access to ballet performances and classes and is part of North Wales based ‘Ballet Pod’s’ Initiative to bring ballet to unlikely places. She has performed in care homes, bookshops, play groups and dance schools both in the local communities of North Wales as well as further afield in Shropshire and London and 2018 performed at The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Currently freelancing and based in London, Ann is involved in a number of different performances and short films will dance in Brecon Festival Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker in Wales at Christmas. Ann also holds a First class BA Hons Degree in Professional Practice in Arts (Dance) from Middlesex University.
“ I am thrilled to be joining the team at Inspire Ballet and Dance and am honoured to be working alongside such a wonderful team with so many talented young people!”
James Butcher LISTD - Guest Teacher Ballet, Tap & Modern
James Butcher, is a key guest teacher and advisor for Inspire. He is a former student of The Royal Ballet School, and recently joined the RBS Artistic staff as a ballet teacher, teaching Years 8 and 11 boys at White Lodge.
James trained in Musical Theatre from a young age where he was coached in all styles of dance. During this time he found a love for classical dance and so attended The Royal Ballet Summer School where he received a scholarship to train at The Royal Ballet (upper school) full time. He graduated with a contract to dance as a member of the ‘Corps de Ballet’ in The Royal Ballet Company, Covent Garden. During his time in the company, James danced in lots of classical ballets including Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo & Juliet, Manon, Giselle, The Nutcracker and the original cast of Christopher Wheeldon’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’. Since then, James has moved into dancing in the West End in roles such as ‘Older Billy’ In Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre), Swing/Ensemble in the original London cast of An American in Paris (The Dominion Theatre), and most recently Assistant Dance Captain and Ballet Dancer in Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre). He has also danced on The Royal Variety Performance and been on UK and International Tours. Throughout his stage career, James has danced in many movies such as ‘Cinderella’, ‘The Nutcracker and the four realms’, and ‘Artemis Fowl’ all for Walt Disney Studios. Being a passionate teacher as well as a performer, James currently teaches at some of London’s top vocational dance schools and associate training programmes including Ballet Boost. He is a Licentiate member of the ISTD, and has completed a MA in Dance Pedagogy.
Emma Quick - Ballet, Modern & Tap Teacher (ISTD & RAD QTS)
Emma is a multi-talented dancer, choreographer and teacher with a rich background in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Gymnastics. Her experience in RAD, Cechetti and ISTD methods enables her to provide varied & insightful training. Emma is an inspiring, enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who received some of the highest marks possible in her teaching exams and is understandably loved by all her students. Since she began dancing at a local school in Warrington, age 4, Emma’s passion for teaching and choreography has won awards at national competitions and the proud title of ‘President of the Dance Society’ at Sheffield University (2013-16). In addition to her dance career, Emma was headhunted for the role of Senior Children’s Marketing Executive at Bonnier Books UK & sometimes helps out in the Inspire School Office too!
Nelly Allman RAD RTS Ballet Teacher
Nelly began her journey in dancing at the age of 3 in Northumberland. After showing her passion and eagerness to learn she was asked to assist her teacher and began training vocationally with the goal of auditioning for ballet schools. At the age of 16 she was introduced to Musical Theatre and gained a place at the Bird College, Conservatoire of Dance and Musical Theatre. Nelly acquired invaluable opportunities where she was taught by many inspirational industry professionals. Leaving Bird College behind to pursue her love of teaching, Nelly followed her heart and has now completed teacher training degree with the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance. Nelly is eager to inspire the next generation and pass on her knowledge and passion, she is looking forward to the opportunities that teaching has to offer in the future.
Chloe Grace Wilson- RAD QTS Ballet, ISTD Tap & Modern Teacher
(Picture credit Graham Chetwynd)
Chloe started dancing at the age of 3 when she attended her first ballet lesson at Harlequin Stage School (Worcester, UK). Her love of dance was nurtured under the guidance of Paula Dymock, Edward Bury and Lianne Street where she took exams in ballet, modern, tap, singing and classes in contemporary and musical theatre. Chloe had additional training for 4 years as an Associate of the Royal Ballet School at their centre in Birmingham. Chloe had the opportunity to participate in the All England Dance festivals, pantomimes and dance competitions including two Dance World Cups in Romania (2015) and Jersey (2016). A notable highlight was performing at the Gala of the Dance World Cup in Jersey, performing Get Your Ballet On (Harlequin Stage School) group dance, which had won the gold medal. At the age of 14, Chloe decided that although she loved to perform, her real passion is teaching and has had the opportunity to assist in lessons at Harlequin from baby ballet upwards. This has culminated in her recently achieving her BA Hons degree in Ballet Education at the Royal Academy of Dance, as well as the licentiate course. Whilst now living in London she is delighted to be teaching at Inspire Ballet and Dance where she hopes to impart her love of dance to a new generation of young dancers.
Antrea Pastou RAD Trainee Teacher & School Assistant
Antrea begun dancing when she was 3 years old. At first she was introduced to ballet (both IDTA and RAD) and at the age of 12 she begun taking contemporary, modern (IDTA), tap (IDTA) and musical theatre classes. She passed all of her graded exams with Distinction and got nominated for her Intermediate modern exam. Antrea took part in many dance shows at her home dance school, where she had the opportunity to play the lead role in her last show before flying to the UK in order to study at the Royal Academy of Dance. At the age of 14 she began volunteering as a teaching assistant which later gave her the opportunity to teach. Antrea knew from a very young age that she wanted to follow dance as her carrier path, growing up she realised that her teachers had a huge influence on the way she viewed dance so she decided to follow her passion and share her love for dance with people that love dancing as much as her. So, she auditioned at the Royal Academy of Dance where she got accepted and began studying on the Ballet Education course as well as the Licentiate course. Antrea is now on her second year of studying at the RAD, while also studying the Karsavina syllabus something that only Ballet Education students are allowed to enrol in which makes it even more special. Antrea is excited to join Inspire Ballet and Dance, enthusiastic about sharing her passion and knowledge of dance.
Mia Brown, RAD RTS, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz and Tap teacher
Mia began dancing at age 2 in Bournemouth, studying for examinations in RAD Ballet, Modern Jazz and Tap and performing in competitions across the country in Contemporary, Lyrical and Jazz. In September 2021 she moved to London to fulfil her dream of becoming a dance teacher at the Royal Academy of Dance. Mia began studying on both the BA (Hons) Ballet Education and Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance courses, gaining a first class degree alongside the Karsavina Heritage Award.
Throughout her time studying Mia was fortunate enough to be selected to be part of a choreographic team for a dance film showcased in The Royal Society in the Summer of 2024. She has also taken part in many open day opportunities which included multiple performances of her self-choreographed third year duet. During her studies she fortunate enough to assist and complete her placement at the RAD Dance School whilst also involved in the RADiate programme, providing dance classes for students with disabilities and special educational needs.
Mia is now a freelance teacher in London and is thrilled to be working at Inspire Ballet and Dance. She aims to promote a positive and inclusive learning environment, being a firm believer in movement being used as a means of expression for all dancers.
Daniela Ortega -Cover teacher & assistant RAD RTS
Daniela started dancing Flamenco at the early age of four, influenced by her Spanish heritage. Later on, she continues her dancing journey with ballet and tap. At the age of sixteen she had the opportunity to start assisting and teaching in a local ballet school and at that moment she realized that teaching was her true passion. Due to her fascination for dancing and teaching, she recently moved to the UK to follow her dreams. She has completed her study in Ballet Education at the Royal Academy of Dance and she is very excited to be a teacher that contributes to the new generation of dancers. She is very grateful for the opportunity she was given at Inspire Ballet and Dance.