Meet The Team
Sarah
Star Dance was founded in 2014 by Principal Sarah who decided after years of working professionally and teaching around the world, to come back to her home town to pass on her passion of dance to the next generation.
Sarah trained at the North London Dance Studio's where she gained a National Diploma in Dance and Theatre Arts, Advanced 2 Ballet and Modern qualifications and DDI teaching qualifications with the ISTD in Ballet and Modern. After graduating Sarah successfully gained employment with several prestigious companies including L'oreal, BMW, Mercedes and Madam Tussards. And was lucky enough to travel around the world performing with Les Bells Duval.
Upon returning to Swansea Sarah has now completed a PGCE Cert Ed and is an accredited teacher with ACROTRIX as well as an (Independent Dance) Little Wrigglers Practitioner specialising in early years development. Sarah also studied Dance Medicine with Philip Cutts so that we can ensure the safety and well-being of each student.
Furthermore Sarah is now the Reginal Manager for I-PATH performing art, bringing exciting projects to our local area
Her love of teaching and passion for dance makes her a very dedicated and compassionate teacher who strives to make each lesson fun and full of energy!
"My vision for Star Dance Academy was to create a fun, inclusive dance school in the heart of the community. Dance should be for everyone regardless of age or ability. Star Dance caters for those hoping for a career in performing and to those who just dance for fun!"
Sarah has a full DBS check and holds both general first aid and paediatric first aid certificates and is a Licensed Chaperone
Stacey
Stacey brings the music and teaches our Mini Ballet Class, Jr Hip Hop, Jr Jazz and Mini Acro.
Stacey trained at Gorseinon College gaining a BTEC qualification in Musical Theatre and Dance.
Whilst training Stacey was lucky enough to be involved in several different projects including dancing for Usher, The X Factor and Disneyland. Since graduating she has performed in music videos and on many stages around the world, as well as a short film for the BBC.
Her love of creating dance brought her into the world of choreography and she started choreographing in 2012. Since then has gone onto coach many different teams and co-teaching a team that won the world championships.
Stacey says ... "I’m excited to share my knowledge and passion for dance with the students and inspire them to be the best they can be."
Stacey is also Licensed Chaperone and Acrotrix Teacher
Thom
Thom brings his wealth of experience to our Singing, Drama & Musical Theatre Classes.
Specialising in music and singing, Thom embarked on his journey in Performing Arts as a teenager, graduating as an Associate of the London College of Music.
Thom was a Semifinalist in the Young Voice of Musical Theatre and has performed across the UK, sharing the stage with notable West End stars, including John Owen-Jones, Ruthie Henshall, and Peter Karrie. He also appeared in the regional leg of the Godspell - In Concert (UK Tour) at Swansea Grand Theatre. In addition to performing, Thom has arranged music for artists, bands, and orchestras used globally. In recent years, he ventured into producing, collaborating with acts nationwide. His latest venture includes joining the production team of Dinomania, where he is also a puppeteer. Dinomania, responsible for some of the biggest viral videos in internet history with over 3 million combined TikTok and YouTube followers, is currently touring the UK. In 2022, Thom appeared with Dinomania on Britain’s Got Talent and reached the semi-finals.
Since 2013, Thom has shared his knowledge and skill set through teaching, a pursuit reflecting his passionate commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers.
Thom Says ... "I've always been deeply passionate about arts education, and I'm thrilled to collaborate with Sarah again, who shares that same enthusiasm. The arts open up countless possibilities for young people, and playing even a small role in that is incredibly rewarding."
Thom is a Licensed Chaperone
Chelsea
Our Intermediate Commercial Class is taught by Chealsea.
Chelsea gained a love for dance from a very young age starting with ballroom then went onto jazz and street/hip hop, where she competed around the world in many competitions. She was scouted in MOVE IT in 2014 where she then moved to Swindon for 3 years and trained at Wilkes Academy gaining another BTEC LEVEL 3 in performing arts. Chelsea has been on and off teaching since 2017 and has become excited to share her skills and experiences with the students.
"Dance has always played such a huge part of my life and I’m so grateful to be able to get back to it and to share my knowledge with the students."
Andrew
Teaching our Contemporary Classes we have Andrew.
Andrew started dancing at a young age and performed in many amateur productions before tailoring his dance training in contemporary dance. Going on to train with The Scottish School of Contemporary Dance, Dundee. Since then Andrew has toured nationally with companies such as National Dance Company Wales (Plunge) along with Tommy Small to name a few. Recently Andrew has returned to my musical theatre routes and performed in pantos and musicals across South Wales.
He has been teaching at amateur and professional level for nearly 14 years and specialises in technical contemporary and acrobatics, having choreographed for students which include securing dance World Cup qualifications, national titles, and production choreography for pantos and musicals. His other teachings include specialising in movement with individuals with additional needs, having worked with school settings and most recently a charity called Flamingo Chicks to deliver dance to individuals with all abilities, ensuring the classes are fully inclusive to all.
Andrew is also artist director of Magnetar Events who provide a platform for dancers and performers throughout the industry. Events include dance competitions, shows, choreographic platforms plus much more.
Emma
Emma has taken a step back from full time teaching, but is still part of the Star Dance family and will be covering lessons throughout the school.
Emma gained her BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts in 2002 which included singing, drama and movement. Here she also achieved her IDTA teaching qualifications in Freestyle and Dance Exercise with the highest marks of the year group!
After training Emma went on to gain a BA Hon Bachelor's Degree in Dance Development and worked with many renowned dance companies such as QMX (Street, Krunk, Bashment, Breakdancing and Stomp) and Tan dance (Contemporary) In 2010 Emma choreographed for her team street dance competition when they competed in the World Nationals!
After settling here in Wales she now works as a practitioner for (DCD) Development Co-ordination Disorders at a local Secondary school as well as teaching for Star Dance.
Emma has written and adapted short plays at the Dylan Thomas Theatre and looks forward to creating original shows for Star Dance Academy!
Emma says .... "When I'm not involved in the arts world I enjoy paddle boarding and surfing, I also love to play guitar. My passion has always been in my work and inspiring others to achieve great things."
