TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
HANNAH-MARIE
Founder, Owner & Head Coach
Hannah-Marie Dance Academy prides itself on employing certfied, qualified or industry teachers.
Hannah-Marie began dancing at the age of 9 at her local dance school in Little Gaddesden. She loved her time there, taking part in school shows and completing her dance exams. At thirteen, she began assisting weekly classes with the lower school, and by seventeen she was entrusted with teaching her own classes under the guidance of the school’s principal. This experience sparked her passion for teaching, as she discovered how much she enjoyed helping children learn, achieve new skills, and grow in confidence.
During this period, Hannah-Marie also choreographed numerous pieces for school productions, created costumes, assisted backstage, and continued developing her own dance training.
She later trained for 4 years on a performing arts and teacher-training course, qualifying with her Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing DDI and DDE certifications. Through this programme she studied ballet, modern, and tap in depth, developing strong technical ability and confidence as a dancer where she could prepare students for exams & more.
After receiving her ISTD qualifications, Hannah-Marie continued to advance her training by completing the Acrobatic Arts Certification Course, becoming qualified to teach acrobatics, contortion, and tumbling. She also undertook progressive ballet technique training with the PBT course developer, Marie.
Hannah-Marie has worked with Early Years and Junior students at branches of Stagecoach Performing Arts for two years before founding her own weekend school. In addition, she taught on the Associates Programme at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
She is certified up to Level 5 with the teacher training courses at The Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden, and has attended teacher insight days at White Lodge, observing classes and training methods. Hannah-Marie has also participated in sessions with Abby Lee Miller and Krista Miller from the USA. She has taken workshops across the UK and has taught at Move It for two consecutive years.
“As a teacher who absolutely loves dance and the performing arts—the excitement, the energy, and the sense of achievement that comes from stepping off the stage—I want to pass on my knowledge and passion to every student who attends my school. I work my students hard so they can achieve their best, whether they are learning for enjoyment or aiming for a future on the West End. I believe every child can succeed with the right support, dedication, and work ethic. I will always give my very best to my students, and I am committed to helping them reach their goals, whatever they may be.”
MADDIE
Lower School & ISTD Exam Teacher
Maddie teaches our Lower School students, welcoming dancers from their very first steps at age 2. She has a real passion for working with this age group and loves nurturing their confidence, creativity and love for dance. Maddie supports her students as they progress through graded and free classes, encouraging them every step of the way. She also prepares students for dance exams and coaches our competitive teams as they work towards exciting events and competitions.
Maddie trained at Arts1 School of Performance in Milton Keynes before going on to graduate from MPAA with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre Performance, alongside her ISTD teaching qualifications in Modern and Tap. She is always looking to develop her knowledge and skills and is also a qualified Acrobatic Arts teacher.
Maddie has a genuine passion for dance and for inspiring the next generation. She loves watching her students grow in confidence, develop their skills and discover their own love for dancing. She is excited to continue sharing her passion with all of our students!
Beth is a passionate and dedicated dance professional who has been dancing since the age of three. Beth is our weekly commercial/hiphop teacher who challenges students with current choreography and styles. She trained at Stella Mann College, where she earned a degree in Musical Theatre, developing strong foundations in dance, performance and stagecraft.
Her career includes performing at Disneyland Paris, as well as touring in acclaimed productions such as Queen of the Night, Tina Turner & What’s Love Got to Do With It?. Beth has also had the opportunity to perform on prestigious stages around the world, including the West End at the London Palladium.
Alongside her performing career, Beth has a strong passion for teaching, particularly in commercial dance. She is committed to creating a positive, energetic environment where students can build confidence, refine their technique, and express their individuality. Beth has choreographed our commercial routines which have brought us home many 1st place medals. Her industry experience and enthusiasm make her an inspiring and motivating teacher.
BETH
Commercial Coach & Choreographer
REGULAR GUEST TEACHERS
Choreographers who join us over the term
Hannah Rowe
Hannah regularly visits teaching lyrical and contemporary technique and routines to our students. She trained with Lukas Mcfarlane & regularly takes professional classes with Josh Denyer & Drew Shuttleworth.
Alana Rixon
Alana trained with us on intensive days, before going to dance college & creating a professional career for herself. Alana has toured with Rita Ora & Dua Lipa, along with being in the Barbie Movie. We love she brings the latest styles when she visits us.
Jess O'Leary
Jess is still a competitive dancer across the USA, who provides passionate and challenging classes for our students. Her main form is jazz technique and new skills from the USA. When Jess teaches for us we are always grateful for the challenge.