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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
