The Dance Tutors

Jo Perkins

Having started ballet classes at the age of three, and modern and tap around six years old, dancing has always played a huge part in my life.

I began my training in Kent, but moved to Bristol at the age of ten and continued training with the Bristol School Of Dancing. During this time I took the opportunity to pass as many grades as the school could offer me.

Having passed my A levels I went on to study at the Bristol College of Dancing. The full time course included studying all dance genres, singing and teaching. It was here that I was able to complete my Advance 2 in both ISTD Modern and Tap, and obtain marks in both RAD ballet teaching cerificate and the ISTD teaching qualification.

I have appeared in several local shows over the years and I love to perform. I have been part of this school for the past two years and I really enjoy working with all the children, passing on the joy of dance, which will hopefully stay with them throughout their lives.


Elise

I have known Adele all of my life and we have danced together since the age of three, winning medals and trophies alongs the way! After many years spent travelling with my professional dance career I am very proud to have been accepted as an Adele Stitch School of Dance teacher. I can think of no better person to work with. As well as a great Principal, Adele is one of my dearest friends and as an added bonus her students are fantastic too!

I trained with Bristol School of Dance (Jennie Nelms) until the age of 16 and trained for 3 years at Laine Theatre Arts. Laine is a professional school of the arts and I learned a great deal whilst there.

I achieved my diploma at the end of my 3 year course and the next 7 years I worked as a professional dancer. Most of my career working in Paris as a 'Bluebell', but I have also danced in Montreal, India, Italy, Portugal and France. During these years I have worked on cruise ships which I think for young dancers is a safe and wonderful option. I have been fortunate to work with many talented choreographers throughout Europe and believe my wealth of experience is an asset to the students I teach.

I joined Adele in September 2008 and know that the collaboration of our different skills and talents will be a huge success. My love and thanks go out to Adele and someone who is very close to our hearts, Mrs Jennie Nelms. Without Jennie I very much doubt either one of us would be where we are today.


Samantha Kemp

I began dancing with Mrs Nelms and Adele Stitch at a young age and continued further training with Miss Lewis, taking numerous examinations to Advanced level and taking part in school shows, pantomimes, demonstrations and festivals. I was also lucky to be selected to perform with English Youth Ballet, National Youth Ballet and Scottish Youth Ballet, touring with them around the UK.

Since graduating I am furthering my career by studying for my teaching qualifications in RAD and ISTD. I am thrilled to be part of Adele's school, it holds great memories of fantastic shows, great teachers and where my love of ballet began.

My professional training began with a full scholarship at London Studio Centre where I graduated with a BA Honours degree and a Diploma in Musical Theatre. Whilst training I was taught by numerous professional West End performers, established choreographers and respected academics acquiring knowledge about the History of Ballet. Throughout my three years training I taught for London dance schools, free Ballet and Jazz, as well as working with magic radio and performing with Celebrate Tradition where I discovered all styles of dance, such as Jewish Dancing and Arabic dancing.

It is a privilege to be teaching such wonderful and talent students and I hope to inspire my students, like so many teachers have with me.


Holly Smith

I started dancing around the age of 4 in Mrs Nelms's baby ballet classes, I then took up tap and modern a few years later. I continued training here throughout my school life where I performed in local shows and competitions and began to love dancing even more! When I left school at 16, I began full time training at Judith Hockaday School of Dance and Drama in Swindon, where I trained it Ballet, Tap, Modern, National, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pilates, Singing and Drama. A group of us from Judith Hockaday's performed in events and shows, and I also got chosen to dance in the film "The Duchess" with Keira Knightley. I have completed my ISTD Advanced 2 examinations in Modern Theatre and Tap, and am continuing my classical ballet training there. I also took on the teacher training course where i have completed my FDI (Foundation in Dance Instruction) in All Ballet, Tap and Modern, and am still continuing there part time training for my CDE (Certificate in Dance Instruction).

I was very grateful at the opportunity when Adele asked me if I would like to teach for her, I have been teaching there 8 months and love it! As much as I love to perform, I get a lot out of seeing the kids enjoy dancing as much as I do and Adele is a great person to work for, so I look forward to what the future holds!


Adam Kemp

Adam Kemp is an established Actor, Model, Choreographer, Artistic/Movement Director, Dancer, Instructor, Fitness Trainer and Creative Producer.

Adam is no stranger to us, but arrives with a wealth of experience and he is excited to work with us on a permanent basis. He trained at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and world renowned London Studio Centre. He continues a high profile and varied career, including touring musical theatre shows of A Chorus line, Moulin Rouge and Mama Mia, and working with recording artists such as Charlotte Church, Mel C, Scissor Sisters amongst other high profile artists on televison and music video productions.

The London born actor has appeared on the Brit awards, X factor, Eastenders, The Bill and Popatron. He is a renowned choreographer whom has worked in all areas of the industry creating several works for stage and television. As a teacher he has taught dance in a wide range of specialist professional colleges, further and higher education centres amongst all local dance schools and companies. Adam is delighted to be working here with us and looks forward to all the opportunities it brings our students.


Pianists - Jan

We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to have live music in the classes. The children learn to work to the music and they can appreciate the different sounds and quality a piano makes.

Our pianist plays for baby, pre-primary and primary on the RAD syllabus.We really appreciate having Jan as part of the team, she has been with us since Mrs Nelms was Principal and we hope she also gets great enjoyment from being part of the Adele Stitch School of Dance.