PENNY MCCANN - OWNER & TEACHER

⭐️ BBO Level 4 Teachers Qualification

⭐️ BA (hons) Performance : Dance

⭐️ Progressing Ballet Technique Qualification

⭐️ Royal Ballet School Inspire Seminars 1-6

⭐️ 13 years Teaching Experience

⭐️ Opened Oak Tree Dance Studio in January, 2011

 

✨ On finishing her A-Levels, Penny furthered her dance passion and education studying Contemporary Dance at York St John University, graduating in 2007. Whilst at University, ballet training was continued, with many successful roles performed at The York Theatre Royal.

✨✨After graduating, Penny followed her lifelong ambition to become a dance teacher and completed her BBO Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching in 2010.  She started teaching directly after completing her Diploma, and then opened her dance school 'Penny's Dance Academy' in 2011.  5 Years later, the perfect location and dance school was founded - 'Oak Tree Dance Studio', with fantastic facilities, and more dance classes on offer.

✨Penny believes that dance is more than just a hobby; it is fantastic exercise, it teaches correct posture and alignment, increases confidence, children gain performance skills and it teaches discipline and musicality whilst gaining friends for life.

 ✨✨Miss Penny's teaching approach is to teach in a fun yet disciplined manner so children; children will learn best when they are confident, relaxed and enjoying the class

✨Penny believes we are making a huge difference to children’s lives, not just from the skills learnt through dance but through the lifelong friendships and increase in confidence gained through our teaching methods.

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LAURA BEARDMORE - CLASSICAL BALLET TEACHER

⭐️ BBO Level 5 Teachers Qualification (completion January, 2022)

⭐️ 8 years Professional Dancing Experience

⭐️ 15 years Teaching Experience

⭐️ Part of the Oak Tree Family since 2017

 

✨Laura trained at The Central School of Ballet and following her training toured with the Company.

✨✨Since her graduation, Laura danced professionally around the world with Kirov Ballet Company, Scottish Ballet and English National Ballet.

✨✨✨Laura has been teaching for over 15 years with a particular passion for Classical Ballet.  Being the head of the teaching faculty for The Ballet Associates @theballetassociates she is well experienced in training students to the standard required for The Royal Ballet School, Elmhurst Ballet School, Tring Park and The Hammond.

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KIRSTY JAMES - COMMERCIAL & JAZZ TEACHER

⭐️ BA Hons in Dance & Theatre Performance

⭐️ 14 years Professional Dancing Experience

⭐️ 10 years Teaching Experienxe

⭐️ Part of the Oak Tree Family since 2017

 

✨Miss Kirsty trained at the well known Bird College of Performing Arts graduating in 2007 with a BA Hons Degree in Dance and Theatre Performance.

✨✨Kirsty has toured the world with her incredible performance experience. Dancing on cruise ships for 6 years, performing in China and more recently as company manager for Sani Resort, Greece.

✨✨✨Kirsty is full of passion for dance and loves sharing her performance experience and skills with us! Miss Kirsty shares her expertise with us on Mondays & Saturdays

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ZOE HARRISON-BROWN - BBO SYLLABUS TEACHER

⭐️ BBO Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching

⭐️ 9 years Teaching Experience

⭐️ Royal Ballet Inspire Seminars 1-3

⭐️ Part of the Oak Tree Family since 2012

 

✨Miss Zoe started dancing at 4 years old, showing a natural ability in Ballet.  This was enhanced during her time at The Royal Ballet School, dancing as a Junior & Mid Ballet Associate.

✨✨Zoe has taught for Oak Tree for 9 years and is a well loved member of the team, all of the children absolutely adore her!

✨✨✨Zoe is full of passion for dance and loves sharing her experience and skills with us!

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LAUREN RATTY - MUSICAL THEATRE & TAP TEACHER

⭐️ BA (Hons) Musical Theatre

⭐️ Currently performing around the world in the holidays

⭐️ Joining the Oak Tree family in September, 2021

 

✨ Lauren began dancing from a young age where she trained in a wide variety of dance styles but showed a natural talent and passion for Tap and Musical Theatre. At 16, Lauren studied Musical Theatre for 2 years at The Academy for Theatre Arts before moving to University.

✨✨ Upon graduating, Lauren gained her first professional performing job for Siblu Entertainment, France over the Summer Holidays.

✨✨✨ Lauren is super excited to be joining the team at Oak Tree Dance Studio and can’t wait to get started in September.

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ANDY BURTON - STREET DANCE TEACHER

⭐️ 10 years Professional Dancing Experience

⭐️ 4 years Teaching Experience

⭐️ Part of the Oak Tree Family since 2017

 

✨ Andy started dancing at 13 years old, training at a local school in Shropshire and performing in a variety of shows and performance opportunities.

✨✨During Andy’s 10 year professional dance experience, he toured the UK with varying dance companies and worked on several cruise liners, finishing off his time abroad as lead male dancer for Sani Resort, Greece.

✨✨✨Andy is full of enthusiasm for dance and loves sharing his experience and skills with our dancers.

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MIA BENNETT - STREET DANCE TEACHER

⭐️ Recently graduated from Addict Dance Academy

⭐️ BTEC level 3 in Dance

⭐️ Member of the Oak Tree Family since 2011

 

✨ Mia trained with Oak Tree for 7 years before gaining a place at The Hammond, focusing on Dance. She was then offered a place at Addict Dance Academy to complete her further education.

✨✨Mia shares her dance expertise in Street Dance and Fitness and is going to start her IDTA Teachers qualification in September, 2022.

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ANDREA MCCANN - CLASS SUPERVISOR

⭐️ Diploma in Pre-School Practice

⭐️ NVQ level 3 in Early Years Care and Education

⭐️ Gained Early Years Professional status in 2009

⭐️ 20 years Early Years Care and Education Experience

⭐️ Member of the Oak Tree family since 2011

 

✨ Miss Andrea gained The EYPS after completing her degree in 2009.  She shares her wealth of knowledge and guidance gained throughout her experience and education in our Nursery and lower school classes.

✨✨ Miss Andrea also helps with all of the background running of the school, from taking dancewear orders to maintaining the studios, to making well deserved drinks for staff and parents!

✨✨✨ Miss Andrea is a valued and well loved member of the school.

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