Teachers

BA (HONS)

Ballet Education, LRAD,ARAD, RADrts, BASI Pilates

Growing up through the RAD grades at the Linda Mortimore School of Dance in Devon, Georgina discovered her love and desire for Classical ballet and expanded her dance genres to also study Tap, Modern and Jazz.

Georgina studied at the Royal Academy of Dance in London completing the Ba(HONS) Ballet Education and Licentriate teaching course. In September 2009 Georgina was given the opportunity to take over and found ‘The Georgina Weston Dance Academy’ in Orpington and has been working to grow and improve the school ever since.

“I believe in delivering the highest standard of dance teaching to meet and excel the requirements of todays young dancers.”

I have a realistic approach to dance and the performance world, catering for all types of student; whether that be a child with an interest in dance on a fun and social level, to the student that’s looking to excel and form a future career in this field and I aim to support and nurture each and every student to fulfil their true potential.

MA, BA (Hons) Ballet Education, LRAD, RADrts

Elena grew up in Cyprus and discovered her passion for dance when taking her first ballet class at the age of 5. Growing up she participated in a number of performances and dance seminars where she was trained in different dance styles.

In 2009, she was accepted at the Royal Academy of Dance where she completed her degree in Ballet Education as well as the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance. Elena decided to further her studies in dance and undertook the MA in Dance Cultures at the University of Surrey which she completed in September 2013, with Distinction. She currently lives and teaches in London and aspires to reinforce students’ expression and performance enjoyment.

Charis began her training at Monument Dance Centre in Stirling, Scotland. Training in RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, ISTD Modern, Jazz and Contemporary. Eventually assisting and teaching at Monument before moving to Glasgow to train at The Dance School of Scotland’s Musical Theatre Course. Continuing her training, Charis then moved down to London to attend Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

Since graduating she has performed in theatre’s all over the UK and Germany as well as working on films and music videos.

Charis is a passionate dance and musical theatre teacher and choreographer and is always committed to help inspire creativity and increase confidence in her students.

She has recently completed her level 4 & 5 Teaching Diploma with The British Ballet Organisation.

Marília began to fall in love with ballet at the age of two and a half at the Oficina do Movimento Academy in Lisbon, Portugal. After moving to London, she began attending classes at the RAD, completing all exams from Grade 1 through to Advanced 1. Her love for ballet and teaching grew as her teacher invited her to assist in the Primary classes, where she then realised how much she enjoyed teaching ballet.

After graduating at the RAD with a BA(Hons) Ballet Education and attaining the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance qualification, Marilia was invited to be a ballet teacher in a newly established school in Belgrade, Serbia, the Belgrade Centre for Ballet. She had the opportunity to be involved in their first ever show, the Nutcracker which was an incredible experience where she could share her passion and enthusiasm for teaching, helping the children with their choreographies and solos.

Marília strives to share her knowledge and love of dance with her students, motivating them to be the best dancers they can be.

Winnie started ballet at the Crofton Infant School with the GWDA at the age of 5. This ignited her love for ballet dancing and enabled her to continue learning after school.

Around the age of 9, Winnie began assisting Miss Georgina in her younger ballet classes as well as progressively completing RAD Examinations too. She started assisting in ballet classes at Bromley High School, as well as the Orpington studios and has been doing so for many years. Her years of experience alongside our RAD qualified teachers have inspired her to continue with ballet as a career. Participating in several ballet productions with the GWDA and the English Youth Ballet enhanced her passion for performing and dancing ability further.

After completing her A Level examinations, Winnie started the Ba(Hons) Ballet Education Degree course at the Royal Academy of Dance. She has now completed first and second year (Level 4 and 5), as well as Level 4 and 5 Licentiate of the RAD, and will be going into her third and final year in September.

Growing up on the Isle of Wight, Ella had the opportunity to dance and perform from a young age. Following her training at the Nikki Cross School of Dance, Ella completed her Dance and Performing Arts training in Southampton and is well-versed in ballet, tap, modern, contemporary and musical theatre. She is now in her final year on the BA (Hons) Ballet Education degree course at The Royal Academy of Dance.
An experienced dance teacher, Ella has delivered both RAD and ISTD classes in ballet, tap and modern at all levels. She has also established Musical Theatre classes, successfully entering students into LAMDA exams and delivered 1-1 vocal coaching.
With her expertise extending beyond the classroom, she has performed in both amateur and professional productions ranging from Shakespeare, plays and musicals. Professional credits include a Royal Performance at the London Palladium, seasonal pantomimes, UK Pride and television.
Ella loves to share her knowledge and passion for dance with young learners and can’t wait to create memorable dance experiences for all the students at GWDA!

Catherine grew up in Dublin, Ireland where she began dancing at the age of 3 at the Goode School of Dance. Here, she trained in RAD ballet graded and vocational exams as well as other dance styles, such as jazz and contemporary.

During her training, Catherine realised she had a passion for teaching dance. In 2021, she began her studies at the Royal Academy of Dance in London where she gained a BA(Hons) in Ballet Education. During her time at the RAD, she also completed the Karsavina Heritage Award and the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance Programme.

Catherine is excited to share her love of dance with the GWDA students.

I’m Paige, a passionate performer and dedicated teacher with a degree in Professional Musical Theatre and Dance from the prestigious Urdang Academy. My journey in the performing arts has been an exhilarating adventure, filled with countless hours of training, performing, and honing my craft.

At Urdang, I immersed myself in an intensive curriculum that covered a wide range of disciplines, from ballet and jazz to contemporary and musical theatre. This comprehensive training not only refined my technical skills but also deepened my understanding and appreciation of the art form. It’s this rich background that I bring to my teaching, aiming to inspire and nurture the next generation of aspiring performers.

Teaching is more than a profession for me; it’s a passion. I thrive on sharing the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained over the years with my students. Whether in a dance studio or a theatre workshop, my goal is to create a supportive and motivating environment where young artists can explore their potential, build their confidence, and develop their unique talents.

I believe that the performing arts have the power to transform lives, and I am committed to guiding my students at GWDA on their own artistic journeys

I started dancing at the GWDA at the age of 4. Whilst being a student at the GWDA I achieved many RAD examinations from Grade 1 to Advanced foundation and was able to form many friendships and amazing memories that i will always remember. This was where my passion began.

After leaving school, I went to North Kent College and studied Dance&Musical Theatre as well as acting and completed the 2 year course with a level 3 extended diploma. I performed many shows at the Miskin Theatre and had many enjoyable experiences such as working with and connecting with many talented and successful individuals that have had incredible careers that inspired me to never give up.

Being back at the GWDA now feels amazing and I love being able to share my love for dance with all of the amazing young students.

Sophie is a recent graduate from Performers College Birmingham where she studied a BA Honours degree in Musical Theatre and Dance.

Sophie’s recent credits include:

The Birmingham Royal Ballet – ‘Seraphina’ performance at The Birmingham Hippodrome.
Dancer at The Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
‘Reality Bites – The interactive Musical’ workshop.

Sophie has been dancing since the age of 3, in the styles such as ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern and tap. Receiving Distinction Grades in ISTD examinations.

As Sophie’s love and passion for dance grew, at 16 she attended The Brit School of Performing Arts and technology studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance covering a range of dance styles including Contemporary and Musical Theatre receiving her final result of a high Distinction .

Along side sophie entering the professional musical theatre industry, she adores teaching children dance and watching them ignite their passion for the career she now adores and pursues.

She looks forward to transferring her performance skills to the pupils at GWDA.

Lucy started dancing from the age of 3, igniting a passion that has stayed with her through her training.
Originally training in Cecchetti up to her Intermediate exam, Lucy began her studying at the Royal Academy of Dance training in their BA Hons in Ballet Education (BABE) as well as the Licentiate of Royal Academy of Dance (LRAD).

Alongside her passion for Ballet, Lucy also has competed nationally and earned her Gold award within in Classical Greek, trained in Jazz, Tap and Contemporary and participated in musical theatre workshops with industry professionals.

“My aim as a teacher is to inspire and challenge the next generation to ensure dance bring joy and fulfilment whilst maintaining a safe, healthy and happy environment”

Pelina graduated with an MA in Dance Practice and Performance from the University of Roehampton, alongside the Licentiate (L.R.A.D) of the Royal Academy of Dance, a registered teacher status (R.T.S) and the Advanced 2 R.A.D.

While at Roehampton, Pelina choreographed and performed in various dance productions in addition to completing her BA (Hons) and MA in Dance. She also undertook advanced courses in Somatic practices, focusing upon the Alexander’s Technique and Feldenkrais Technique.

Before relocating to the UK, Pelina achieved all I.S.T.D jazz awards and modern theatre certificates. She also took on lead roles in ballet productions, and Ancient Greek theatre productions. Pelina returns to Greece by invitation to conduct Summer Courses.