oUR STAFF
About us
All of our staff have vast experience training both children and Adults for IDTA Medalist Exams with a number of pupils being recognised for their excellence.
Our staff are all highly trained with ongoing professional development with the IDTA, Acrobatic Arts and ABD as well as being experienced performers, Choreographers and events planners.
With over 40 years teaching experience and 25 teaching qualifications, every dancer is in good hands.
Alex Purnell
Director & SENIOR Instructor
Alex has been dancing since she could walk, training in Ballet, tap, modern theatre, Latin, and Ballroom, achieving distinctions from Primary to advanced levels. She began Freestyle and Street dance in her teens and earned her IDTA teaching qualification at 16. Alex has obtained professional qualifications in all Latin dances, Freestyle, and Street dance, and she continues her professional development.
She is a Module 1 teacher with Acrobatic Arts for children up to level 6 and an accredited teacher in Contemporary and Lyrical dance. Alex has assisted with IDTA lectures and demonstrations, supporting other professionals.
Holding a degree in Sports Science from Bournemouth University, she has expertise in Anatomy, Physiology, sports therapy, and coaching. With experience as an early years teacher, Alex is well-equipped to enhance her students’ skills. She is also trained in Health and Safety, Child Protection, Safeguarding, ‘Prevent,’ and First Aid.
louise usher
Director & SENIOR Instructor
Louise has been dancing for most of her life, starting with tap, ballet, and modern classes as a child before expanding into Latin, Ballroom, Street, and Freestyle. In 2010, she earned her first professional teaching qualification in Freestyle at the Associate level with the IDTA, followed by Associate qualifications in Street and Latin and a Licentiate in Freestyle. Recently, she obtained her Licentiate in Street dance and continues to pursue further professional development.
For nearly a decade, Louise worked at SimplyDance Ltd, rising to Vice Principal. She choreographed and directed annual shows, taught weekly classes, and supported students in their professional exams. She also taught dance and drama at Stage Coach, Chertsey.
Louise delivered her own solo lecture on Freestyle at the IDTA South East Area Lecture Day in September 2021. She is trained in Health and Safety, Child Protection, Safeguarding, ‘Prevent,’ and First Aid.
Natalie Block
Director & SENIOR Instructor
Natalie began dancing at age 3, training in Ballet, Freestyle, Tap, Modern, and Latin and Ballroom. She competed in annual performances, festivals, and Freestyle competitions, earning her qualification as a Freestyle Dance teacher with the IDTA in 2004. She also completed an A-Level in Contemporary Dance at Farnborough 6th Form College.
For over 14 years, Natalie taught at SimplyDance Ltd, working with both children and adults in group and private lessons while completing her PGCE in Secondary Education. She is trained in Health and Safety, Child Protection, Safeguarding, ‘Prevent,’ and First Aid.
In schools, she supported Drama Departments by choreographing annual productions like Grease, Hairspray, The Sound of Music, and School of Rock. She also helped lead the school’s Rock Challenge team to first place in Portsmouth, reaching the finals each year.
As a freelance Dance Teacher, Natalie has taught standalone lessons in Freestyle and Street dance and partnered solo dancers in Latin and Ballroom. She is currently pursuing her IDTA Licentiate in Freestyle and attending annual IDTA Congress lectures to enhance her skills.
TAYLOR JONES
Senior Instructor
Taylor began dancing at age 12 at her local dance school, focusing on street and freestyle classes. By 2019, she had progressed through many IDTA exams and became an integral part of the dance community. Recognizing her talent and passion for teaching younger students, she was invited to assist and train for her teaching qualification.
Taylor is now a qualified Freestyle Dance teacher with the IDTA. She has contributed to choreography and assisted in annual shows and performances at fetes and fairs, gaining valuable experience in the dance world.
With 7 years of experience working in nursery settings, Taylor is a level 3 qualified early years teacher. She also holds a pediatric first aid certification, along with a DBS check and safeguarding training.
Jade Martin
GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Jade has been dancing for as long as she can remember, trained in various styles by many inspirational dancers. She assisted at a successful school from her early teens and qualified with the IDTA at 18. Jade has taught a diverse range of styles and abilities, from young children to adults.
She holds an honors degree in dance from Kingston University, where she trained with West End professionals. Her extensive knowledge of dance trends and styles makes her a standout teacher.
Jade prepares students for examinations, performances, and competitions while providing fun and engaging classes. She aims to focus on developing her skills in hip-hop, contemporary, and Latin dance, along with other styles when possible
LUCY BEADLE
Guest Instructor
Lucy has been dancing from a young age, exploring various styles before discovering her passion for Freestyle, which she has trained in throughout her adolescence. She holds a GCSE and A Level in Dance, both with Distinction*, and achieved the Gold Arts Award. Lucy competed as a Freestyle Scholarship Finalist in 2021 and 2022, qualifying as part of the top 1% of dancers in the UK.
Lucy has graduated from Kingston University with a degree in Dance, where she trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Cultural Styles, including Latin, Ballroom, African, and Indian Traditional Dances. This diverse training has deepened her understanding of dance and its evolution. During her studies, Lucy competed nationally with Kingston University Dance Society, performed on the Move IT Mainstage in 2022 and 2023, and served as President.
Lucy qualified with the IDTA in December 2022. She also has experience as a Freelance Teacher in schools and community groups. Currently, she works for the esteemed Rambert Dance College.