TUTORS
MISS GEMMA - Principal
Gemma Davies has been dancing since 2 years old and has had a passion for performing from a very young age. After earning a scholarship to a local ballet school aged 7, Gemma continued her training working through RAD grading in Ballet, Tap and Modern and gymnastics BAGA and Proficiency awards. Gemma went on to further her training at The Brit School of Performing Arts & Technology graduating with a Distinction in Musical Theatre. By the age of 18 Gemma had fronted many shows, including solo work at Fairfield Halls Croydon, Queen Elizabeth Halls, and London Palladium West End and participated in workshops with the likes of Doreen Bird School of Dance and West End star Maria Friedman.
Gemma graduated with BA Hons from Winchester University in 2006 and completed her Dance Teacher Training – Level 3 with The British Ballet Organisation (BBO) where she was trained by members of the Royal Ballet company.
MISS CATHERINE
Catherine Naine has been dancing since the age of 5 and started off at her local dance school where she took all of her grades for ballet, tap, modern and acrobatic ballet in N.A.T.D. She then went onto further her training at the Brits School of Performing Arts where she studied Musical Theatre and graduated with Distinction. Catherine trained for a short time at the Millennium Dance 2000 School in London before finishing her training and graduating from Reynolds Performing Arts with a professional diploma in dance.
Catherine performed at the opening ceremony at the Millennium Dome and has also performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Drury Lane for various variety shows.
Catherine has also taken part in events with West End Star Maria Friedman, performed with Cheryl Baker at Record Breakers at the NEC in Birmingham and has been taught by the great John Barrowman.
Catherine’s professional performances include playing a lead role in Calamity Jane at The Orchard Theatre, playing the part of Aladdin in a touring pantomime of the UK and also being a film extra for ‘Made in Dagenham’ starring Bob Hoskins and Jaime Winstone.
Catherine loves all aspects of dance and singing and would like to pass this and her experience onto her students at West Wickham.
Gemma has performed in many shows over the years from the lead role in pantomimes to Solo performer at variety Shows with Star EFX at The London Palladium and Her Majesty’s Theatre. Gemma has choreographed Operas for Trinity College of Music – Greenwich, Beckenham Theatre Centre and BYMT amongst others.
Gemma expanded her training by passing her Level 2 Fitness Instructor course with Active IQ and in January 2014 launched the UK innovative new work out - Cardio Clubbers!
In 2008 Gemma opened Dance Off Studios to pass on to her students what her amazing teachers had taught her. The school that started with 3 students now has over 100 students on their books and a second branch in West Wickham opened in 2012.
Gemma’s newest adventure started this autumn as a specialist full time dance teacher in a local Primary school.
Gemma’s experience, dedicational drive and compassion for her students creates a family setting within a professional school environment. “ Every student counts. Every student matters. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard!”
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