Dance Classes in Stratford upon Avon

Frankie started dancing at the tender age of 3 at Daniels Dancing Academy in Kenilworth and always knew that she wanted to be a dance teacher. She holds teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Theatre Craft, Contemporary Modern Jazz, Acro, Freestyle and Musical Theatre and is a Fellow of the IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association). She also has a BA(Hons) degree in Dance Education from the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and is Acrobatic Arts Certified. She has over 12 years of experience teaching in schools, nurseries, dance schools and performing arts academies.

Over the years Frankie has performed in numerous shows, musicals and performances and has choreographed many local productions.

Frankie is passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment to dancers of all ages and believes that dance classes don’t just teach movement and steps, but so much more that student’s take into their future lives.

Frankie has always wanted to set up her own dance school and Zest Dance has already exceeded all of her wildest dreams. She takes huge pride in the quality of the classes, and ensuring that every student has a wonderful experience at Zest Dance.

Elli has been dancing from a young age where she enjoyed tap, ballet and musical theatre lessons.

In 2018, she graduated from East 15 acting school with a BA(Hons) in Physical Theatre. After graduating she spent the summer in Italy teaching Drama and English.

Shortly after returning she performed at the Wiltons Music Hall in London with Flabergast Theatre Company. Elli now teaches dance and drama in many different settings across Warwickshire.

Natasha discovered her love for dance when she began dancing for her local dance school in Coventry at a very young age. She learnt a number of different styles including; Lyrical, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Acrobatics, Commercial and Contemporary dance. 

Natasha furthered her training gaining a Level 3 National Diploma in Dance with distinction* at Coventry College. Here she had opportunities working with Addict academy of dance and pineapple studios. Natasha also gained qualifications at De Montfort university in contemporary dance. Aside from this she has extended her career opportunities and gained experience and qualifications in coaching and leading sports. 

Natasha found her desire for teaching when she began to help out at her dance school at 16. She now has over 10 years teaching experience in a number of different settings and age ranges.

Kirsty’s dancing career began at the age of 3. Whilst being a part of her local dance school competing in competitions, shows and local pantomimes, she also got to take part in performances at prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert hall, Sadlers Wells, Her Majesty’s theatre and the fabulous island star cruises.

Kirsty then went on to pursue her career by completing a musical theatre summer course at Doreen Bird College in London, then finishing off her training at Stratford Upon Avon college (Triple Distinction) in performing arts. She then continued her career with a 6month contract at Disneyland Paris then onto Warner Leisure Hotels.

Mollie started dancing at around the age of 3 and hasn't stopped since. At the age of 16, she studied dance and musical theatre full time at Pattison College, Coventry, where she also gained her IDTA Level 4 teaching diplomas in Ballet, Tap and Modern.

After working as a dancer in the UK and in Greece, Mollie moved to Bahrain to teach full time at a dance studio for 2 years. She is now very happy to be back home, excited to start teaching at Zest Dance and continue working towards more teaching qualifications.

Emily graduated from The Urdang Academy in 2024 where she gained a first class Honours degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre (BA). Emily has trained in dance and Musical Theatre since she was 4 years old. Before she attended The Urdang Academy she completed RAD and IDTA exams to an advanced level as well as being an All England Dance finalist with honours recognition.

Alongside her training at The Urdang Academy, Emily worked as a dance teacher at a London dance school for ages 3-18, delivering classes in a range of styles. Upon returning to the midlands, Emily undertook her Acrobatic Arts Module 1 course.

Emily is excited to see what her professional performing career entails as well as developing her teaching career also.

Rachael began her journey in dance at the age of 9, training at The Royal Ballet School as a Junior Associate. She continued her education at Elmhurst Ballet School from ages 11 to 16, where she mastered a diverse array of dance styles, including English, Bonneville, Vaganova, Cecchetti, and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) technique. Throughout her training, Rachael achieved distinctions in all grades of RAD examinations, was named Most Promising Dancer at Elmhurst at age 16, and was selected as the Model Dancer for RAD promotional filming. At just 14, she was awarded Choreographer of the Year by David Bintley, the former Director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

At 16, Rachael earned a  position with the Hamburg Ballet’s student company, where she performed in iconic productions such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and more.

Beyond her ballet career, Rachael has extensive experience in singing - specialising in operatic and musical theatre styles. At 19, she furthered her education at The Arts Educational School in London, attending their Summer School to study musical theatre and jazz. Rachael performed in numerous solo performances, including singing and dancing at the Birmingham Symphony Hall alongside the Birmingham Royal Ballet in the presence of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. She also performed solos at prestigious events such as Elmhurst’s annual Summer Shows, solo competitions, and award ceremonies, earning admiration from luminaries like Dame Gillian Lynne.

Rachael’s professional ballet career was cut short when a spinal injury left her partially paralyzed for a time. After a long recovery, she recognized that she could no longer perform at the elite level she had achieved. Undeterred, she transitioned her focus to teaching, dedicating herself to sharing her passion for dance with the next generation.

Following her injury, Rachael briefly pursued studies in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with an eye toward a medical career. However, her love for dance remained unwavering. She redirected her path to become a highly qualified instructor, earning certifications including CIMSPA Barre Concept Accreditation, Level 2 Gym Instructor NCFE (Exercise to Music), Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Teacher Certification, and Level 2 Kids Fitness Instructor.

Today, Rachael continues to inspire others with her resilience, expertise, and enduring passion for the art of dance.

Violet started ballet classes at the age of 3 and absolutely loved it from day one. She started tap and modern at the age of 11 at her local dance school and then, aged 14, went on to attend performing arts school, where she studied dance alongside her academic subjects. 

Following the completion of her studies, she knew her dancing journey was far from finished, and she channeled her passion into teaching. She is now undertaking teaching qualifications with the RAD and IDTA to further her knowledge. 

She aspires to inspire the next generation of dancers and is very excited to be part of the teaching team at Zest.