At the Heart of Piqué

 Principal - Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, DDMIX, Zumbini 

 Royal Ballet School Affiliate Teacher, Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher, RAD CBTS (Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies), ISTD DDE (Diploma in Dance Education – Modern & Tap), BA Hons in Dance & Theatre Performance, Certified DDMIX & DDMIX for Schools Instructor, Certified Zumbini & Zumbini Schools Instructor, CDMT Recognised Teacher 

 Miss Gemma began dancing at the age of 4 and went on to achieve her Advanced examinations in Ballet, Modern and Tap with the RAD and ISTD. At the age pf 18 Gemma won a full scholarship to train at Bird College gaining a BA Hons in Dance and Theatre Performance. After dancing professionally predominantly onboard luxury cruise ships and in movies Gemma embarked on her teaching career qualifying with outstanding marks in Ballet, Modern and Tap. After a short pause for the birth of her first child Gemma opened Piqué School of Performing Arts in the summer of 2015. More recently Gemma became one of the first 27 teachers worldwide to be selected to train as an Affiliate Teacher of the Royal Ballet School and deliver their prestigious new Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme to our young dancers at Piqué. Gemma has also acted as an official student mentor on the RAD CBTS course. With over 20 years of teaching experience Gemma feels privileged to be in a position to share what she loves with so many dancers of all ages and their families and hopes that their time with Piqué will inspire a lifelong love of dance and theatre and enrich their lives as much as it has her own. 

 RAD Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, PBT, Modern

 ISTD DDI Classical Ballet, RAD CBTS, Certified PBT Instructor 

 Natalie grew up in Southsea where she trained in all the key disciplines including Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern. Natalie gained a place and studied at an Associate of both the Royal Ballet School and Central School of Ballet in London before winning a full scholarship to pursue her professional training at Laine Theatre Arts where she also gained her ISTD Diploma in Dance Instruction in Classical Ballet. Since graduating, Natalie has gone on to dance for luxury cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines. Between contracts she has taught at various dance schools offering workshops and guest teaching. Natalie has later become a qualified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor and most recently has completed her CBTS with the Royal Academy of Dance working alongside Miss Gemma as her official mentor. Miss Natalie is a hugely inspirational teacher and a wonderful asset to our team. 

 Ballet, Acro  

 RAD PDTD, Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher, Certified Acro Instructor 

 Ayrshire born, Katrina started her professional training at Dance School of Scotland and then continued to Elmhurst School for Dance. Since leaving Elmhurst she has toured with Vienna Festival Ballet, performing classical ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. She has danced in the Thursford Christmas Spectacular in Norfolk and around the world on various cruise ships. Katrina has performed in The Snowman in the West End for the past six years. Most recently Katrina was awarded a Professional Dancers Teaching Diploma with The Royal Academy of Dance. We are delighted to have Miss Katrina who brings a positive and professional energy to our dance family. 

 Tap, Jazz, Modern, Acro 

 ISTD DDI Ballet, Modern & Tap, PCE, Certified Acro Instructor 

 Sophie trained professionally for three years at Italia Conti Arts Centre in all aspects of dance, acting and musical theatre. She graduated with teaching qualifications, in ISTD Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre Dance as well as a PCE and as a Level 1 Acro Instructor. After graduating, she enjoyed a performing career abroad as well as in the UK and gained some extreme skills such as Aerial hoop, stilt walking and fire breathing! Sophie has been teaching dance and performing arts now for many years. She loves to watch people of all ages gain confidence, have fun and shine and hopes her students have as much fun in her lessons as she does teaching them! 

 Musical Theatre and Vocal Specialist 

Guildford School of Acting Diploma 

Ellie trained professionally at the prestigious Guildford School of Acting and has enjoyed a vibrant career across stage, screen and live performance. Her theatre credits include West End and UK tours of Evita, Scrooge, and Magic of the Musicals, as well as lead roles in pantomimes across the country. Ellie has performed as a lead vocalist for CMC and P&O Cruise Lines, and has sung with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Mike Baker Swing Band.

Her television appearances include Top of the Pops and Good Morning, where she performed alongside Cliff Richard, as well as various commercials and film roles.

Ellie leads our Junior and senior Piqué Youth Theatre Companies and is the creative force behind our annual summer musical and pantomine. She brings a dynamic energy and wealth of professional experience to her teaching, inspiring students with every rehearsal and performance.

Commercial

 Laine Theatre Arts Diploma 

Frankie is originally from the North West where she began dancing at the age of three, training in a range of styles at her local dance school in Merseyside. She went on to study professionally at Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre before being awarded a full scholarship to Laine Theatre Arts.

Since graduating, Frankie has performed internationally across stage, screen and live events. Her credits include The Illusionists with Cirque du Soleil, Magic To Do by Stephen Schwartz for Princess Cruises, and Skydome Performer aboard P&O’s Arvia. She has danced at major events such as the FA Cup Final at Wembley and the Wimbledon Tennis Olympics, and held Dance Captain and ensemble roles in numerous Crossroads pantomimes including Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White.

Frankie’s television and film work includes Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Spanish Princess, Netflix’s Been So Long, Apple Original’s Napoleon, and HBO’s House of the Dragon.

Frankie is a passionate and experienced teacher who brings her industry knowledge and infectious energy to every class. 

RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern, Tap & Jazz

BA(Hons) Ballet Education RAD, Licentiate of RAD, working towards ISTD DDE in Tap and Modern

 Amy grew up in Hampshire where she discovered her love for dance and musical theatre through local groups. She trained to advanced levels in RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern, Tap and Jazz, before studying A-level Dance at Barton Peveril College. During her time there, she worked as a student mentor in the performing arts department, sparking her passion for teaching.

Amy went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dance, completing a BA (Hons) in Ballet Education. Her studies included ballet, contemporary, dance science and pedagogy, alongside practical teaching experience in RAD syllabus and non-syllabus classes, primary schools, and inclusive community groups. She also assisted with RADiate sessions for SEND students and taught at the RAD Dance School.

Amy holds the Kasarvina Heritage Award and achieved RAD Advanced 2 Ballet. She later completed the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance with distinction, deepening her expertise in syllabus work and teaching practice. She is currently studying for her ISTD DDE qualifications in Tap and Modern.

Amy continues to perform locally, including as a New Adventures dancer in a youth project and at community events. She brings a nurturing, inclusive and joyful approach to her teaching, and is a passionate advocate for helping every student reach their full potential.