THE TEAM
At Dancing Academy, our highly qualified teachers are committed to nurturing every dancer with expert guidance and genuine care. Combining extensive professional experience with regular ongoing CPD, our team delivers high-quality, supportive training that builds confidence, creativity, and strong technical foundations.
We also welcome inspiring guest teachers from the current industry, offering workshops, private coaching, choreography, and specialist dance, drama, and vocal sessions — giving our students exceptional opportunities to learn from today’s working professionals.
Meet the dedicated team who make Dancing Academy a vibrant, forward-thinking place to train.
SAMANTHA REED LISTD, DDP, DDE RAD RTS
Dance School Principal
Samantha began dancing at the age of three and quickly discovered her passion for ballet, tap, and modern. At sixteen she secured a place at the prestigious London Studio Centre, completing their three-year performer’s course.
She later gained her teaching qualifications with the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, holding RAD CBTS and ISTD Licentiate status in Ballet and Cecchetti. Her expertise extends to advanced and higher level training in ballet.
Samantha is also experienced in teaching pre-school and primary-aged children, having worked across many Wiltshire primary schools delivering subjects such as dance and PE. Her teaching reflects a commitment to high-quality training combined with a nurturing approach supported by ongoing CPD.
MIRANDA BURTON LISTD
Dance Teacher & ISTD DDE Tutor
Miranda began dancing at the age of three before completing her ISTD teacher training at Bristol College of Dancing, gaining full qualifications across all genres. She later achieved Licentiate status in Ballet, Tap, and Modern.
As Principal of Bristol College of Dancing and an approved ISTD tutor, she delivers all units of the DDE qualification. Her expertise extends to advanced and higher-level dance training in ballet. tap and modern.
Miranda combines exceptional technical knowledge with a warm, supportive approach. Her teaching is underpinned by extensive qualifications and regular ongoing CPD.
AMY VAN MARIS (Dip Musical Theatre)
Dance Teacher
Amy has been performing since the age of three and began teaching professionally at eighteen. She developed a passion for Latin American dance as a teenager, training under the legendary Len Goodman.
She studied Musical Theatre at Reynolds Performing Arts, performing for West End producers in The Diary of Anne Frank. Amy then spent three years in Greece choreographing and performing in musicals and entertainment shows.
With credits including Hair the Musical and Joseph, Amy brings vibrant industry experience to her classes. Her nurturing, enthusiastic teaching style is supported by ongoing CPD and strong professional foundations.
DARCIE JOYCE BA (Hons) Musical Theatre & Dance
Dance Teacher
Darcie trained at Performers College Essex, completing her BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre and Dance. She is also a former Dancing Academy student (2006–2021), gaining performance experience with Regional Youth Ballet, Bootcamp UK open classes, and associate programmes with Urdang and Wilkes.
Darcie has taught and choreographed for shows and exams and now teaches a variety of dance styles and competition classes at Dancing Academy. Her lessons blend creativity, professionalism, and a supportive, student-focused approach.
LAURA KELMAN ACROBATIC ARTS CERTIFIED
Acrobatics Teacher
Laura began gymnastics at the age of 4, and at age 6 was selected for the competition squad. Laura joined Swindon school of gymnastics squad and trained 6 days a week and competed for the South West in national competitions. Later Laura qualified as a general gymnastics coach and taught for several years across 4 of North Wiltshire's leisure centres. Laura is now also qualified with Acrobatics for Dance.
ELISHA SHAW BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
Dance Teacher
After graduating from Performance Preparation Academy in 2024 with a degree in Musical Theatre, Elisha has remained busy, recently touring across the UK and performing in the West End as a dancer in The Rock’n’Roll Alien.
With a lifelong passion for teaching, she is now returning to her roots in dance education, eager to inspire others and share the knowledge she has gained through her training and professional stage experience.
LILY MATTHIESON
Trainee Teacher
Lily began ballet at three and later trained at an Italian dance school before joining Dancing Academy at age eight. She expanded her training across multiple dance genres and graduated from the Academy in 2025.
She now trains full-time at Wilkes Academy while working towards her ISTD Diploma in Dance Education. Lily also teaches at Dancing Academy under Miss Sam’s guidance. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and love of dance shine through in every class.
JODIE JOYCE
Administrator
Jodie works alongside Rachel to provide an efficient, friendly, and fully supportive administration service. As a long-standing dance mum, she understands the needs of both parents and students.
Jodie helps to organise shows, class registers, ambassador events, competition teams, new trials, waiting lists, and day-to-day enquiries, ensuring the Academy runs smoothly.
RACHEL BROWN
Administrator
Rachel works closely with Jodie to deliver a professional and supportive administration service for Dancing Academy. With many years of experience as a dance mum, she brings empathy, understanding, and excellent organisational skills to the role.
Rachel assists with shows, registers, events, competition teams, trials, waiting lists, and general enquiries — helping keep everything running seamlessly behind the scenes.