Teachers | Alexanders

Meet the Team

"All of the teachers are experts in the field of teaching and understanding children's needs, ways of learning and developing their skills. I am very fortunate to have a lot of teachers who were once students and have trained through the school from a young age. They have studied all of the theatre subjects from Preparatory-Intermediate enabling them to teach all of the subjects offered by the school. I am proud of all of my teachers, they are an asset to the school."

Nicky Alexander

Principal (LIDTA, UKAPTD)

Nicky Alexander

I started dancing like lots of other 3 year olds and attended lessons in Ballet and Tap. I loved my dancing and so started more lessons Modern Jazz, National, Gymnastic dance and Song and Dance where I took part in many productions and competed in all local festivals.

Through all my years of dancing I found out early my passion was in the technique and choreography and, from a young age, started to help teaching. Although I was trained with UTD, when I set up the school, I decided to get my professional qualifications with the IDTA.

My passion for technique and high standards had led me to gain teachers qualifications in all the styles I teach. Knowing I have gained my knowledge through achievement ensures I am a much better teacher – and my students benefit from that knowledge.
My teachers share this commitment as they continue to train as well as teach in order to achieve further qualifications to better themselves.

Teaching Qualifications:IDTA Licentiate – Theatre CraftIDTA Licentiate – FreestyleIDTA Associate – TapIDTA Associate – BalletIDTA Associate – Modern JazzAcrobatic Arts – Level 1UKAPTD AssociateGPTD Member

Qualified Teacher (AIDTA)

Natalie Smith

I began dancing at Alexanders when I was just three years old, following in my cousin’s footsteps. What started as a family connection quickly grew into something more—I found a second family in the Alexanders community.

From day one, my class welcomed me with open arms. Even as one of the quietest students, I was always included and encouraged to be part of every aspect of dance life.

At 17, I began Student Teaching on Saturdays while continuing to study for my higher dance grades. Alongside this, I pursued a college course in General Art and Design, where I discovered a passion for costume and set design.

After completing college, I joined the Alexanders team full time. I’ve always been drawn to the technical side of dance rather than performing, which led me to begin training for professional teaching qualifications across all genres. I’ve since achieved my Level 4 Diploma in Ballet and Modern Jazz, as well as an Associate in Freestyle, and I’m currently working toward my Theatre Craft qualification.

Teaching is my passion. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love every day, and I believe that continuing to grow and learn makes me a better teacher for my students.

Teaching Qualifications:
IDTA Level 4 Diploma – Ballet
IDTA Level 4 Diploma – Modern Jazz
IDTA Associate – Freestyle

Qualified Teacher (AIDTA)

Anna Moore

"I have been a part of the Alexanders family since the age of 4 and it has always been a big part of who I am.

I discovered that I enjoyed teaching and being creative with choreography while working at the school on Saturdays during sixth form.

During university, I found I loved coaching and being a part of the hip-hop and cheerleading teams.

I am so pleased to be back at Alexanders training for my IDTA teacher qualifications in Tap and Contemporary Modern Jazz and to be introducing new cheer and hip-hop classes to the school.

From growing up at the school to now teaching there full time, I am looking forward to developing my skills as a teacher and the opportunities that I can bring to the school."

Teaching Qualifications:

Level 4 Diploma - Contemporary Modern Jazz

Level 1-2 - BGU Cheer (Stunts Tosses & Tumbling)

Qualified Teacher (AIDTA)

Grace Duke

"I began dancing at Alexander’s when I was two and a half, and I’ve loved it ever since.
started helping out on Saturday mornings and really enjoyed working alongside the teachers I’d known for years.

Dance will always be a part of my life, so I chose to pursue my IDTA Tap qualifications while studying Classics at King’s College.

Now, I teach students of all ages and value the creative break that dancing brings to my everyday routine. I love being a part of the Alexander’s family and cannot imagine my life without it."

Teaching Qualifications:

Level 4 Diploma - Tap

Student Teacher

Ruby Grafton

Teacher

Holly Bastin

"Like most I started dancing at Alexanders when I was 2 years old. Alexanders for me wasn’t only a place where I developed my passion for dance and theatre but also where I made lifelong friends who I have known for over 20 years.

I have always enjoyed every style taught at Alexanders, but during my adolescent years I focused my energy on Tap and Theatre Craft achieving my Intermediate level before leaving for university to start my career.

After studying for 3 years at Southampton, where I also competed in dance competitions around the country, I am now a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse (BSc (Hons) Nursing RN - Child Branch).
The intensity and stress within my job is eased by the joy and freedom of dance. Teaching at Alexander’s is my job but also my hobby.
I am very lucky to be able to pass on the knowledge and passion I have acquired throughout my time at this school.

I am currently working towards my teaching qualifications in Theatre Craft and in the future Tap. I look forward to further developing my knowledge and skill for years of teaching to come."

Student Teacher

Lola Hinwood-Young

Student Teacher

Hamish Baumber

Qualified Teacher (FIDTA)

Michelle Warren

Michelle started her dancing career training as a teacher at the Yvonne Shirley School of Dancing, whilst also attending a full time performing arts college course.
She also taught dance for a season at Camp America in 1989.

Michelle has been teaching for over 25 years and has achieved a degree as a Fellow member of the I.D.T.A. for both Ballet and Tap.
Her training is ongoing and she is aiming to complete her Fellowships in other disciplines with the I.D.T.A.

Michelle has many years experience of putting on theatre productions and training students working towards examinations.
Most of all, Michelle ‘loves teaching dance’ and helping students to achieve their highest potential.

Teaching Qualifications:
IDTA Fellowship – Ballet
IDTA Fellowship – Tap
IDTA Licentiate – Modern Jazz
IDTA Licentiate – Theatre Craft