oUR STAFF
About us
All of our staff have vast experience training both children and Adults for IDTA Medalist Exams with a number of pupils being recognised for their excellence.
Our staff are all highly trained with ongoing professional development with the IDTA, Acrobatic Arts and ABD as well as being experienced performers, Choreographers and events planners.
With over 40 years teaching experience and 25 teaching qualifications, every dancer is in good hands.
Alex Purnell
Director & SENIOR Instructor
Alex has been dancing since she could walk, training in Ballet, tap, modern theatre, Latin, and Ballroom, achieving distinctions from Primary to advanced levels. She began Freestyle and Street dance in her teens and earned her IDTA teaching qualification at 16. Alex has obtained professional qualifications in all Latin dances, Freestyle, and Street dance, and she continues her professional development.
She is a Module 1 teacher with Acrobatic Arts for children up to level 6 and an accredited teacher in Contemporary and Lyrical dance. Alex has assisted with IDTA lectures and demonstrations, supporting other professionals.
Holding a degree in Sports Science from Bournemouth University, she has expertise in Anatomy, Physiology, sports therapy, and coaching. With experience as an early years teacher, Alex is well-equipped to enhance her students’ skills. She is also trained in Health and Safety, Child Protection, Safeguarding, ‘Prevent,’ and First Aid.
louise usher
Director & SENIOR Instructor
Louise has been passionate about dance from an early age, beginning her training in tap, ballet, and modern before broadening her expertise to include Latin, Ballroom, Street, and Freestyle.
In 2010, she gained her first professional teaching qualification, achieving Associate status in Freestyle with the IDTA. She subsequently earned Associate qualifications in Street and Latin, followed by a Licentiate in Freestyle and later a Licentiate in Street. Louise remains committed to her professional development and continues to expand her knowledge and qualifications.
Louise spent almost ten years with SimplyDance Ltd, where she progressed to the role of Vice Principal. During her time there, she choreographed and directed annual productions, taught weekly classes across a range of styles and age groups, and mentored students preparing for their professional examinations.
In September 2021, Louise was invited to deliver her own Freestyle lecture at the IDTA South East Area Lecture Day, reflecting her expertise and standing within the profession.
She is also trained in Health and Safety, First Aid, Child Protection, Safeguarding, and the Prevent Duty.
Natalie Block
Director & SENIOR Instructor
Natalie began dancing at age 3, training in Ballet, Freestyle, Tap, Modern, and Latin and Ballroom. She competed in annual performances, festivals, and Freestyle competitions, earning her qualification as a Freestyle Dance teacher with the IDTA in 2004. She also completed an A-Level in Contemporary Dance at Farnborough 6th Form College.
For over 14 years, Natalie taught at SimplyDance Ltd, working with both children and adults in group and private lessons while completing her PGCE in Secondary Education. She is trained in Health and Safety, Child Protection, Safeguarding, ‘Prevent,’ and First Aid.
In schools, she supported Drama Departments by choreographing annual productions like Grease, Hairspray, The Sound of Music, and School of Rock. She also helped lead the school’s Rock Challenge team to first place in Portsmouth, reaching the finals each year.
As a freelance Dance Teacher, Natalie has taught standalone lessons in Freestyle and Street dance and partnered solo dancers in Latin and Ballroom. She is currently pursuing her IDTA Licentiate in Freestyle and attending annual IDTA Congress lectures to enhance her skills.
TAYLOR JONES
Senior Instructor & hEAD OF MINI’S
Taylor began dancing at age 12 at her local dance school, focusing on street and freestyle classes. By 2019, she had progressed through many IDTA exams and became an integral part of the dance community. Recognizing her talent and passion for teaching younger students, she was invited to assist and train for her teaching qualification.
Taylor is now a qualified Freestyle Dance teacher with the IDTA. She has contributed to choreography and assisted in annual shows and performances at fetes and fairs, gaining valuable experience in the dance world.
With 7 years of experience working in nursery settings, Taylor is a level 3 qualified early years teacher. She also holds a pediatric first aid certification, along with a DBS check and safeguarding training.
LUCY BEADLE
Head of Comps & Part time instructor
Lucy has been dancing from a young age, exploring various styles before discovering her passion for Freestyle, which she has trained in throughout her adolescence. She holds a GCSE and A Level in Dance, both with Distinction*, and achieved the Gold Arts Award. Lucy competed as a Freestyle Scholarship Finalist in 2021 and 2022, qualifying as part of the top 1% of dancers in the UK.
Lucy has graduated from Kingston University with a degree in Dance, where she trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Cultural Styles, including Latin, Ballroom, African, and Indian Traditional Dances. This diverse training has deepened her understanding of dance and its evolution. During her studies, Lucy competed nationally with Kingston University Dance Society, performed on the Move IT Mainstage in 2022 and 2023, and served as President.
Lucy qualified with the IDTA in December 2022. She also has experience as a Freelance Teacher in schools and community groups. Currently, she works for the esteemed Rambert Dance College.