From a young age, Jessica trained in ISTD Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz and National at Roynon Dance Centre. With over 10 years of teaching experience, leading a class is certainly something that comes naturally to her. She started out teaching at many schools in the Southampton and Winchester area, and originally was the Tap Teacher at Laura Dunkleys. She has been part of the school for around 6 years, and becoming principal of Kings Academy only increased Jessica’s passion for teaching further. Jessica has an FDI in Ballet, tap and Modern, and has gone on to complete her Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) in all three genres. She has taken the DDE practical exams as well as completing the Essay, Health and Safety, Lifespan, Observations and Lesson Plan Modules. Whilst working towards her Licentiate Exams, Jessica trains teachers and aspiring teachers at Roynon Dance Centre and is currently training 3 students from Kings amongst others. Gaining a place with Tap Attack for over 2 years ignited her passion for tap and exploring both ISTD and American tap drove her ambition to become a tap tutor. Jessica also attends ballet classes and ongoing seminars with The Royal Ballet at its school in Covent Garden. She holds a Progressing Ballet Technique Certification and is able to teach the Pirouette and Leap Surgery methods by Rosina Andrews. Travelling to London regularly keeps Jessica’s knowledge current, which certainly reflects on the students at Kings. Jessica holds a first aid certificate, is fully insured and DBS checked.

Viki is 22 years old and has had a range of experience in teaching, choreography and performing. From a young age Victoria performed in both dance and amateur dramatic shows. In the past Victoria won the title of Hampshire dance idol and also won the Barbra Geoghan Cecchetti award for musicality. She joined Waterside musical society where she had her first lead role as the petulant Mary Lennox in The secret garden. Victoria has since performed and choreographed for several shows including starring as Charity, in the amateur dramatic show Sweet Charity with Waterside. She has also recently choreographed for Footlights company and several school productions. During Victoria’s time at Waterside she has been awarded 3 curtain call nominations for choreography and Performing. She is looking forward to being part of Directing amateur shows throughout 2018 onwards. Victoria trained at Laban conservatoire of contemporary dance for 4 years in London. During her time there she worked with choreographers such as Tom Dale, Lea Anderson and Wayne McGregor, performing at the Bonnie Bird theatre and at the Royal Opera house alongside the Royal Ballet Company as part of a collaborative piece. During Victoria’s training she also won two gold medals at the tap dance world championships, representing England in Germany with Tap Attack dance company. Whilst being a part of the England team they retained the world champion title for two years. Whilst training at tap attack Victoria also performed in America with the Nancy Chippendales School of dance as a part of Tap United. This is where world champion groups and professional tap dancers such as Jason Samuels Smith come together to create a show of their own. Victoria holds a first aid certificate, is fully insured and DBS checked and is currently working to finish her DDE qualification. She loves a challenge and is focusing on several new opportunities for King’s Academy of Performing Arts including leading the party entertainment and events side of the school.

Darren has now been a part of the school for 9 years, teaching the students on and off since 2008. During this time, he has taken on many guises including vocal teacher, drama teacher, festivals' coordinator, stage manager, script writer, dogs body and one off tap teacher! Darren can often be caught locally working on productions for companies such as Hayling Musical Society, CCADS, Portsmouth Players, Fareham Youth Theatre, Hayling Youngstars, Musical Theatre South and SDMS. He has been credited in local news for donning the baton in the orchestra pit at a range of theatres including conducting collaborative children's choirs at the Portsmouth Guildhall as part of the Portsmouth Schools Music Festival. Alongside teaching for all of the above, Darren is also a vocal tutor at Portsmouth Music Academy. His students, including those that also attend King's Academy, recently won multiple awards at the Portsmouth and Gosport Music Festivals. In real life, Darren is a Year 2 teacher at Grange Infant School and a Specialist Leader of Education for Pioneer Teaching Alliance. This means that each week, Darren teaches and works with over 350 people! He can almost remember everyone's names.

I have several years of experience in teaching and am now focusing on Ballet, Tap and Modern classes at Kings Academy. As well as choreographing for several dance shows I have choreographed for Titchfield Festival Theatre, creating movement suitable for all abilities. I am currently working towards my ISTD Intermediate ballet exam. I am currently studying my DDE Modern and Ballet increasing my knowledge in performance and technique. As well as King’s academy, I teach at Jamz Dance and Stagekidz, providing more experience with working with younger children.

Emily has always enjoyed helping with children from a young age be it at craft, dance or drama groups so it was only natural for her to embrace both her passions, dancing and teaching. Emily is currently training for her ISTD DDE qualifications in modern and ballet while working closely with Miss Jess. She embraces every opportunity, whether assisting or teaching classes, all the while gaining experience in all aspects of teaching dance.

All of our teachers are DBS checked and fully insured so children and teenagers can work in a safe and protected environment. Do not hesitate to ask if you would like to see copies of this, or our child protection policy.