Teachers

As a child, Nicki’s life was centred around dance and being part of the dance school which was previously known as Snowdon Dance Studios. After many years studying and performing,  she went on to train full-time at London College of Dance and Drama in Bedford. Here she spent 3 years gaining her associates in all dance genres.

After graduation, Nicki continued to perform and teach and eventually returned to Snowdon as a teacher. After 4 years teaching there, Nicki took over the role of Principal and a year later The Temple Dance School was born (eventually to become Temple Academy of Performing Arts).

Nicki is the heart, soul and leading light of TAPA and personally teaches tap and modern classes at Academy House. Nicki says:

“We are teaching children at TAPA not only to exel at their chosen subjects, but also to improve their  confidence and discipline which will help them throughout their lives. The friendships and relationships that are developed and built here can last a lifetime and the support students get from the teachers and peers continuously  assist their success”.

 

Sophie trained at London College of Dance, graduating in 2000 with a BA(Hons) Dance.  Whilst at college Sophie gained her ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet, Modern and National Dance and holds her FDI (Foundation in Dance Instruction) and CDE (Certificate of Dance Education). 

From a young age Sophie assisted in younger children's classes knowing that ultimately she wanted to make it her profession.  Ballet is Sophie's passion and she aims to inspire pupils, whatever their ability, to find a love for ballet and to realise the importance of it as the basis of all dance training.  Sophie understands the importance of making class fun whilst working to understand and achieve technique, discipline and posture.

Sophie has had a long and happy association with the Academy and is proud to have been working here full time since 2002 teaching Ballet and Modern. 

Sophie has had a long and happy association with the Academy and is proud to have been working here full time since 2002 teaching Ballet and Modern. 

 

Debbie has a varied and extensive experience of drama coaching and performance.
Studying herself as a child she then went on to tour the U.S.A coaching dance, drama and leading cheer camps.For 7 years Debbie was head of Children’s entertainment for Haven Holidays and then became their Entertainments Manager. She also was the compare for the Flagship centres. In her final year at Haven, Debbie took on leading roles in Qdos Pantomimes and variety shows performing and directing.

Since becoming a mum, she has worked as a play co-ordinator which introduces the use of imagination/team-building skills, and confidence through play to children. More recently Debbie has been teaching drama classes, workshops and audition preparation classes for West End and Television parts. With both her children at full time musical theatre schools, Debbie has first hand experience of everything required of getting on in the Musical Theatre world.

Debbie currently teaches GEMS cheerleaders and she is very excited to be joining the Temple Academy team.