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SPSD - The Dance Tuition Solution That Makes Learning to Dance... Easy & Fun!

Musical Theatre & Theatre Kids

Team Tara

Musical Theatre - Theatre Kids
Musical Theatre & Theatre Kids
Acro - Gymnastics
Acro Dance
Boys Street - Street Dudes - Mixed Street - Jazz
Tap & Modern
Ballet Principal
Street & Jazz
Lyrical & Contemporary Dance
'Top of the pops for Tots' - Freestyle
Tara Prior - SPSD Principal
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Aged 11 Tara was one of the youngest students in the country to have studied with the N.A.T.D. whilst achieving the highest marks ever awarded in Ballroom and Latin for a 'Presidents Award'.
At 13, Tara started to assist her mum Stephanie with her classes.  When she finished school she went to university and gained degrees in French and German but later realised that dancing was her true vocation.
She studied for her Associate membership of the NATD (National Association of Teachers of Dance) and then went on to qualify as a Licentiate member of the  association gaining honours in every section of the examination.
Tara is also a 'Recognised Teacher'  with CDMT - The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre and SPSD is a 'Recognised School'.

Freestyle - Street - Lyrical - Ballroom & Latin - Rock & Roll - 'MiniMovers

Principal - TARA PRIOR L.N.A.T.D. (Hons.)

'Top of the pops for Tots' - Freestyle

Sally has danced with SPSD since she was eight having attended Freestyle Disco with Stephanie. During her time with the school Sally has continued her training, gaining qualifications in Rock and Roll, Street, Lyrical, Ballroom & Latin American and Jazz.
Under the stewardship of Tara, Sally  qualified, with Honours, in the Freestyle Branch of the N.A.T.D. achieving her Associate Membership of the National Association of Teachers of Dance

SALLY BONNETT A.N.A.T.D.

JESSICA HODGE

Lyrical - Contemporary

Jessica trained at Bodywork Company Dance Studios  Cambridge, completing a three year course in Performing Arts.
Jessica has worked as both a dancer and singer since leaving college. Her credits include: Swing/Dance Captain in “Godspell” - UK tour, Swing/ Dance Captain in “Summer Holiday” - UK tour, and Vocalist for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
Jessica has extensive teaching experience and continues to work as a singer for various function and 'covers' bands.

CHLOE THORPE

Street - Jazz

Chloe has danced with Tara at S.P.S.D. since she was seven years old and has performed alongside the school at venues including Disneyland Paris, The Royal Albert Hall, Her Majesty's Theatre London, and many others.
Since leaving SPSD when she was 18, Chloe went on to pursue her career in Musical Theatre at Evolution Foundation College in Colchester, and  also gained a place at Masters Performing Arts on a three year course.
During her time at Masters, Chloe was chosen to perform with the amazing choreographers, Adrian Gas and Nikki Trow.
Chloe has recently graduated from Masters Performing Arts with a three year diploma in Musical Theatre. She is very excited on returning to S.P.S.D. to be able to offer her knowledge and expertise gained during her years of training.

ALISON HEAD

Head of Ballet

Alison graduated from Performers College having studied Dance and Musical Theatre. Alongside her professional training she gained her DDI teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap and Modern. Before beginning to take the first steps into teaching, Alison spent 4 years performing professionally around the world whilst experiencing a wealth of different cultures.  As teaching was always a passion, she decided to retire from performing and pursue her teaching career within the London area. Now, having moved to Hertfordshire, Alison is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Stephanie Prior School of Dancing, teaching Classical Ballet. Alison continues to have an interest in developing her teaching education and is currently working towards her DDE qualification in Ballet. Alison is enthusiastic and passionate about teaching  while helping students achieve their full potential. She brings with her a positive mentality, enabling her to work with students to overcome individual challenges and to find positive ways to learn and achieve. Her goal is to inspire her students, as her teachers once inspired her.

CIARA HODGKISS

Tap - Modern

Ciara spent her childhood in Hitchin Hertfordshire and trained at Dance Steps Academy in Letchworth from the age of seven. Ciara took examinations in Modern Theatre, Tap and Ballet and performed in their dance shows. 
As a teenager Ciara trained at North Herts College Hitchin where she attained her National Diploma in Dance, with a Distinction.
She was offered an assisting job at Aspire School of Dance in Hitchin and then attended Penny Meekings Dance College in Royston where she gained her ISTD teacher training qualifications in Tap and Modern. Ciara also took vocational dance examinations up to Advanced Two Tap and Advanced One Modern. 

ABI POTTHAST

Boys Street - Street Dudes - Mixed Street - Jazz

Abi's passion for dance flourished as she trained amongst the disciplines with Tara and at turned 18 auditioned for several of the top colleges in London. After receiving many offers she decided to spend the next three years at Bird College where she fulfilled her dreams and trained in Musical Theatre. She graduated with a level 6 diploma in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre, recognised by Trinity College London.
Abi performed in many shows and performances during those three years and was given feature roles in her third year production of 'Sweet Charity',

During her time as a dancer with Tara and while at Bird, Abbi developed a wealth of knowledge and experience which she is excited to share with her pupils. She is really thrilled to be part of the S.P.S.D family again and is dedicated to creating a safe, positive environment for her students, enabling them to flourish and fall in love with performing, as did she.

ALISON FULLER

Acro - Gymnastics

Alison is a level 2 Artistic and General Gymnastics Coach with 25 years coaching experience and 10 years as a competitor.  She is currently coaching at Melbourn Sports Centre, Royston Leisure Centre and Stevenage Sports and Acro Club.  

KAYLEIGH WILLIAMS

Acro - Gymnastics

Kayleigh began her gymnastics career at the age of 8, representing Huntingdon Gymnastics Club in all four pieces, beam, bars, floor and vault. She later moved on to sports acrobatics competing for City of Cambridge Gymnastics Club as a sports acrobatic pair and trio and also as a tumbler.


Immediately after leaving school, Kayleigh worked as a full time, level 3 gymnastics coach, teaching all ages from pre-school to adults. She set up and managed many clubs across Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, mentoring other coaches while supporting her gymnasts, into believing in themselves and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

 

ALISHA PERKINS




Musical Theatre  -  Theatre Kids
Alisha trained at the University of Chichester Conservatoire, receiving a B.A. in Musical Theatre Performance.
Since graduating in 2020 Alisha has been devloping her teaching practice by teaching all elements of the arts. She has recently completed her PGCE with the National Institute of Teaching and Education.
Alisha has certainly found her passion in teaching and is very excited to be part of the S.P.S.D team.

Prior to teaching, Alisha has been privelged to perform in the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace.

Team Tara

Offering the gift of Dance since 1965

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