Meet our teachers

When I was 9, I started dancing at a school in Edgware, and secured a place for full-time training at the Arts Educational School, which was then based at the Barbican, when I was just 13.

I started teaching in my mid-20s and worked for various dance schools, including Bearfoot Performing Arts School in Harrow, where I was appointed Vice Principal. As well as helping grow the school, I also helped many of their students secure places at professional dance colleges. 

During my time at Bearfoot, I had the privilege of choreographing and performing at the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.

I’m a dedicated and passionate teacher, and I use my many years of teaching experience to encourage each dancer to reach their full potential. 

I split my time between running the business side of things at The Dan Tien and teaching our wonderful students, both of which I enjoy equally.

With a passion for helping children grow and develop using the power of the performing arts, I enjoy working directly with children, as well as getting to know their parents and carers.

I particularly love tap and musical theatre – both together if possible – and I thrive on being busy (which is just as well!). I’m immensely proud of the achievements of all the children at The Dan Tien, and grateful to have been a part of their lives.

I started dancing at Bearfoot School of Performing Arts, where I quickly discovered a love of being on stage. As a teen, I joined the Young Pleasance Theatre Company and was part of the cast of 'Bus', which premiered at Edinburgh Fringe and won a Fringe First.

Following a Musical Theatre course at West Herts College, I went on to train at Arts Educational School, following which I jumped straight into a teaching career. I taught for Bearfoot School of Performing Arts for many years, then went on to set up my own school in Ruislip, before launching The Dan Tien in 2009.

Alongside being a passionate and dedicated teacher, I’ve also choreographed for TkMaxx and had my pieces performed at Imagine Watford. In 2020, I had the pleasure of starring in James Blunt's music video for his hit ‘Halfway’.

I graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Musical Theatre and went onto performing in various roles around the UK. Shortly after graduating I completed my Dance Diploma in Education specialising in Modern and Ballet. 

In addition to teaching, I also serve as Dance Coordinator, where I help manage the day-to-day operations of the school alongside my teaching responsibilities. 

My teaching centers on fostering creativity, confidence, and individuality in all my students, while also prioritising their positive development and wellbeing. 

I am incredibly proud to be a part of The Dan Tien, where I am able to share my passion for dance and the performing arts, and contribute to shaping the next generation of talented performers.

Having trained as both a teacher and an orchestral conductor, my teaching style is a balance of strictness and kindness.

I have a holistic approach, combining performance skills with an understanding of music theory alongside knowledge of music literature; and I also like to get to know each of my students, because I believe this brings the best results.

And with a good sense of humour, I like to bring lots of fun to my lessons, too!

While training with the Year Out Drama Company, an RSC affiliated Repertory Theatre Company, I benefited from the course’s vocational design, their strong focus on the ensemble, and their links with the Royal Shakespeare Company. 

I’ve been teaching acting since 2012, and LAMDA since 2015; and over the years have appeared in a variety of theatre productions.

My approach to teaching is a flexible one, where I’ll carefully consider each student’s learning styles and needs, and I take real pride in seeing students grow in skill and confidence.

I studied opera & theatre in higher education and specialise in singing modern classical music.

I’ve also played piano & violin for over 26 years, and mentored with both Canadian fiddler & composer Oliver Schroer, and Appalachian fiddle specialist, Erynne Marshall.

My teaching philosophy is to start with what inspires my students to practise, and work with their individual learning styles and interests. I’m also a firm believer in combining a solid musical foundation with having fun and encouraging curiosity.

Besides performing in opera and musical theatre, I’ve released an album of original alt/pop songs, and enjoy playing my fiddle in Celtic sessions around London.

I have worked as an actor in theatre (Royal National Theatre), commercials, video games, television (Eastenders), and film. As a teacher, I have been Head of Drama in various schools, Director of Drama at Westminster School, and ran workshops for the Royal National Theatre for four years.

I am delighted to join the team at The Dan Tien as their new LAMDA teacher, and I am passionate about exploring the joy and wonder of storytelling and theatre-making with young people.

Hello, I’m Thomas and I’m a pianist and piano teacher. Above all, I feel that music should be a positive and enjoyable element in people’s lives, and so I try to teach in this spirit. At the same time, I have a clear vision of what I think is important in music and try to work with my students towork towards a solid, reliable basis and develop their level of playing. I teach in a practical, hands-on way, often demonstrating things on the piano or playing, singing, clapping or counting along, so that my students get a clear, physical feeling of what needs to happen. For me, a lesson is successful when I have the feeling that I’ve helped a student play better and they’ve enjoyed it.

I began my music journey from the age of 5.  Most of my musical experience prior to university took place at Junior Trinity Laban School of Music and Dance, where I was introduced to a wide range of music performance opportunities. At 18, I enrolled at UWL where I further my studies in music and began my experience in teaching. Since graduating from university, I have engaged in a range of performance opportunities, as well as teaching.

I like to think I bring an element of fun and encouragement to learning a new instrument.

My teaching philosophy is to ensure that my students leave each lesson knowing and understanding something new about music.

I enjoy teaching, because I enjoy sharing my passion for music and inspiring today’s youth to get involved in music.

I studied piano & composition at The Purcell School of Music, before reading music at Oxford University.

A piano teacher at The Dan Tien since 2017, I also tutor in music theory and aptitude training, and assist with ballet exams.

I’ve played piano since the age of 6, so understand the thrill of learning a new instrument and new music, and this was my motivation to join The Dan Tien.

Whether working through piano grades, or learning songs for pure enjoyment, my goal is always to support each student and create a love for the instrument.

Graduating with a 1st Class BMus Degree in Popular Music Performance on Drums, I had the good fortune to study under some fantastic drummers and tutors, including Gabor Dornyei and Richard Spaven.

I started teaching while I was at university, focusing on making lessons fun while teaching students how to practise effectively.

With an excellent technical understanding of drumming, as well as good knowledge about live performance, recording, touring, etc, I love nothing more than helping students achieve their goals - be they grade exams or super-stardom!

I’ve been teaching since 2010, and have a particular interest in neurodivergent students, as well as reinvigorating those who have lost their musical passion.

Teaching one-to-one means I can tailor the lesson to the individual; and I use my professional performing experience to inspire a new generation of pianists and singers.

I enjoy nurturing students from beginners to advanced, and I’m proud that so many of them have continued their learning into their late-teen & adult years.

After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in piano & composition, then gaining a Master’s degree in Music Performance from City, University of London, I continued my studies at the Guildhall with eminent pianist, Nelly Ben-Or.

I was runner-up in The Times inaugural Christmas Carol Competition 2011; and winner of The Observer/Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Writing 2012.

My greatest wish as a teacher is that students rise above beyond the technical challenges of learning to play an instrument and develop a lifelong love of, and interest in, the endlessly rich subject of music.

As well as a teacher I am also a session musician, appearing with notable artists such as Mansur Brown, Hussain Manawer, Conor Albert and Jack hawitt. I have also played in major London West end productions. As a result of this I believe I can bring real industry experience to my teaching, allowing a level of adaptability that can cover all ages, multiple instruments and all types of genres. I strive to provide all learners with the tools to be a competent musician but also ensure that lessons are enjoyable, helping students find passion and inspiration in music. The thing I enjoy about teaching the most is when a student finally achieves a goal they have been working towards. It is incredibly rewarding for the student and proves that with hard work anything is possible! I think inspiring and teaching the next generation of potential musicians is such a great thing, and is one of my favourite things about teaching at The Dan Tien. 

Currently in the process of completing MA in music at King’s College, I have 6 years’ teaching experience under my belt, both in the classroom and as a peripatetic teacher.

My teaching style is relaxed and fun: I give students the opportunity to develop at their own pace, while encouraging their potential and allowing them to be the best they can be; while at the same time, nurturing a love of all things music, whatever style that may be.

A London-based trumpet player, specialising in classical, pop, big band/jazz and musical theatre, I teach around Hertfordshire where I love to bring new, fun ideas to keep my lessons engaging.

When I’m not teaching, I’m kept busy with shows, recording sessions, and function events – both in the UK and abroad – and I’m a regular player with Big Smoke Brass, as well as many other ensembles around London.

I have been dancing and singing since the age of 3 and trained professionally in Musical Theatre at 18, graduating in 2013. Since graduating, I have performed in numerous musicals and performed at some of London’s best West End theatres. I also spent 2 yearly contracts in Disney World Florida. Since then, I have gone into teaching which I love. Passing on passion, technique, and the love (and fun) for performing onto the next generation is really amazing. The Dan Tien is no exception to incredible talent and seeing young people grow and improve week on week is a feeling like no other, and I love coming into the studio week on week!

Rob has been teaching for around four years, with experience in both solo and group lessons, working with students aged 6 to 18. He graduated with a BA in Acting from the Guildford School of Acting in 2020. During the pandemic, with the industry and much of the world on hold, Rob began teaching online to make use of his time. What started as a way to stay productive soon became something he loved. He believes that lessons are a space for mutual growth, where both teacher and student can learn together. Rob encourages his students to view failure as an opportunity for improvement, fostering a supportive environment where mistakes are embraced as a natural part of the learning process. His approach focuses on creating a positive, open atmosphere that encourages exploration, experimentation, and continual development.

I started dancing at a young age, and show term was always my favourite!

I went on to train at college in both performance and teacher training, where I gained my commercial associate and DDE modern.

Having performed around the UK and overseas, I now truly love teaching here at The Dan Tien - where show term is still my favourite! More than anything, I love creating, choreographing, and challenging the dancers here to try new things and push past their boundaries.

From the age of ten years old I joined The Dan Tien taking my first class in street dance . Over the years I progressed onto other classes including jazz, tap and contemporary and loved every minute of it. The Dan Tien gave me the opportunity to become a student teacher which led me into studying for a degree in Dance and Fitness. 

Whilst at University, I gained the experience of taking masterclass from professionals in the dance industry. Throughout my time at University, I got to choreograph for a very successful competition tap team which has enhanced my passion for teaching and choreography. I feel like I can bring my passion for teaching and choreographing fun, imaginative and current concepts to The Dan Tien. 

As a dramatic soprano, I’m an experienced recitalist and performer who sings with operatic and chamber ensembles around the world.

I’ve performed with orchestras that include Brooklyn Metro Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestra Filarmonica Campana, and the Orchestra Sinfonica Abruzzese; as well as at Moscow Opera Festival and Jerusalem Opera Festival.

Furthermore, I was privileged to work as Musical Director in Broadway Project alongside acclaimed Broadway conductor, Phil Reno.

Having worked in prestigious performing art faculties as an instructor for 20 years, I’m also experienced in teaching the piano, music theory, and singing for music examination boards in the UK.