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Our Academy
At PH Academy of Dance, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child can grow through the discipline and joy of dance.
Our caring and experienced teachers are deeply committed to inspiring each student, helping them build confidence, explore their creativity, and reach their personal potential, from their very first step to their final bow.
Led by Principal Miss Kim, a qualified Mindset Coach for dancers, and Vice Principal Miss Melissa, a specialist in dance biomechanics and nutrition, our training places equal focus on mental wellbeing, physical development, and artistic expression.
We believe that every dancer deserves to feel supported, empowered, and seen, not just as a performer, but as a whole person.
Our Faculty
Principal - Miss Kim
From the age of 3, Kim stepped into the world of dance, following in her mother’s footsteps at the renowned Rainbow School of Dance in Portsmouth, under the guidance of Mary Forrester.
Her early passion quickly blossomed into a professional performing career, with credits in numerous shows, pantomimes, and television commercials throughout her youth.
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At 16, Kim relocated to Essex to train at the prestigious Performers Dance College, where she completed a rigorous three-year programme in all aspects of Musical Theatre.
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After graduating, she toured the world as a professional singer and dancer, working across theatre, television, and on board leading cruise lines.
Upon returning to the UK, Kim transitioned into choreography, and soon after brought her vision to life with the launch of her own production, Divas, which later took her to southern Spain, where she continued performing and producing for the next three years.
In 2009, Kim faced the heart-breaking and unexpected loss of her mum, the very person who first inspired her love for dance. This pivotal moment led Kim to return to the UK, where she reconnected with her true passion: teaching and nurturing the next generation of dancers.
After gaining further qualifications and teaching at various schools and a vocational dance college, Kim fulfilled her lifelong dream in 2013 by founding her own dance school, a place where young dancers could grow, feel seen, and thrive.
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In 2022, Kim became Licentiate-trained with the I.S.T.D., further deepening her technical expertise and commitment to excellence in dance education.
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Alongside her dance credentials, Kim is also a qualified Mindset and Wellbeing Coach, with training in NLP, counselling skills, and a range of other mental health and coaching modalities. As a recognised expert in this field, she is passionately dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces for young dancers, and actively works with industry organisations to make dance a healthier, more inclusive space for all.
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“P.H.A.D. was the obvious name for the school, in memory of my mum. She inspired me not just as a dancer, but as a person: to work hard, stay kind, and believe in myself.”
Other Work Credits Include –
Mental health lecturer for ISTD, The Dance Business conference and Rosina Andrews.
Vocational Teacher at MPAA
Chat Show Presenter for 'VIVA TV'
Dancer on ITV1 for various programmes such as 'GMTV', 'Big Breakfast' and 'Talking Telephone Numbers'
Advert for Ford Cars
Opening Ceremony of Euro 96 alongside ‘Simply Red’
London Fashion Show with 'Joe Pasquale'
Opening Ceremony of World Rugby League alongside ‘Cliff Richard’
West End Tour 'Evita'
West End Tour of the original 'Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat'
Peppermint Patty in 'Snoopy' Directed by Nigel West, Choreographed by Stephen Mear
Singer/Dancer on Airtours Cruises & Carnival Cruises
Entertainment Executive for large Holiday Company - Cinque Ports Leisure
Head of Ballet, P.B.T., Pointe Work Assessor, C.A.T.S Creator
Vice Principal - Miss Melissa
Melissa began dancing at the age of 3, training in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus at a local ballet school in Hoddesdon. It was during her time assisting in younger classes that she discovered her true passion for teaching and supporting the next generation of dancers.
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In 2011, she began her ISTD teacher training in Imperial Classical Ballet and National Dance at Penny Meeking’s Teacher Training College in Royston, Hertfordshire, a path that allowed her to gain hands-on experience by volunteering across several dance schools in the area.
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Melissa joined the PHAD team in 2013 and quickly became a student favourite thanks to her nurturing nature, calm confidence, and ability to connect with dancers of all ages and abilities.
Since then, she has continued to grow her skillset, earning further qualifications including certification in Progressive Ballet Technique.
A passionate advocate for dancer development, Melissa wrote PHAD’s bespoke Pre-Pointe Assessment Programme to help students safely and confidently prepare for pointe work. She also co-created the C.A.T.S (Class Assistant Training Scheme) alongside Miss Kim, offering aspiring young teachers a structured and supportive pathway into dance education.
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In 2021, with a desire to deepen her understanding of the human body and become an even more effective teacher, Melissa began a six-week course studying Sports Medicine. Taking advantage of the quieter lockdown period, she dove into advanced studies in anatomy and biomechanics, exploring how the body moves, why it moves, and how to optimise that movement safely and effectively.
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This transformative learning experience expanded her ability to support students not just technically, but holistically.
Today, Melissa uses this knowledge to help dancers understand their own bodies, prevent injury, and unlock their full potential, developing into confident, capable movers from the inside out.
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In September 2023, Melissa was promoted to Vice Principal of PHAD, a role she stepped into with grace, leadership, and enthusiasm. She now works closely alongside Kim in guiding the growth of the academy, continuing to uphold PHAD’s values of care, empowerment, and excellence.
Miss Chloe
Chloe joined PHAD in September 2024 and has been a valued part of the team ever since.
Having danced from a young age, Chloe always knew she wanted to become a teacher and has followed that dream with dedication and passion.
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She holds her ISTD DDE qualifications in both Tap and Modern, and is currently working towards achieving Licentiate level in the autumn, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in teaching.
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Chloe brings a vibrant energy and creative flair to every class, with a sharp eye for choreography and a natural ability to connect with students. She has already made a strong impression with her work for our festival team, creating engaging and dynamic routines that showcase both skill and individuality.
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We’re thrilled to have Chloe as part of the PHAD family and excited to see her journey continue as she inspires the next generation of dancers.
Tap, Modern, Ballet, and Contemporary
Tap, Modern, Ballet
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Miss Evie - Student Teacher
Affectionately known as “Clegg,” Evie began dancing at PHAD in 2013 at just 5 years old.
From the very beginning, she stood out for her energetic presence, her dedication, progress, and love for dance, earning the School Runner-Up Cup in 2016 and later the prestigious Pamela Hebberd Academy of Dance School Cup in 2022.
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Evie has performed in every PHAD show and participated in many of our summer schools, all while continuing her training towards her vocational ISTD exams.
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After completing two years in our C.A.T.S. (Class Assistant Training Scheme), Evie discovered a true passion for teaching. She is now preparing to begin her ISTD DDE teacher training in both Modern and Tap, and we are incredibly proud to support her through this exciting new chapter.
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Evie brings a natural warmth and empathy to the studio, with a special gift for supporting our younger students, especially those who benefit from a deeper level of understanding and encouragement.
We know she will be a fantastic asset to the PHAD teaching team, and we can’t wait to see her flourish in her journey as a dance teacher.
Miss Erin
Erin, affectionately known as “Titch,” began her dance journey at PHAD at age 7 and spent the next nine years training with dedication and passion.
She took part in numerous competitions and exams, and in 2016 was proudly awarded the PHAD School Trophy for her outstanding progress and commitment.
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In 2022, Erin began a two-year foundation course at Performers College, Essex, graduating with excellent results. During her final months, she auditioned for several top dance colleges and received multiple offers, ultimately choosing to continue her training at the prestigious London Studio Centre, where she has now completed her first year of a three-year Performing Arts degree.
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Erin is thrilled to return to PHAD, this time as a teacher, ready to inspire the next generation of dancers in the very place where her journey began. And her students couldn’t be more excited to have “Titch” back in the studio!
Tap, Modern & Ballet
Tap, Modern, Ballet,
PHAD Kidz & Free 2 Dance
Miss Olivia
Olivia began dancing at the age of 3 at Dance Projection, training in ISTD syllabus work along with contemporary, musical theatre, and jazz.
After completing a degree in Primary Education, she realised just how vital dance was in her life and returned to begin her teacher training, starting with Modern. She is also currently preparing for her Advanced 2 ISTD Tap exam.
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Olivia is passionate about helping young dancers grow in confidence and resilience, while empowering them to express who they truly are.
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She is also excited to bring life to PHAD’s Free2Dance programme, a new initiative providing access to dance for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
Olivia is thrilled to lead this meaningful project and to be part of the PHAD teaching team.
Miss Alannah
Alannah began dancing at the age of 4 and joined P.H.A.D in 2013, where she quickly stood out for her dedication and progress, becoming the first student to be awarded the Pamela Hebberd Academy of Dance School Cup.
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She performed in numerous local productions and summer schools, and went on to study Dance at Harlow College for two years, all while continuing her training at PHAD to complete her ISTD exams.
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Alannah furthered her teacher training at Anthony Clifford Dance College and Jackie Barnes, earning her ISTD DDE qualifications in Modern and Tap.
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In 2021, Alannah stepped into PHAD as a teacher and has flourished in her role ever since, not only producing award-winning choreography, but also growing into a versatile and passionate educator. She now teaches across a wide range of genres, including Tap, Modern, Street, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary, bringing energy, creativity, and care to every class she leads.
Tap, Modern, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre
Liason Officer, Head of P.T.F (Parent Task Force)
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Sass
Sass first became part of the PHAD family as a proud mum to one of our much-loved and inspiring students, Alissa. It didn’t take long for her deep love for the school, and for every child within it, to shine through. Always willing to lend a hand without being asked, Sass quickly became a passionate advocate for our values and community.
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Recognising her commitment, warmth, and natural leadership, we invited Sass to take on the role of Head of our Parent Task Force (PTF) a new initiative launched in 2025. This volunteer group brings together supportive grown-ups to help with events, performances, and more behind the scenes.
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From there, her role naturally evolved into our Liaison Officer, where she now works closely with both Kim and Melissa to ensure both our branches are supported, connected, and thriving. She’s also a consistent source of encouragement and guidance for the wider PHAD team.
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With a strong personal understanding and experience supporting neurodiverse children, Sass brings a thoughtful and empathetic presence to our school. Her calm, caring nature ensures that students who may need a little extra support always feel safe, included, and understood.
We are incredibly lucky to have Sass as part of our team, a true champion of our inclusive ethos and a vital part of the PHAD community.
Jenny
Jenny has been working as an Administrator at PHAD since October 2022 and also has a daughter as a student in the Clacton branch.
Jenny brings a wealth of experience to her position having worked in a variety of administrative roles for over 20 years. Despite having no dance background Jenny has been able to utilise her organisational skills and experience and apply them to the inner workings of the dance school with a particular focus in the areas of new enquires/enrolments and festival organisation. Jenny is keen to learn more and expand her remit to other areas of the school.
Administator
We offer a four-week trial!
We know that choosing the right dance class is a big step, for both you and your child.
That’s why we offer a gentle four-week trial period, giving your child time to settle in, feel truly welcome, and explore their new environment at their own pace before any full commitment is needed.
This also allows us to make sure the class is the best fit for your child’s personality, needs, and goals, because every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported from the very first step.