Miss Zoe  - Principal

Miss Zoe trained as a dancer and dance teacher (ISTD & IDTA) in the West Midlands. She was also an active member of a local theatre group, a gymnast and singer. Planning on going to university Miss Zoe took a year out and became represented by a top London dance agent. It was not long before she moved to London having been offered her first performing job; a featured ensemble role in the Royal National Theatre's production of 'Oklahoma!’ directed by Sir Trevor Nunn. The show was a great success going into the West End and being made into a film. Miss Zoe went on to perform in other London based and touring musicals before deciding to train in acting at LAMDA. Whilst working as an actress in TV and theatre, Miss Zoe wanted to teach dance again and decided to open Grafton Dance Academy in Dulwich with the aim of creating a dance school that catered for all abilities; ensuring that those children talented enough to consider a career as a dancer would have an excellent foundation training (both technically and artistically) and those students attending classes purely as a hobby could achieve their personal best in a supportive and fun environment. This ethos has been successful and the school – becoming South London Dance Studios and securing its own premises in 2009 – now has well over 600 happy and successful students.

Miss Naomi

Miss Naomi graduated from Deborah Capon College for Dance in 2006, having completed her ISTD teaching qualifications and receiving the ‘most promising pupil’ award. Miss Naomi started her teaching career in various dance schools in Kent as well as with Kent County Council as part of their adult education programme. During this time Miss Naomi gained experience in commercial choreography as well as for ISTD examinations and dance shows. Miss Naomi is also keen to offer her teaching skills on a charitable basis and soon plans to go to Kenya for two weeks to teach dance.  Miss Naomi is delighted to have recently joined the teaching faculty at South London Dance Studios.

David

David started as a Ballroom and Latin dancer at age eleven, going on to win many awards and compete in the World Junior championships. He trained at the BRIT school followed by Laine Theatre Arts, graduating with honours and gaining his ISTD teaching qualifications.  On leaving college David went into the original West End cast of ‘The Beautiful Game’ followed by ‘Saturday Night Fever’, ‘Copacabana’, ‘Fame’, ‘What A Feeling’ and the U.S. tour of ‘Ray Charles’. David has danced for Lionel Ritchie, Gareth Gates, Sinita and many other pop stars and recently starred in Living TV's ‘Dirty Dancing’.   David is now focusing on teaching and choreographing and he is pleased to be teaching street / jazz at South London Dance Studios. David’s choreography credits for professional companeis include ‘Swing Fever’ – UK tour, ‘It Must Be Madness’ – Central School of Speech and Drama, ‘Jazz Company’ – UK tour, ‘Mama Mia’ – Emirates Palace, and ‘Lovely Girl’ – Pop video releasing world wide this year. David is also a regular choreographer for Sinita from the X-factor and is about to choreograph a number for the Bon Jovi world tour.

Miss Caroline

At the age of sixteen Miss Caroline gained a full scholarship to study at The Urdang Academy, Covent Garden.  Graduating with a Diploma in professional musical theatre and ISTD teaching qualifications in ballet, tap and modern she danced professionally for a couple of years. Credits as a performer and as dance captain include; ‘Turned on Tap’ – Southbank Centre, London, ‘Birmingham Blues Brothers’ – UK tour, ‘Honk’ – Steiner theatre, London and ‘The Young Americans’ – California.  Miss Caroline discovered her passion for teaching after doing some freelance work for dance schools in London and Essex. After recently furthering her dance teaching studies including completing her ISTD National dance teaching qualification she is currently an Associate lecturer in dance and musical theatre at South Essex College, Head of Ballet at the Kerry-Jane Academy of Dance and an Associate Mentor for the Aim Higher Scheme Essex. In addition to this she is very pleased to be a part of the team at South London Dance Studios teaching National dance.