Head of Associate Programme and Senior Teacher - Désirée Ballantyne
Ms Ballantyne-Grove trained at The Royal Ballet School before joining English National Ballet, where she danced as a Soloist for many years. Her repertoire includes major roles such as Clara in The Nutcracker, Myrtha in Giselle, and the Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty. She is an experienced tutor who has taught at English National Ballet and Rambert School.
Mid Associate Teacher - Megan Webster Shaw
Megan Webster-Shaw trained at West London School of Dance, ArtsEd, English National Ballet School, and The National Ballet School of Canada. Ms Webster-Shaw completed her Royal Academy of Dance teaching qualifications and is a founding teacher of The Young Dancers Academy and now Vocational Dance Lead for Key Stage 3 at London Vocational Ballet School.
Kate Swainston - Character Teacher
Kate is a former professional dancer, teacher and examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance, holding the Professional Dancer’s Teaching Diploma with Distinction and specialist training from The Royal Ballet School. She has taught widely across major UK institutions, including London Studio Centre, the Royal Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, DanceEast and Pineapple Dance Studios.
Anna Smith - Contemporary Teacher
Anna Smith is a freelance dancer and teacher who trained at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. She has performed with the Royal Opera House, toured with The Royal Opera in Japan, and presents her own choreographic work at venues including The Place, Brighton Fringe and Exeter Northcott Theatre.
Craig Turbyfield - Boys Class Teacher
Craig trained at The Royal Ballet School and London Studio Centre’s Musical Theatre Course before making his professional debut in Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker with Birmingham Royal Ballet. His West End, UK and international credits include Hello, Dolly!, The King & I, Cats, Singin’ in the Rain, West Side Story and Fame, alongside extensive work as a choreographer for theatre and pantomime.
