Mrs Helen Holmes BA Hons LISTD AIDTA - PRINCIPAL
Helen began her training at Dorinda School of Dance. At 16 she moved to SLP College , Leeds where she trained for two years before embarking on a 3 year course at London College Of Dance where she gained her Ba Hons Dance and her ISTD teaching qualifications . Two days after graduation , Helen flew to Paris to embark on a dance contract at Disneyland Paris. On returning from Paris, Helen fell straight into her first love , teaching . Working at several schools and colleges across Yorkshire including SLP College, Leeds and Lynton Academy, Harrogate . Helen also worked in several primary and secondary schools in various support roles including Cover supervisor and Sports Coach.
In 2003, Helen decided to start her dream of opening her own school. Elev8dance was born, with just 18 students and 3 classes! Helen began an new career as a Lecturer of Dance at Leeds Beckett University, Gained further qualifications with the ISTD and IDTA and now holds the Licentiate teaching status. Helen also became a very proud mother to Rowan and Esther.
Mrs Belynda Howarth AIDTA -
VICE PRINCIPAL
Belynda began training at Scala Performing Arts and Stage 84 from a young age. Whilst training, she became a member of the Leeds Rhinos Dance team where she performed on match days and other promotional events.
Belynda also trained at top schools such as Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
After graduating from Stage 84 she began further training at SLP and Phil Winston’s Thetareworks. Belynda has attained a Diploma in Performing arts and Musical Theatre. Belynda has also trained with the IDTA for her teaching qualifications and is currently working towards her DDE with the ISTD.
Belynda is a qualified Pointe shoe fitter.
Belynda made her London Theatre debut at a young age. Other notable theatre credits include The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Opera Norths Peter Grimes (Leeds, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Manchester.)
Television credits include Emmerdale, Waterloo Road, Steel River Blues, The Royal, The Quest, A touch of Frost and My Parents are Aliens.
Belynda not only teaches but also runs the admin side of the school.
Miss Nia Jackson AIDTA AISTD -
TEACHING STAFF
Nia trained in gymnastics from the ages of 5-13. In 2003 Nia joined Elev8 as a student in hopes of becoming more graceful with her floor and beam routines.
It became apparent that Nia had a love for dance and continued to train in Modern, Ballet, Tap, Street and Musical Theatre.
At the age of 17 Nia attained a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts and a teaching qualification with the IDTA. Along side her training, Nia started teaching classes at Elev8dance.
It was from here that she knew she wanted to be a teacher so went on to study at Liverpool John Moores University focusing on Teaching, Education and Choreography and gained a 1st class honours degree.
After graduating university Nia started teaching at Elev8, adding contemporary and Acrobatic Dance to her teaching experience and has now gained further teaching qualifications with the ISTD.
Nia says “I love elev8 and I love teaching. I hope to be teaching here until I am old and grey".
Mrs Jodie Hill-Pearson AIDTA -
TEACHING STAFF
Jodie has always had a passion for performing and especially acting from an early age. She studied theatre studies as well as Health and social care at Notre Dame College.
Alongside this, Jodie attended Stage 84 and Wyspa/Starlight Dance academy.
Whilst at stage 84, Jodie was involved in numerous shows performed at the prestigious Alhambra theatre and appeared in TV programmes such as BBC ‘Five Days’, ITV’s ‘The Royal’, ‘Waterloo Road’ and adverts.
Jodie has qualifications with the IDTA and completed her Teachers Freestyle exam at the same time as gaining her qualifications in Teaching ‘Zumba’ and ‘FitStep’
Jodie has 2 children who attend Elev8 and Jodie can see their love for performing already.
Mrs Shequilla Dixon -
TEACHING STAFF
Shaquilla grew up with a passion for dance and performance. She began dancing at the age of 4 and studied at her stage school until the age of 18. She trained in a variety of different styles including Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Contemporary, Singing, Acting and more!
After finishing college she set off on an exciting adventure! She moved to Spain for 3 years to study a BA Hons in Musical Theatre at Institute of the Arts Barcelona (IAB). Whilst gaining her degree she began to explore her leadership abilities and was given opportunities to Dance Captain numbers for her 1st and 2nd year showcases.
In her 3rd year, she co-choreographed the finale number for IAB’s Production of ‘Pippin’ where she played ‘The Leading Player’. And for IAB’s production of ‘Cats’ in the same year, Shaquilla was selected for Dance Captain whilst also playing Grizabella. During this production she worked alongside the choreographer and director to help put the choreography for the show together. Shaquilla also taught the choreography to her fellow cast mates, cleaned numbers and worked with individuals on physicality for the show.
This opportunity sparked a huge love for coaching and choreography. Ever since, she has been working towards her goal of being a great dance teacher and choreographer. She is continuing to learn and grow every day and looks forward to her future at Elev8!
