Dawsons Academy of Dance & Stage

Jo Swaby

Head of Stage Dept/ Choreographer

Dawsons Academy/ LaineJohnson Theatre School/ SLP College (Full DADA Scholarship) Qualifications: Nat.Dip in Musical Theatre, ALCM in Singing Performance, Acrobatic Arts Module 1 Jo worked as a professional dancer/ Ast choreographer in theatre shows, pantomimes, circus tours and events all over the UK. She now continues to work as a freelance choreographer and A ctor / Voiceover Artist in Theatre, TV and Radio.

Dawn Dawson

Principal

Fully Registered Member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance Associate ISTD Diploma in Modem ,Tap (Part One & Two,) National and Folk Dance Faculty Chairman of the Bolton Dance Forum; ‘Arts Award Adviser’ and Consultant for Schools in Dance Education Miss Dawson and the school have Achieved Bolton Gold Mark- Accredited by the Bolton Sports Council, and accreditation for the New Children’ s University.

Naomi Cruick
shanks

Head of Dance

Dawsons Academy/ Arts Educational School/ Performers College (Head Girl 2004 - 2007) Qualifications: Associate ISTD Modern and Tap. Level 6 Trinity College National Diploma in Musical Theatre. Alongside Dawsons Academy Naomi also teaches at Ladywood School teaching dance to children with special needs, and is also one of the Tap Lecturers at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA.)

Samantha Killick

Assistant Head of Dance

Preston college Dance Centre and North Liverpool Dance Academy Qualifications: ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Modern and National to DDE Level (Diploma in Dance Education,) and is also affiliated with UKA. Samantha enjoyed working professionally as a dancer in various shows in the UK and abroad. She has now spent many happy years teaching at Dawsons Academy.

Sarahjane Palmer

Head of Ballet Dept

Training: The Hammond School Qualifications: Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD.) After graduating Miss Sarah moved to Canada where she choreographed over 50 pieces a year for competitions/ recitals and many of her students won scholarships for New York studios and Conventions. She also had 5 accepted into the National Ballet of Canada. She has now taught at the Academy for over 7 years.

Danielle Kane

Head of Junior Ballet Teacher Dept

Training: Bramhall School of Dancing/ Centre Pointe, Manchester/ Royal Academy of Dance, London. Qualifications: RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and ISTD Diploma in Dance Instruction (DDI) in Tap, Modern and National Dance. Danielle is currently in the process of completing her ISTD Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) in Modern, Tap and National Dance.

Amy Kirkman

Junior Modern and Tap teacher

Training: Bolton Dance and Performing Arts/Dawsons Academy/ North Liverpool Dance Academy. Qualifications: Teaching qualifications in ISTD Ballet, Modern, Tap and National, and IDTA Ballet (International Dance Teachers Association.)

Jade Seward

Pre- Senior Modern and Tap teacher

Training: Preston Dance College Qualifications: Jade is a fully registered member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD), and is a fully qualified DDE Modern and Tap, and DDI Ballet teacher.

Daniel Lauder

Head of Boys Dance/ Choreographer

Training: Dawsons Academy/ Laine Theatre Arts (Full Scholarship) Qualifications: Nat. D ip in Musical Theatre, FDI modern and tap (ISTD.) Daniel went on to work extensively as a professional dancer (see ‘Graduate’ page.) He also spent a year teaching and dancing in Australia and has recently been appointed Head of 2nd Year at ‘Shockout Arts’, a vocational college in Manchester.

Amy Bravington

Head of Musical Theatre

Training: Dawsons Academy/ Phil Winstons Theatreworks/ Institute of Contemporary Music Performance Qualifications: BMus Hons degree in Popular Music Performance Amy enjoyed an exciting career in production as a singer/dancer performing on cruises and in hotels all over the world. She then began arranging vocals and working as a vocal coach for various professional productions and in doing so realised that teaching would be her next venture.

Rebecca Lake

Vocal Coach

Training: Elizabeth Hill School of Dance/Pendleton College/ Blackpool School of Arts Qualifications: BA Hons in Musical Theatre Since the age of 16 Rebecca has performed lead roles in many professional shows and Pantomimes all over the UK, most recently playing Cinderella at The Brindley Theatre in Runcorn. In 2016 Rebecca was also successfully crowned ‘Miss British Isles.’

Georgia Barry

Vocal Coach

Training: Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, London Qualifications: BMus Hons degree in Popular Music Performance Georgia’s strength and passion lies in passing on her extensive knowledge in vocal technique, developed over the years that she spent touring London as a singer/songwriter, as well as a function singer for various high profile wedding bands. Georgia is now enjoying a successful career as a vocal coach and performer.

Kath Higson

Head of Drama

Qualifications: Masters in Education A.C.P For many years Kath was was part of the successful production team at The Deane High School (now Ladybridge) aswell as working at The Theatre Church working on many different productions. She is now still very much involved in Primary school productions, where 120 children are cast every year in the end of year show, and is determined to give every child the opportunity to shine.

Joanna Higson

D’Academy Drama Tutor

Training: Salford University Qualifications: First Class Honours Degree in Media and Performance Upon graduating Joanna went on to play a number of main roles in both TV and Theatre, however she is probably best known for playing Maxine Donnelly in Channel 4’ s Shameless . Jo has also worked as a guest director at The University of Salford running workshops and directing plays with their degree level students, and is also a qualified LAMDA tutor.

Liana Rainford

Choreographer

Training: Dawsons Academy and Phil Winstons Theatre Works Whilst in training Liana won many competitions including Miss Dance 2001 at Dance World UK, performed professionally in ‘Summer Holiday’ and ‘Oliver’ at The Manchester Opera House, and was nominated for young actress of the year for her portrayal of Billy Bigelows daughter in ‘Carousel.’ Upon graduating she went on to work as a choreographer at various schools and colleges, helping students to further their own careers in the Arts.

Liz Nelson

Commercial Dance teacher/ Choreographer

Training: Preston Dance college Qualifications: ISTD DDI Modern, PTLLS Liz’s credits include: Dancer/ Assistant Choreographer for Thomson Cruises; working in the West End along side Sir Cliff Richard; choreographer and dancer / actress for Music videos created by award winning company Sitcom Soldiers and dancer/model in fashion shows up and down the country. Liz went on to teach at Preston Dance college and now teaches dance and movement workshops all over the North West.