Leianne Bates
Principal
A.I.S.T.D and Diploma in Dance Education (Level 4)
Leianne has had a passion for dance from a young age. She began dance classes when she was four years old beginning with Ballet before quickly moving onto study Modern Theatre and Tap.
She soon realised that she wanted a professional career in dance and after many years of training and performing she went to full time dance college to continue her studies.
At Dance College she studied Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Theatre and National and gained her Advanced 2 exams in all of these genres as well as gaining her Teaching qualifications (DDE level 4) in Classical Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre with the ISTD faculty. She also had the opportunity to study other forms of dance including Contemporary, Jazz, Irish, Spanish, Ballroom, Jazz and Street Dance.
After graduating from dance college, Leianne spent many years performing professionally all over the world in theatres, casinos, festivals and cruise ships. Between contracts Leianne would take the opportunity to teach and run many workshops in various dance schools around the Midlands.
Upon returning to the UK after her last dance contract in 2006, Leianne focused her time on teaching in the hope that she could pass on her love for dance and musical theatre to as many young people as possible. In September 2008, after a couple of years teaching full time, Leianne became Principle of Insteps Dance Academy. The school has continued to grow and experience many success stories.
Kimberley Wells
Teacher
A.I.S.T.D and Diploma in Dance Education (Level 4)
Kim began Ballet classes aged 2 and loved it so much that as soon as she could she also began Tap and Modern Theatre!
She went onto to take numerous dance examinations in Modern Theatre, Tap and Classical Ballet both with the ISTD and RAD dance faculties as well as completing all of her Jazz Awards. Kim gained her Advanced 1 Ballet, Advanced 2 Tap and Modern Theatre exams with the ISTD faculty and her Grade 8 RAD Ballet.
Kim has performed in numerous shows and performances including many professional Pantomimes throughout the Midlands and in 2007 she started training for her dance teaching qualifications with the ISTD Dance faculty. Kim has gained her ISTD DDE (level 4) teaching qualifications in Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap.
Kim began teaching at Insteps in 2008 and wants to pass her passion for performance onto her students. Many of your children may already know her as she delivers dance programmes on behalf of Insteps in many local Primary Schools.
Charlotte Pallett
Teacher
Acrobatic Arts teaching qualification Module 1, DDE in training
Charlotte began dancing at 3 years old at Insteps and we are so happy that she is our first former student that now teaches for us. She studied Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern Theatre with the ISTD.
She has competed in many festivals across the midlands for many years and while at Insteps she gained her Intermediate Ballet, Advanced 1 Modern and her Advanced 2 Tap examinations. After completing her A-Levels Charlotte successfully auditioned and studied for 3 years at SLP Dance College in Leeds.
Charlotte gained her National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre and while at Dance college also studied many different dance genres including Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Theatre, Contemporary, Commercial and many more as well as Singing and Acting.
After graduating from Dance college Charlotte successfully auditioned for Disney and spent over 3 years dancing and performing at Disneyland Paris.
In 2016 Charlotte retuned to the UK and began teaching at Insteps. She is a role model for all of our students and we are very lucky to have someone with her experience and passion.
Miss Sarah
Miss Sarah
AISTD and Diploma in Dance Education (Level 4)
Sarah started ISTD Ballet classes at the age of 4 and enjoyed it so much that she soon started classes in Modern, Tap, Classical Greek and LAMDA speech and Drama.
At the age of 14, Sarah gained a place at The Hammond to train full time. Unfortunately, following a car crash where she injured her back, she was told she would never be able to dance again and had to leave her dream.
Through determination, extensive treatment and physiotherapy, Sarah defied all odds and returned to her dance training. After achieving her Advanced 2 examinations and passing her Associate exams to teach Classical Ballet and Greek, Dance, Sarah moved to London to train at London Studio Centre.
Sarah graduated in 2006 with a degree in Theatre Dance. Following that she danced in professional contracts all over the world, from cabaret shows in Paris, to music videos and Bollywood films in Mumbai. Sarah performed on prestigious stages such as The Royal Albert Hall and worked in the fields of contemporary, commercial and theatre dance. She also worked as presenter and had small roles in film and TV productions.
Following her performing career, Sarah moved back to Shropshire and taught freelance for many years. Sarah now teaches Dance full time at William Brookes School.
Sarah would like to thank Miss Leianne for the opportunity to teach at such a wonderful school, working with such talented and dedicated aspiring dancers at Insteps Dance Academy.
