OUR TEAM
We are incredibly lucky to have an amazing bunch of enthusiastic, dedicated dance teachers as part of the Inspire Dance team!
Jo Mortimer
Inspire Founder & Principal
"I’m so proud of our achievements at Inspire. We’ve gone from having only a handful of children to over 700 fantastic students."
Seeing our pupils return each term and watching them progress is the most special part of my job, and what drives me to continue expanding. My favourite part about Inspire is the shows – showing off the exceptional talent of our students, and seeing their reactions to performing in front of a huge crowd is priceless.
Qualifications: DDI/DDE ballet, tap and modern, BTEC National Diploma in Dance, Diploma in Musical Theatre, Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Dance, YMCA Exercise to Music Award
Kristina Hewitt
Vice Principal
Kristina started dancing aged 2, and hasn’t stopped since! When she was younger she trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Greek and Irish. She then went on to train at the prestigious Urdang Academy in London. As a child she worked professionally in film, tv and stage. Since graduating she has taught all ages and genres and has been teaching at Inspire for over 7 years. Kristina is an ISTD qualified teacher holding a Licentiate qualification. She is currently working towards her fellowship. As well as being Vice Principal, Kristina is our exams and festivals co ordinator. She is honored to be the Vice Principal of Inspire and looks forward to continue helping the school grow and develop.
Qualifications: BA Hons in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre – The Urdang Academy, ISTD Licentiate in Modern, DDE in Tap, Acrobatic Arts Level 1.
Alex Curran
Westvale Park Primary School Dance Teacher
Alex started dancing at the age of 2½ at The Judith Hockaday School of Dance in Swindon, Wiltshire. She was extremely committed and quickly excelled in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, National, and Character. Alex progressed through the Grades and was suddenly taking all her Major Dance Examinations at the young age of 15 years old.
As a teenager, Alex began to enter numerous Dance competitions all over England. She was awarded the greatest accolade by becoming the All England National Champion of Theatre Dance at the age of 14. Alex has now been teaching at The Hawthorns School of Dance since 2004 and enjoys every minute of it. Along with teaching ISTD Dance Alex also teaches Curriculum Drama & Dance from Reception to Year 2 and Musical Theatre to Year 6. We are so pleased to have Alex back as part of the Inspire family.
Qualifications: BA Hons Dance, ISTD CDE Classical Ballet, ISTD CDE National Dance, ISTD CDE Tap
Jane Doyle
Handcross Park Dance Teacher
Jane Trained for 3 year at Arts Educational Schools London on their musical theatre course.
As well as singing in her function band Jane is also in great demand as a session singer and has done backing vocals on various albums.
Jane has also sailed the high seas as principal singer and with her own cabaret on P&O, Celebrity and Holland America cruise lines.
When she gets a spare minute Jane teaches Singing ,Dancing and Musical production at some of London’s top Musical theatre schools.
Credits include - Spirit of the Dance, Grease (Germany) Starlight Express (Germany and West End) Fame (National & European Tour and West End) Boogie Nights the Musical (West End & National tour) Rent (West End and National tour) Headwig and the angry inch, Oh What A Night (National Tour) Footloose (UK tour) Oliver (Aberystwyth Arts Centre) Simply Ballroom, All you need is love (National tour) to name just a few, Along with various concerts including singing many times at the prestigious Regents Park open air theatre, The Royal Albert Hall and the O2.
Julia Jones
Heron Way Primary School & Horsham Dance Teacher
Julia started dancing at the age of 5 at the Adele Academy of Dancing, Brighton, where she trained in Ballet, Modern and Tap.
She was selected to perform in The English Youth Ballet’s production of ‘Coppelia’ when she was 17 at The Connaught Theatre in Worthing and also ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ Panto at The Old Market in Brighton at 18. At 18 Julia went to The Margaret Howard Theatre College in Hertfordshire to complete a Performing Arts Diploma and to start her teaching qualifications. It was here that her passion for teaching began. Once graduated, Julia performed in Panto at The Watford Palace Theatre before moving back home to Brighton to start her teaching career.
In 2016 her choreography was selected to compete at the Dance World Championships in New York. Julia is a qualified teacher with the ISTD in Ballet, Tap and Modern, DBS checked, a registered chaperone with the relevant public liability insurance.
Qualifications: DDI/DDE – Ballet, Tap and Modern, Performing Arts Diploma – Margaret Howard Theatre College
Natasha Rose
Copthorne & Nursery Dance Teacher
Natasha has immersed herself in all things dance since the age of three and has an established background in performing, taking part in various theatre companies throughout her childhood and teen years. Pursuing her passion, Natasha advanced her training by studying for two years at The Centre Performing Arts College on an accelerated scholarship, where she received a performance diploma. Alongside her diploma training, she completed I.S.T.D DDEs in Ballet, Modern and Tap. Furthermore Natasha has gained her level one qualifications in the Acrobatic Arts syllabus.
Natasha’s choreography and performances have been stretched across local communities driven by her love of musicals and performing. Miss Natasha thrives when teaching and supporting others to perform to the best of their ability. Her diverse teaching experience is credited to her time spent teaching at multiple dance schools across Surrey and Sussex, alongside the opportunity to teach Ballet in Barbados for six-months. Natasha is more than excited to be a part of the Inspire Academy of Dance team!
Qualifications: Performance Diploma at The Centre Performing Arts College.
Vikki Mead
Warnham Primary & St Mary's School Dance Teacher
Vikki collaborates and performs alongside world class musicians from the Bernardi Music Group at various venues across West Sussex. She enjoys the chance to be creative and make works with varying stimuli, and environments. Vikki is looking forward to performing at Leonardslee this coming July.
Teaching through the means of dance has been a stimulating and rewarding process and has furthered her love of working with children. Working with Inspire for 3 years has been a rewarding experience as it has enabled her to see the children develop and grow as dancers and people.
Qualifications: BA (Honours) in Contemporary Dance, MA in Performance as part of Mapdance Company.
Banu Cobbold
South Nutfield Dance Teacher
Having trained as a classical Ballet dancer with the Istanbul University State Conservatory, Banu’s first steps in the world of professional Ballet were spent with the Cagdas Ballet Company before she went on to dance for the Istanbul State Ballet for 5 years.
During this time, she was privileged to have worked with some of world’s most famous choreographers and gained invaluable experience as a soloist dancer performing in a wide range of both Classical and Opera Ballet works.
In 2001, Banu came to England and studied to become a classical Ballet teacher with the AISTD.
She has held various positions in several prestigious schools in Istanbul and London where she has taught a wide range of age groups and levels of experience. She has quickly established a reputation for herself as somebody who is passionate about dance and motivated in the studio.
Banu has twin boys and lives in Reigate, Surrey.
Qualifications: AISTD DDE in Ballet.
Helen Pennicard
Reigate & South Nutfield Dance Teacher
Helen gained most of her dancing experience attending Laine Theatre Arts where she studied Modern, Jazz, Ballet and Tap from the ages of 3 – 18.
Helen has now been an Associate of the ISTD for 7 years, after completing her dance teaching diploma at the Kingston Teacher’s Training College in both Modern Theatre and Tap dance. Helen has recently gained her ‘Licentiate’ qualification in both Tap dancing and Modern Theatre and is now currently working towards her Fellowship exam at Danceteachers inc.
Over the last 7 years, Helen has worked as a freelance dance teacher around the Surrey area, teaching Tap, Modern and Street Jazz at various Dance Schools. She is currently teaching ISTD syllabus at C&C Dance School, The Hawthorns School and at Centre Stage Dance & Drama in Oshott.
As well as teaching, Helen also choreographs and performs in shows for local amateur dramatic groups. Some of Helen’s work has taken place at the Epsom Playhouse, The Assembly Rooms in Surbiton, Chipstead Courtyard Theatre, Danes Hill School, Dunottar School and at Leatherhead Theatre.
Qualifications: Diploma in Dance Teaching at Kingston Teacher's Training College (Modern Theatre & Tap).
Beth Aguilar Verdiguel
South Nutfield & Redhill Dance Teacher
Beth commenced her dance training at the age of 8 at Italia Conti Academy.
She then went on to study Musical Theatre at the internationally recognized BRIT School, gaining her first diploma at the age of 16.
Beth’s performance studies continued at Laine Theatre Arts for a further 4 years, gaining her second diploma at the age of 18 in Musical Theatre.
During her time at Laines, Beth starred on numerous occasions as Wendy Darling in QDOS pantomime productions, often playing opposite Craig Revel Horwood.
In 2016 Beth was appointed lead vocalist/dancer for Carnival Cruise Lines where she spent a successful and most enjoyable 4 years as Vocal Captain.
Qualifications: Diploma in Musical Theatre at The BRIT School, Diploma in Muscial theatre at Laine Theatre Arts.
Claire Watts
South Nutfield & Reigate Dance Teacher
Claire began her dance training at the age of three years of age! She then continued her training at the London Studio Centre where she did a three year Musical Theatre Course.
Claire’s theatre credits in the West End include: Guys and Dolls (Adelaide) Piccadilly Theatre, Anything Goes (Erma) Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Crazy For You (Patsy) Prince Edward Theatre.
International and U.K. Tours include: Chicago (Roxie Hart), Annie (Lily St Regis), Singin’ In The Rain (Lina Lamont), Copacabana (Lola), Doctor Dolittle (Dance Captain). Other theatre credits include, Beautiful and Damned at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, The Railway Children at the Sevenoaks Playhouse. Pantomimes include, Dick Whittington and Cinderella at The Harlequin Theatre.
Claire's long and varied career in Musical Theatre has meant she has worked with stars such as Patrick Swayze, Don Johnson, Marti Pellow, John Barrowman, Philip Schofield, Claire Sweeny and Samantha Womack.
Claire's work has taken her into the field of modelling for Nike, and various appearances on TV.
In the past Claire has taught workshops at Pineapple Dance Studios, The Guildford School of Acting, Mereway Performing Arts College and has also choreographed for Surrey Youth Ballet. She currently teaches at Dunottar and St Joseph’s School.
Airin Iten
Copthorne & Forge Wood Primary Dance Teacher
Airin Iten is originally from Switzerland. He started going to Ballet classes age 3 and soon after started learning other dance styles, as well as Voice and Drama. He was awarded a Diploma in Musical Theatre, Tap, Modern, Contemporary and Ballet in Switzerland as well as a Diploma as a Dance Pedagogue. He opened his own dance and performing art school ‘Wave’ in 2001, where he taught his very passionate students (aged 3-75) for over 17 years.
He performed a self written musical as well as a show with his professional contemporary company each year. His students competed from 2010 till 2017 at Swiss championships and at the World championship very successfully.
Alongside managing his school he performed regularly on stage for over 20 years in performances such as Cats, Space Dream, The Magic of Music, Bärenstark and Swan Lake amongst others.
In 2020 he decided to give his life a new turn and moved to London.
Faye Reeve
Kilnwood Vale Primary Dance Teacher
Faye has a wealth of teaching experience, teaching professionally since 2012 for local dance
schools and Private schools in and around Surrey. Having trained and entered many students for ISTD graded & vocational exams with 100% pass rate, as well as choreographed dances and large show medleys for numerous performances. She began her training at a young age when she started learning Latin dance which she pursued throughout her childhood and went on to train with top professionals to take part in regional competitions which she thoroughly enjoyed. She had discovered her love for dance as a child and in addition to her Latin dance went on to train in Modern, Jazz, Tap and Ballet at her local Performing arts school where she took part in many shows & performances.
Faye has always had a love for working with children and so decided to share her passion for dance by training to become a teacher. In 2010 she started her vocational dance teacher training at The Centre Performing Arts college in London. Faye is also a qualified Yoga teacher and enjoys combining the benefits of Yoga within her dance classes.
%2010x8.jpg)
Francesca Pim
St Peters Dance Teacher
Francesca trained at The Royal Academy of Dance on the BA (Hons) Ballet Education Degree course and in Musical Theatre at The Guildford School of Acting (GSA). Francesca has taught at various dance and theatre schools in both London and Jersey. In addition to her teaching work Francesca continues to work as a professional actor in a variety of shows including Musicals, Pantomimes, UK Tours and Audio Drama.
.jpeg)
Aimee Dulake
St Peters Dance Teacher
Aimee is a Surrey/London based dance artist, choreographer and teacher and is a graduate of London Contemporary Dance School where she worked with industry leading teachers and choreographers. She recently performs at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Aimee is an accomplished dance teacher offering many years of experience in teaching children and young adults. Aimee is passionate about developing talent in students and having fun.
Kate Warren
Lets Explore, Meath Green & Horley Infants Dance Teacher
My love for dance began at the age of two and a half, when I first started ballet and tap. My passion grew stronger as I joined the Fi-steps dance squad, where I performed in local theatres and even had the incredible opportunity to perform at the London Palladium.
I went on to attend the BRIT School, where I studied contemporary dance, street dance, ballet, and tap. I continued my education there through college, focusing on musical theatre and dance. After graduating, I was thrilled to secure a three-year contract with the London Palladium, performing in several major musicals.
Alongside my performance career, I began teaching adult dance classes, eventually branching out into the fitness industry. This led me to teach a wide variety of classes, including Zumba, which I absolutely loved. My passion for teaching children also blossomed during this time, and I trained to teach Zumba Kids.
Three years ago, I joined Inspire, where I now teach ballet tots, street tots, musical theatre, and street dance. Teaching children has become a fulfilling part of my journey, and I am excited to continue sharing my love for dance with the next generation.
Qualifications: GCSE -dance and drama A*, Btec -musical theatre and dance, Level -1,2,3 finess instructor ,pt ,exercise heath, Zumba and Zumba kids
Danni Gapper-Towse
Castlewood Primary Teacher
"Hi! I am Miss Danni and I teach Street Dance and Acro at Inspire Dance Academy. I can't wait to see you in classes!" Danni has been dancing since the age of 8, after watching a dance show on a cruise ship. Later, she went on to graduate at Kingston University London with an BA honours in Dance. She has performed on stages such as the Royal Albert Hall, the London Palladium and the stage of Disneyland Paris. Danni has always had a passion for teaching, so since 16 she has been teaching dance including contemporary to adults and children. After pursuing other work, she is now back enjoying her passion, teaching Dance. Danni trains in gymnastics, has competed in Pole Fitness competitions, and has practised yoga. She dances herself, and she can't wait for you to join her street or acro classes.
Gabby Kemp
Dovers Green Infant School, Shapes Nursery, Cranmore and St Teresas, Copthorne Prep Dance Teacher
Miss Gabby has immersed herself in the world of dance since the age of three, building a rich
background in performing through participation in various theatre productions and film. Pursuing her passion further, Gabby trained for three years at The Centre Performing Arts College where she earned a performance diploma and completed I.S.T.D DDE qualifications in Modern and Associate Teaching. Qualifications. Gabby's choreography and performances have enriched local communities, driven by her love of musicals and performing. With 8 years of teaching experience, Gabby thrives on teaching and supporting others to perform to the best of their ability. She has taught at multiple dance schools across Surrey and is a passionate ISTD dance teacher, dedicated to sharing her love of Modern Dance, Musical Theatre, and Jazz with children and young adults. Her teaching combines her extensive performance expertise with Jazz technique, aiming to enhance each individual's confidence in performance and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed in dance. Miss Gabby is excited to be a part of the Inspire Academy of Dance team, where she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers.
Eloise Hogben
Copthorne Prep Dance Teacher
Eloise has been professionally training in performing arts since the age of 16 after participating in dance and musical theatre classes from the age of 2. She has training from The BRIT School and Bird College of Dance and Musical Theatre as well as training under ISTD, Trinity Music College and University of West London. Eloise is a highly skilled dancer and has experience in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Commercial, Heels, Hip Hop and Ballroom whereas also being a trained singer, performing frequently within musical theatre, opera and pop. As well as this, Eloise also has experience working in film and television, stage and immersive theatre. Eloise has worked with BBC, ITV, Netflix, Amazon and Sky and is continuing to work closely with directors and choreographers for screen. At the age of 14, Eloise began assisting with classes at local dance schools and caught the bug for teaching ever since! Eloise has experience in teaching dance, musical theatre and acting and enjoys teaching all age groups and most enjoys watching her student’s passion for performing grow each session!
Rosie Thomas
Shapes Nursery Dance Teacher
Whilst training, and upon graduating, Rosie performed in theatres across the world.
Since moving into teaching she has taught children & adults of all ages across London, Sussex & Surrey. Miss Rosie’s pupils have gone on to study at many top colleges in London and America. These include NYU, Birds, London Studio Center, Urdang Academy, English National Ballet, the BRIT school & Tring Park. Rosie has been a dance teacher and choreographer at Brighton College for over a decade, alongside freelancing around the South East. Teaching ISTD Tap & Modern, Rosie’s pupils have 100% pass rate in all exams, including Advanced 2, with every pupil receiving merit or distinction. Rosie holds Licentiate status with the ISTD and is also an Examiner for The Dang Musical Theatre & Dance syllabus.
Maisie Bonwick
The Christian Centre Dance Teacher
Maisie started dancing when she was just 4 years old and attained examinations in ballet, tap and
modern from primary to intermediate followed by her DDE in both tap and modern.
She performed in Dorking Pantomimes all through her teenage years and went onto train at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts for her diploma at the age of 16, graduating in 2020, where she learnt a lot about the industry as well as fine lining technique and style within the arts. She has been teaching for the last three years and is very passionate about all things jazz, tap and musical theatre! She hopes to help students find their love for dancing at a young age, just like she did.
Claire Flack
Copthorne Prep and Handcross Park Dance Teacher
Claire started dancing and singing at the age of 3 and has not stopped since. She is a professional and experienced musical theatre, dance and singing teacher and performer. Claire has associate qualifications in ballet, tap, musical theatre, gymnastics and is a qualified acrobatic arts teacher, Claire has musical theatre diplomas from Arts Educational and Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama and a degree in contemporary modern vocal tuition as well as an ATCL with Trinity and level 4 diploma in performance arts teaching.
Claire is the principal of her own musical theatre school in the West Midlands and performs in theatres and other venues regularly in a Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band as Stevie Nicks .
She has entered students for dance, singing and acting qualifications with various boards and has 100% pass rate with the majority obtaining distinctions or merits.
Claire has also worked as a Musical Theatre examiner for RSL Performance Arts Awards for many years before leaving to have her son.
Maisie Humphries
Brighton Road Baptist Church Dance Teacher
Recently graduating from drama school where she studied Musical Theatre, Maisie has been dancing since she was 3, training in Ballet, Tap and Modern and has a huge passion for dance and teaching. During her time at drama school Maisie performed in many shows such as FAME and Sondheim’s Follies in which her passion for dance and choreography grew. Maisie loves teaching, creating and then sharing her passion with her students.
OUR OFFICE TEAM
Helen Gomez
Office Manager
Helen has been part of the Inspire Academy of Dance family since her daughter started dancing with Miss Jo aged 2.
With a background in Administration and Marketing, Helen joined the Inspire family in February 2019. Helen will be the one answering your emails, Facebook message and phone calls and also will be the one sending out the invoices every term. If you have any questions then please let her know.
Outside of working with Inspire, Helen supports a couple of other local business with their marketing needs. Now both her young children do a number of classes in Copthorne and Horley and love them!
Gemma Withers
Office Administrator
Gemma joins us in September 2022 as part of our administration team. After graduating from the University of Sheffield, she spent almost 10 years working for Transport for London across multiple large projects.
More recently, she has managed the administration and finance of a local Pre-school. She has 3 young children and enjoys spending time outside.
Mia Busby
Social Media & Marketing
Mia joined the Inspire Team in 2022 to manage our social media accounts. Her role has since evolved in to managing all areas of marketing for the Inspire business.
Mia has an extensive background in Marketing having previously worked on promoting large-scale events and awards. Alongside working for Inspire, she also supports a number of local businesses with all their Marketing needs in Sussex and Surrey.
She has a BA Hons degree in Fashion Management & Marketing and also has a 2-year old daughter.