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 and Forge Wood Dance Teacher
"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
Danni Gapper-Towse
Vice Principal
Hi! I’m Miss Danni, Vice Principal at Inspire Academy of Dance, and I’m so excited to welcome you to our dance family. I teach Acro Dance and Street Dance, and I’m passionate about helping every student grow in confidence, technique, and creativity while having fun in class."
Her love for dance began at the age of 8 after watching a dance show on a cruise ship. In 2014 Danni graduated from Kingston University London with a BA (Hons) in Dance and has performed at incredible venues including the Royal Albert Hall, the London Palladium, the O2, and Disneyland Paris.
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Since the age of 16, Danni has taught a variety of dance styles to both children and adults. Alongside dance, she trains in Yoga, Acro, has trained in gymnastics, competed in Pole Fitness competitions.
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As Vice Principal, I love supporting and encouraging our students throughout their dance journey and creating a positive, inspiring environment where everyone can thrive. I still dance and train myself, and I can’t wait for you to join me in Acro Dance and Street Dance classes at Inspire Dance Academy!
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You’ll often find Miss Danni joining in with the latest TikTok trends and bringing fresh ideas into class to keep sessions fun, energetic, and engaging. She believes dance classes should be a place where students feel supported, inspired, and excited to learn. And most importantly, students will leave with a huge boost of confidence.
Qualifications: BA (Hons) in Dance at Kingston University.
Jane Doyle
Horsham 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.
Vikki Mead
Warnham Primary 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.
Helen Pennicard
Reigate 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).
Claire Watts
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.
Qualifications: 3-year Musical Theatre Course at London Studio Centre.
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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.
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Ballet Education Degree course and Musical Theatre at The Guildford School of Acting (GSA).
Kate Warren
Lets Explore and Meath Green 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 Health, Zumba and Zumba kids
Eloise Hogben
Redhill 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 & St Teresa's School 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.
Ellie Ann Picknell
Horley Infants, Maidenbower Infants, Horley Infants, Westvale Primary, Yattenden School and Performance Team Dance Teacher
Ellie recently graduated from drama school studying Musical Theatre and has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of 6. She trained in Ballet, Tap, Street Dance, and Musical Theatre, performing in a wide range of shows and pantomimes throughout her childhood. With a deep passion for both performance and teaching, Ellie’s love for educating others grew during her training, where she had the opportunity to teach workshops to 16-18 year olds at her former college. Ellie is dedicated to sharing her knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm for dance with her students, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment where they can grow and thrive.
Qualifications: First Class BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at Performers College.
Lara Trotter
Copthorne Junior School Dance Teacher
Lara started dancing aged 2 ½ at Redhurst Schools of Dancing, studying Classical Ballet, Modern and Jazz before deciding to train at the University of Chichester. Lara performed nationally and internationally with a contemporary dance company, 3Fall as well teaching workshops for aspiring dancers. Since graduating, Lara gained her PGCE at The Royal Academy of Dance and has taught GCSE Dance, BTEC Level 3 Performance (Dance) and A-Level Dance in local secondary schools. While teaching Lara completed her ISTD DDE in Classical Ballet. Lara hopes to pass her knowledge and commitment on to the younger dancers.
Qualifications: BA (Hons) in Dance, PGCE: Dance Education, ISTD DDE in Classical Ballet.
Ella Gorman
Christ Church Dance Teacher
Ella started dancing at age 3 training in ballet, tap, modern, acro, jazz, and hip hop/commercial. She continued her training at the prestigious Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts where she grew her skillset specialising in commercial styles including hip hop, street, jazz funk, and house. Since graduating in 2023, she has performed in music videos and various live shows for esteemed choreographers.
Ella continues to train and perform in the professional world. She implements her experience and growing knowledge of commercial into her teaching ensuring her choreography remains current, dynamic and inspired by the latest trends in the industry. Ella supports students by teaching them performance technique, stage presence and confidence building. She hopes to inspire, motivate and educate students with this.
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Qualifications: Diploma in Performing Arts at The Wilkes Academy.
Chloe Peek
Kiddi Caru and Shapes Nursery Dance Teacher
Chloe began dancing at the age of four at her local dance school, SSPA, training in RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap and Modern initially before adding a variety of other styles, including, street dance, contemporary and musical theatre. Chloe always had a keen interest in teaching, supporting with the younger classes whilst still a student at the school.
Chloe’s love of performing grew throughout the years, competing in dance festivals and street dance competitions, and performing in professional pantomimes as well as the English Youth Ballet Performance of Swan Lake in 2016. At the age of 17 Chloe started auditioning for performing arts colleges and successfully gained a place at Masters Performing Arts College where she trained in musical theatre for a year before leaving to pursue a career in teaching.
Qualifications: RAD Certified Teacher (CBTS), Acrobatic Arts Module 1, IDTA Freestyle Teacher, ID Company Cotemporary, Level 2 Fitness Instructor, Level 3 PT.
Katy Dahill
Carrington Dance Teacher
I started dance at the age of 4 and have been dancing ever since! I trained in ISTD Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Street dancing at my local dance school. I always loved the idea of teaching and started assisting ballet, modern, singing, tap and modern classes at 14.
I graduated from The Brit School in 2020, over my time there I performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Indigo at the 02, performed in many flashmobs and worked with many industry professionals. I am really enjoying teaching with Inspire and love seeing the children improve and gain a love for dance too.
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Qualifications: Extended Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts Dance at The Brit School.
Georgina Bray
Forge Wood & Handcross Dance Teacher
Georgina trained at Bird College on their Diploma for Professional Dance and Musical Theatre course for three years. Prior to this, she attended Gielgud Academy of Performing Arts, where she trained across all genres of dance - ballet being her first found love, graduating with a Distinction in Advanced 1 ISTD Ballet. Alongside training, Georgina has performed with the Vienna Festival Ballet Company, English Youth Ballet Company, Olivia Higham’s Dance Company and worked with many amazing choreographers such as Matt Nicholson - who choreographed for Strictly Come Dancing. Georgina is so excited to be joining the Inspire Dance Academy Team and can’t wait to meet the amazing students!
Erin Urquhart
Brighton Road Baptist Church Dance Teacher
Erin began dancing when she was 6 years old and has trained in Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Contemporary. She completed her professional dance training at Bath Spa University and gained a degree in Contemporary Dance with a focus on choreography and film. After completing her degree she decided to pursue teaching and is currently working towards her DDE in Classical Ballet. As well as teaching Erin creates and produces short screendance films and enjoys working across disciplines. She is excited to inspire children to access their creativity through dance!
OUR OFFICE TEAM
Katie Cohen
Administration Manager
With a strong background in Administration and Website Design, Katie joined the Inspire team in March 2025. Katie is your go-to person for any email enquiries and phone calls, whilst also managing term invoices, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for everyone. If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to her — she’s always happy to help.
Beyond her professional role, Katie is a proud mum to two girls who have been part of the Inspire Dance community for over four years. She takes great joy in seeing them thrive in their classes, and she’s an active part of their dance journey.
When she’s not busy working or supporting her daughters, Katie loves to explore the world. Traveling is one of her biggest passions, and she enjoys discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and making memories with her family.
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.
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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.
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She has a BA Hons degree in Fashion Management & Marketing and also has a 4-year old daughter.