gem's dance academy
Great Barr
We are here for YOU Gemma Welch is the principal of Gem's Dance Academy and
Performing Arts. She strongly believes that expressive arts such as dance and
drama should be fun and enjoyable for everybody - which is what she aims to do
through her academy with the support of her amazing team. Feel free to browse
our pages and contact us for further information Gemma Welch, BA Hons, Fellow
with IDTA, QTS Our Principal, Gemma Welch Gemma (BA Hons) has several years
experience in both the dance world and educational establishments. As an
ex-English teacher in a busy secondary school and a current Guide Leader, Gemma
can bring those skills into her dance and drama lessons to make them fun but
purposeful. Gemma currently teaches Street, Freestyle, Musical Theatre / Drama
and Ballroom / Latin classes with the support of other teachers and dance
coaches. Gemma is continuing to develop her own personal portfolio whilst
supporting other students and trainee teachers along their own dance pathways.
Current qualifications include: Fellow with the IDTA with qualifications in
Freestyle, Latin, Ballroom, Rock 'n' Roll and Musical Theatre; ABD Acrobatic
Dance, IDTA Anatomy and Physiology Diploma. You can follow Gemma on Instagram:
gda_gemmalea DBS checked annually and First Aid Qualification renewed
bi-annually. Emily Harris, Teacher Emily (BA Hons) joined our team in 2017 and
is packed with enthusiasm. Whilst her speciality is Ballroom and Latin, she is
also qualified in Freestyle and happy to help in all genres. Emily has been
dancing from the tender age of 3 with experience in ballet and tap as well as
the above mentioned styles and is keen to share her knowledge and enthusiasm
with other dancers. Her degree in education and special needs is just another
asset she brings to our academy, further enhancing our inclusivity policy. DBS
checked annually and First Aid trained. Jordanne Wood, Teacher Jordanne has been
dancing since she was 2 years old with experience in all theatre subjects
including ballet, tap, theatre craft, modern jazz, acro gymnastics and
cheerleading. She attended the Pattisons College of Performing Arts in Coventry.
She soon went on to complete her IDTA professional qualifications and then went
into teaching full time. She also has a young child of her own bringing her
maternal instincts into class. Like many of our teachers, Jordanne is continuing
to work through more IDTA dance qualifications whilst she is teaching with the
aim of eventually becoming an IDTA examiner. Jordanne's current qualifications
include associate with the IDTA in Freestyle, Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz; BGU
level 4 in Cheerleading. DBS checked and First Aid trained. Liam Pincher,
Teacher Liam began his dance journey as a contemporary dancer, but slowly moved
to street dance styles the more he learned about them.This took him to study an
urban dance course in London, and even to study Urban Dance in America! Over the
years, he has gained experience in a variety of street dance styles including
hip hop, House, popping, locking, and breaking all whilst experiencing battle
culture, performance opportunities and teaching. He's always very excited to
have the opportunity to share everything he's learned with fellow dancers and
has already made a positive impact on many of our students. DBS checked and
First Aid trained. Emily Hunt, Teacher Emily started dancing at the age of three
in Ballet, Tap and Jazz, gaining medals and performing in regular shows with her
sister. Progressing through medals and competitions, Emily became a finalist in
the 'British Amateur Junior Modern Sequence' at the age 14. Leaving the
competition world behind she began studies for her Pre-Associate exam in 2010
where she won the 'Bill Tasker Award' before proceeding on to her Associate
exams where she was nominated for the 'John Dilworth Award'. Emily has a 2:1 Ba
Hons degree in 'Professional Dance Teaching' from Buckinghamshire New University
as well as her IDTA professional awards. Her specialism is Classical Sequence
but she is also an experienced Ballroom, Latin and Freestyle teacher. DBS
checked and First Aid trained. Dance Coaches We are really lucky to have a group
of amazing volunteers who assist with our classes. Aged only 12-18, these girls
have a fabulous rapport with our other students and can be essential in making
new members feel welcome and helping less experienced dancers with steps. They
all undergo First Aid Training and have DBS checks at the appropriate age.
