Gem's Dance Academy

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.