THE TEAM

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PRINCIPAL

TAP, MODERN, BALLET, JAZZ, ADULT TAP

Gabbi started dancing at the age of six learning Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz at Hitchin School of Dance being taught firstly by Mollie Gilbert then by Lorrayne Spindler and Katie Milward. She has achieved distinctions in her I.S.T.D exams and has worked up through the grades to gain Advanced 1 Ballet, Advanced 2 Modern and Advanced 2 Tap.

Gabbi trained for her teaching qualifications at ‘The Dance College’ in Royston with Penny Meekings (F.I.S.T.D) where she gained her DDE qualifications in Tap and Modern and DDI qualification in Ballet. She is now starting her licentiate training in Tap.

Alongside HSD, Gabbi also works and teaches dance to 1.5-4 year olds at Hitchin House Day Nursery.

She has been teaching for Hitchin School of Dance since 2015 and took over from Lorrayne as Principal in April 2020. She will maintain the high standard that Lorrayne has set, as well as continuing to enter students for their exams and putting on a bi-annual show.

‘‘I am very excited to be Principal of the school that I have danced at and loved since the age of six and looking forward to what the future will bring for Hitchin School of Dance’’

TEACHER

BALLET & POINTE, ADULT BALLET

Alison graduated from the prestigious performing arts college, Performers College, having studied Dance and Musical Theatre. Alongside her professional training she gained her DDE teaching qualifications in Ballet and DDI in Tap and Modern. Before beginning to take the first steps into teaching, Alison spent 4 years performing professionally around the world whilst experiencing a wealth of different cultures.

As teaching was always a passion, she decided to retire from performing and pursue her teaching career within the London area. Now, having moved to Hertfordshire, Alison is thrilled to embark on this journey with Hitchin School of Dance teaching Classical Ballet. 

Alison is enthusiastic and passionate about teaching and helping students achieve their full potential. She brings with her a positive mentality, enabling her to work with students to overcome individual challenges and, to find positive ways to learn and achieve. Her goal is to inspire students as her teachers once inspired her.

We are very lucky to have Alison as part of the teaching team at Hitchin School of Dance.

TEACHER

STREET, JAZZ, LYRICAL, ADULT TAP

Ylana has recently graduated from Emile Dale Academy where she received her degree in Musical Theatre. She has been trained to the highest level from industry experts at EDA as well as dancing and performing in many of their professional shows. She has performed both leading and supporting roles in local theatre productions and has extensive experience both on stage and back stage. 

Ylana has always loved teaching as well as performing and is so excited to be part of the team at Hitchin School of Dance!

We are very excited to have Ylana on our team at HSD.

TEACHER

JAZZ, LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY, STRENGTH & STRETCH, YOUNG BALLET, ADULT TAP

With a passion for performing, Leah began dance at the age of 3 at her local dance school in the West Midlands and gained high results in her ISTD exams. 

Leah recently graduated Emil Dale Academy with a first class Hons on the BA Musical Theatre Course. 

Leah is excited to share her knowledge and experience with young aspiring performers and we are very excited to have her on our team.

“Performing allows you to have fun and build confidence, I can’t wait to share this with the students at HSD”.