faculty
nicola
Nicola Thompson - Principal - AISTD dip
Dancing since the age of 3, Nicola became the All England National Tap Champion at age 5. Nicola's performing & TV credits include; Blue Peter, Sky TV, The Big Breakfast, Noels House Party, Wrigleys Chewing Gum & Kiss FM adverts. Nicola was also one of the original Crown Jewel Cheerleaders for the London Monarchs, choreographer & assistant to world class magician Clifford Bradley, and choreographed several performances with Wayne Sleep, Bonnie Langford, & Cheryl Baker at Her Majesty's Theatre, London.
Nicola is an extremely passionate and fully qualified ISTD Tap, Ballet and Modern teacher and is a certified Acrobatic Arts teacher. She has also been accredited with Rosina Andrews' Pirouette Surgery License and Leap Surgery License. Along with completing Rebecca Davies' Radar Technique teacher course, such methods have allowed Nicola to focus on the scientific process of turns, leaps and other dance skills and techniques, which are incorporated into all of her classes.
Makiko
Makiko
Makiko
Makiko was born in Kawasaki, Japan & trained at O-i Seiko Ballet School. Makiko has danced in many classical ballets with the Japan Ballet Association including Swan Lake, Giselle, Coppelia, Graduation Ball, Le Corsaire grand pas de deux and Tchaikovsky pas de deux. After moving to Europe, she began performing in Musical Theatre including
Makiko was born in Kawasaki, Japan & trained at O-i Seiko Ballet School. Makiko has danced in many classical ballets with the Japan Ballet Association including Swan Lake, Giselle, Coppelia, Graduation Ball, Le Corsaire grand pas de deux and Tchaikovsky pas de deux. After moving to Europe, she began performing in Musical Theatre including; Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Kiss Me Kate, Evita, the King and I, Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame, & in London's West End 'The Lion King'.
Makiko teaches classes and workshops in colleges and dance schools in the UK and Japan & is a qualified RAD teacher (P.D.T.D.), she also teaches PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) and Silver Swans from RAD.
Makiko teaches RAD Ballet, pre-Pointe, & Pointe at DanceCrazy Studios and helping her students develop their skills and nurturing their artistry is what gives her the greatest satisfaction.
ellie
Makiko
Makiko
Ellie started her dance training at DanceCrazy Studios at age 3, taking her dance exams, performing in shows & was a successful member of their competition team, winning many awards at the All England Dance Finals. Ellie furthered her training at London Studio Centre, graduating with a BA Hons Degree in Dance and Theatre in 2023. Ellie is
Ellie started her dance training at DanceCrazy Studios at age 3, taking her dance exams, performing in shows & was a successful member of their competition team, winning many awards at the All England Dance Finals. Ellie furthered her training at London Studio Centre, graduating with a BA Hons Degree in Dance and Theatre in 2023. Ellie is a Company member of Tap Attack and is on a Team GB's Tap Dance squad where she was selected to represent GB at the IDO World Tap Championship in Germany.
Some of Ellie's performing credits include; dancer in Robbie Williams' 'Better Man' film 2024, directed by Michael Gracey. 'Vela; The Quest' Tour, with 'Jazz Co' 2023, working with choreographers Ricky Jinx, David Cottle & Jack Evans, and solo dancer in David Walliam’s West End production of ‘Gangsta Granny’, 2021.
Ellie teaches Tap, Jazz and Acro here at DanceCrazy Studios & works closely with the competition team, choreographing an array of award winning dances.
Samuel
Samuel
Samuel
Samuel is a qualified fitness professional with dance & Pilates background, & the author of The Little Book of Stretches and The Little Book of Strength. He is passionate about the connection between athleticism & artistry, using safe, proven methods to help young dancers grow and perform more optimally through structured conditioning, ef
Samuel is a qualified fitness professional with dance & Pilates background, & the author of The Little Book of Stretches and The Little Book of Strength. He is passionate about the connection between athleticism & artistry, using safe, proven methods to help young dancers grow and perform more optimally through structured conditioning, effective stretching, and clear biomechanical instruction that improves movement patterns & body awareness.
Samuel teaches dancer conditioning & stretch workshops worldwide with his wife, Rosina Andrews, working with dancers & dance teachers to promote smarter, safer training methods.
Former professional dancer Samuel now works with some of the UK & Europe’s most promising dancers, including DanceCrazy Studios students, helping them train intelligently & sustainably, promoting his philosophy; '#DanceSmarter'.
Hayley
Samuel
Samuel
Hayley trained as a dancer and musical theatre performer at Bird College, gaining a BA Hons Degree in Dance and Theatre Performance. She went onto performing in the UK and across Europe, before finding a passion for teaching.
Hayley is a qualified ISTD Ballet & Modern teacher, as well as RAD Ballet, which she teaches here at DanceCrazy Studios.
Lauren
Samuel
Lauren
Lauren graduated from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance with a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Contemporary Dance. She was selected to compete at the IDO World Contemporary Championships in Poland as a Team GB member. Lauren trained under choreographer Rosina Andrews & later assisted her, leading workshops, supporting dancer
Lauren graduated from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance with a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Contemporary Dance. She was selected to compete at the IDO World Contemporary Championships in Poland as a Team GB member. Lauren trained under choreographer Rosina Andrews & later assisted her, leading workshops, supporting dancers’ development, and facilitating creative exploration.
Lauren teaches Contemporary & Lyrical at DanceCrazy Studios, building dancers' confidence while developing technical and expressive skills.
Tamsin
Samuel
Lauren
Tamsin trained at 'Southern Ballet Theatre' in New Zealand. Her Theatre & Dance performance credits include; 'Annie', 'Billy Elliot', 'Rent', and with the Bollywood Dreams Dance Company.
As a qualified BBO teacher and experienced LAMDA Acting tutor, Tamsin leads students to achieve excellent exam results while building their confidence
Tamsin trained at 'Southern Ballet Theatre' in New Zealand. Her Theatre & Dance performance credits include; 'Annie', 'Billy Elliot', 'Rent', and with the Bollywood Dreams Dance Company.
As a qualified BBO teacher and experienced LAMDA Acting tutor, Tamsin leads students to achieve excellent exam results while building their confidence and creativity. Tamsin teaches Drama here at DanceCrazy Studios, as well as Commercial / Hip Hop.