Our Teachers

Principal Jayne Coleman began her dance training at the late age of 13 years, having previously trained as a gymnast. Jayne’s passion for dance developed quickly, and excellent teaching and a determined nature helped her fast track to a professional career. Formerly a pupil of the St Laurent School of Dance and subsequent scholar of the St Laurent College of Dance, Jayne has an excellent reputation locally and nationally. Having toured and choreographed extensively in her own professional career, Jayne has taught ballet, modern, jazz and tap overseas and in the UK. The formation of the Jayne A Coleman Academy of Dance in the summer of 1998 was, and still is, an exciting personal project for Jayne. Jayne is very proud of what the Academy has achieved so far, and has watched with pride as her school has grown into one of the most respected dance schools in the UK. Jayne, aided by her team of well qualified and friendly teachers, aims to provide a caring and friendly atmosphere, nurturing natural talent to produce well-rounded performers. From personal experience she is able to instil in each generation of dancers that consistent hard work is the key ingredient to a successful career in dance. The joy of dance can make a difference in many young people’s lives, and the discipline required to attend weekly classes has a positive effect in whatever direction a person make take in life. Dance classes at J.A.C.A.D. are therefore open to all ages and standards, even if pupils don’t see themselves pursuing a career in the industry. Success, after all, is utilising the ability you have to the maximum and Jayne strives to make a difference so that students can achieve and exceed their own personal goals.

Louise started dancing at the age of 3 at a local dance school in Woking and quickly realised that Dance and the Performing Arts was what she was destined to do. At 16 she went into full time training at Elmhurst School of Dance gaining a diploma in Jazz Dance and Commercial Theatre as well as her ISTD teaching qualifications in Modern and Tap.

As well as 18 years teaching experience, Louise also has had a successful professional performing career, which landed her all way in New Zealand! Her professional performing credits include : Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Stage), The Mobo Awards (Stage), Captain America (Film), Judge John Deed (TV), Diamond Entertainment (Events) and P&O Cruises- MV Arcadia, MV Oriana and MV Aurora (Stage) as a Dancer, Dancer/Singer and Head Girl.

Moving to New Zealand in 2012, Louise knew she wanted to continue her passion for dance and teaching which lead her to set up Louise Emma Academy Of Dance (LEAOD) on the beautiful Waiheke Island. Throughout its 7 years in operation, the studio quickly became a reputable training facility known for its high standards in the Auckland region. Louise’s pupils competed through New Zealand and Australia making it to the National Finals in both countries with both soloists and Troupes. During this time, Louise also had the opportunity to up skill her ISTD qualifications, become a qualified Acrobatics Arts teacher and adjudicate at a large competition in NZ. After handing over her studio on Waiheke, Louise went on to work and choreograph in some of the top NZ Dance studios in Auckland before heading back to the UK to be back with family. She is a huge advocate of safe dance practice, training longevity in dancers and creating a positive nurturing environment for dancers to thrive, be inspired and reach their full potential. Louise is thrilled to back at JACAD!

Bio Coming Soon

After graduating from Bath Spa University with a BA Honours degree in Musical Theatre, Alexa joined Aida Cruises as a lead vocalist travelling the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Baltics, performing in Rock, Pop, Musical Theatre and Jazz shows. Between 2014-2017, Alexa was involved in a new Musical Theatre project ‘Unfolding Tales’, playing the role of the female protagonist for which she recorded the concept album and performed the role for showcases in London’s West End.

Alexa studied with BAST learning, amongst many things, vocal mechanics and anatomy, vocal function, and how to help develop healthy technique in contemporary singers. In September 2017, Alexa joined Jayne A. Coleman Academy of Dance as a vocal coach, and provides private tuition in the Hampshire area. The voice is a fascinating mechanical cog; it not only plays an important role in our survival, but provides us with a unique means of expression, communication and escapism. Two of Alexa’s vocal passions are:

1. Understanding the voice on a scientific and holistic level to help train and maintain both a healthy and reliable voice

2. Delivering a message and communicating stories with an audience, without the input of our inhibitions but with fun and joy in abundance.

Throughout the year, Alexa attends various workshops lead by industry experts and continually expands her knowledge as a coach to keep her toolbox up-to-date. Alexa accumulates various exercises and vocal recipes in order to provide the most informed service, and allowing her to work with the singer as a team to uncover the best approach for them to reach their goals.

As well as vocal coaching Alexa is a writer and has had work published with vocal web-mag ‘iSing Magazine’ and BritishTheatre.com. In 2014, Alexa completed a Comprehensive Creative Writing Course and studied with Book, Music and Lyrics (BML) as a librettist for Musical Theatre scripts.

Bio Coming Soon

Bio Coming Soon

Debbie trained at The Jayne Coleman Academy of Dance & furthered her training with a one year scholarship at the Tiffany Theatre College. She is now a choreographer and experienced teacher, working across the UK and Europe.

Performing credits: Top Hat The Musical West End, Olivier Awards – Royal Opera House; Alan Titchmarsh Show; Elf The Musical original West End cast; 42nd Street UK tour; White Christmas UK tour; John Wilson BBC Proms – Royal Albert Hall; 42nd Street Gala – London Palladium; Spirit of the Dance & Broadway USA; Tap Dance Fever Canada original cast; P&O cruises; Ocean Village Cruises; Jean Ann Ryan productions.

Creative credits: Show director & choreographer – Rock the Circus Germany tour; choreographer for A Christmas Spectacular – Drury Lane, Barbican & UK tour,; choreographer for AJ Pritchard’s Uk tour ‘Get on the floor’; choreographer for Cirque Enchantment UK tour; Vegas Show Girls choreographer – Grand review Stuttgart & Winter Variety Heidelberg; adjudicator – Janet Cram Awards heats.

Qualifications: DDE Tap & Modern – ISTD.

Emily trained at the Jayne A Coleman Academy of Dance until the age of 18, leaving to train in Advanced Performing Arts for one year at Tiffany Theatre College. 

While training at TTC Emily successfully auditioned for Royal Caribbean Productions and subsequently worked for six years as a dancer and dance captain, travelling all over the world. Contracts completed: Voyager of the Seas 07/08, Grandeur of the Seas 08/09, Voyager of the Seas 09/10, Legend of the Seas 10/11, Grandeur of the Seas 11/12, Radiance of the Seas 12/13. Emily also spent time in London and performed in various roles including the music video How Ya Doin? with Little Mix and in the Opening Ceremony of the UEFA Champions League Final.

Emily is now a full time marketing professional but is thrilled to return from time to time to teach the pupils at J.A.C.A.D.