Have you danced before and don’t fancy going back to the beginning in a beginner class? We have classes most days for pupils who have been learning for months, even years, and Advanced newcomers are welcome to join any class. We like to make sure our pupils are in the correct class for their ability, so ideally we’d love to meet you first, whether that’s at a social dance or private lesson, so that we can decide together the best class for you.
James started dancing from a young age at Drapers, and competed in Ballroom and Latin American, as well as being a talented street and freestyle dancer. Having worked at Drapers for over ten years he knows the ropes well and is often to man to go to with a question! He’s our totally loveable freestyle guru, being a qualified international competition Adjudicator, but not shy of telling you off about your latin technique either!
Joanne
Dance Teacher
Joanne brings years of experience as a past competitor, plus many years teaching. Add to that she’s a mum of two, she’s brilliant in our children’s classes as well as keeping an eye on the adults. A very versatile teacher, Joanne is much loved by our Mini Groovers, through to top level British Juvenile team members.
Scott
Manager
Respected and renowned in the world of Ballroom, Scott has a knack of putting people at ease with his friendly approach. He understands the need to alter his teaching approach for different ability levels, and enjoys taking a beginner class just as much as coaching high level competitive dancers. Laughter is a common sound to come from his classes, but it’s not all fun and games – Scott’s methodical approach ensures his pupils get through all the steps.
Hayley
Manager
Fun and lively, Hayley organises the diary, events, deals with our pupils needs and sees that the centre runs smoothly. She makes it her job to know every pupil personally, and teaches a range of classes from beginners and children’s to advanced and fitness, as well as professional competitors. Her attention to detail (and eyes in the back of her head!) mean you’ll receive a top level of tuition.
Caroline
Dance Teacher
The newest addition to the teaching team Caroline came to Drapers in 2019 and has infected so many with her bubbly personality since! Always smiling and positive it’s easy to miss that behind the scenes she is working incredibly hard on her own dancing, being one of this countries top ballroom competitors. Coming from a family of dancers and trained in sequence as well as ballroom you’ll find Caroline in children’s and adult classes as well as being available for private lessons.
Kay
Dance Teacher
Kay started dancing at Drapers at just 3 years old. She continued to study at Drapers before gaining a degree in Dance at University, and came back to teach for us shortly afterwards. Our most all round teacher Kay is the Queen of Qualifications! She heads up Musical Theatre, as well as being a great Ballroom, Latin and Commercial teacher.
Melissa
Dance Teacher
Melissa also learnt to dance at Drapers from a young age. Starting out as a quiet child in classes she soon shone as a very capable young dancer. Put together years of training with a great mind for teaching and a lovely way with people and Melissa has spent the last few years proving herself as one of the most popular teachers on our team! Approachable, relaxed and so very patient, Melissa will be on hand to save the day (or dance).
Siobhan
Dance Teacher
Siobhan danced at Drapers from a young age and qualified as a dance teacher whilst still in her teens. After a break and becoming and mum, Siobhan rejoined the team in 2014. Well liked amongst pupils over all three of our sites, it is often said she can be heard calling out the steps from one venue to another! Always smiling, she’ll work her magic and make sure you have a great time.
Alysia
Dance Teacher
Alysia has danced all her life and still actively trains and competes with dance partner Vaclav. Starting at Drapers Dance at a young age Alysia had been a part of the school for many years, until she headed off to Uni to follow her talented brains (she’s our little brainbox) as well as her talented feet (dancing for and now running the University Dancesport Team). Alysia came back to Drapers after a return to Yorkshire a few years ago, and now teaches with us full time.