This website uses analytics cookies to improve functionality and performance. For more information on how we handle your data please see our Privacy Policy
Fiona trained at the world-renowned Laine Theatre Arts. She made her West End musical debut aged 11, also appearing in local and professional productions including several pantomimes, the UK tour of ‘Evita’, and a music video with Annie Lennox (choreographed by Michael Clark).
After a few years in business, she entered the teaching profession to pass on her passion for dance. Past pupils have gained places at vocational colleges and contemporary dance schools including Laban, The Place and London Studio Centre.
With 21 years of teaching experience, Fiona offers high quality classes for girls and boys within a safe and nurturing environment. She is also qualified to train dance teachers.
Our Dance Teachers
Charis Holdsworth
B.A. (Hons), F.I.S.T.D
Body Control Pilates Teacher
Charis completed her professional dance training at Bird College and gained a first-class honours degree in Dance and Theatre Performance. She worked as a professional dancer and dance captain for ten years, which took her all over the world.
Charis holds ISTD Fellowship status in Tap Dance, and Licentiate status in Imperial Classical Ballet and Modern Theatre. She is also a Body Control Pilates teacher. Alongside teaching students at Grace Dance, she enjoys choreographing for Sussex Youth Ballet Company and guest tutoring for Dance2Advance teacher training centre.
She is particularly passionate about teaching tap dance to all age groups and recently had the opportunity to study with the American Tap Dance Foundation in New York.
Charis has loved being part of the Grace Dance family since 2013.
Katie Large
DDE
(Ballet, Modern & Tap)
Katie began dancing at the age of three at the Pauline Howard School of Dance, where she studied Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Tap up to the age of 21. During this time she took on principal roles in their school ballets of Cinderella and the Nutcracker, as well as performing in numerous pantomimes and shows from a young age. Katie has since also performed with local operatic societies including Crazy for You, 42nd Street and Footloose.
Katie now focuses on her passion for dancing through teaching it and sharing her knowledge. Katie has completed her ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet, Modern and Tap, and is always looking for always to improve her knowledge and teaching skills. Katie has been teaching for the past 10 years and enjoys every aspect of it, especially when it comes to choreographing routines for shows and getting ready for exams.
Sally Peerless
BA (Hons)
Dance & Performing Arts
Level 3 Pilates Instructor
Sally trained professionally as a dancer at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, graduating in 2009 with a 1st class degree and a handshake from Sir Paul McCartney! She then went on to enjoy a ten year career in musical theatre, travelling all over the UK and Europe in major shows including Saturday Night Fever, Sister Act and Copacabana. Her favourite show was Sister Act, because she got to play a disco-dancing nun and work with Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel-Horwood!
As well as teaching ballet and dance, Sally is a fully qualified Pilates Instructor and works with rehab patients and full-time ballet students to recover from injuries and build technique. She has taught in a variety of settings, including universities, summer intensives, and in Primary schools nationwide with the wonderful West End in Schools.
Sally is currently studying for a Masters degree in creative education, and is delighted to be joining the Grace Dance team.
Erin Urquart
BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance
Erin began dancing when she was 6 years old and has trained in Ballet, Modern and Contemporary.
She completed her professional dance training at Bath Spa University and gained a degree in Contemporary Dance. After completing her degree she decided to pursue teaching and is currently working towards her DDE in Classical Ballet and Modern Theatre.
As well as teaching, Erin creates and produces short screendance films and enjoys working across disciplines. She is excited to teach for Grace Dance and is ready to inspire children to access their creativity.
Emily Williams
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
Emily has over six years of teaching experience. She holds qualifications in Modern and Tap through the NCDTA and is Level 1 certified in Acrobatic Arts, teaching dancers from beginner to advanced levels.
Alongside her teaching career, Emily has a strong background in professional performance after making her west end debut at age 9 in Billy Elliot the Musical and has appeared in numerous pantomimes and major film and TV roles including Wonka, Vera and The Dumping Ground. She completed her degree at The Brighton Academy.
Emily is passionate about guiding dancers toward their goals—whether preparing for exams, performances, or simply building confidence and enjoyment through dance.
Alice Fisher
Alice Fisher, BA (hons), DDI, PGCE
Alice studied Musical Theatre (Triple Threat) at the University of Chichester.
Having obtained her Diploma in Dance Instruction with Janet Marshall and taught full time in Gloucestershire from the age of 18, her love of teaching moved her to further her career as a secondary school English teacher.
Now a qualified Life Coach, ADHD UK Ambassador and Careers Adviser, Alice is pleased to be sharing her love of dancing (and extensive teaching experience) with the students at Grace Dance.
Alice has a wealth of experience in helping students not only with skills progression, but also musicality, social skills and confidence.
Join our team!
Do you want to be part of our professional team that are passionate about giving a positive experience of dance classes?
If this sounds like you then we would LOVE to chat further! Contact Fiona: [email protected]
