Principal

Acro Dance, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary Modern, Strength & Flexibility & Ballet

Sophie

Miss Sophie began dancing at the age of 3 at the Katharine Mitchell School of Dance. As a student, she performed in productions including Sleeping Beauty at the Northcott Theatre, The Pied Piper with Boy Blue Entertainment, and Gisellewith the English Youth Ballet at the Princess Theatre, Torquay. She also competed in dance festivals and progressed through the RAD Ballet syllabus to Advanced Foundation level, as well as achieving ISTD Intermediate Modern Dance.

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Before pursuing her professional career, Sophie taught dance at local primary school dance clubs, where she inspired young dancers and helped them develop a love for movement. In 2016, Sophie made her professional dance debut in Starstruck at the Babbacombe Theatre. She then went on to complete a three-year professional dance degree at the prestigious London Studio Centre, where she received extensive training across a diverse range of disciplines, including classical ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop and commercial dance. This training developed her versatility, technical ability and performance quality, preparing her for a career within the professional industry.

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During her training, Sophie travelled to Los Angeles to train at the Millennium Dance Complex and graduated in 2019 after touring with the London Studio Centre Jazz Company. Since then, she has worked on projects with the BBC, undertaken modelling work, and performed with the Plymouth Patriots Cheerleaders.

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Sophie is a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer, Alixa Flexibility Certified, and an Acrobatic Arts Module 1 & 2 Instructor. She has also completed Acrobatic Arts certification and workshops in aerials and back handsprings and is currently undertaking her Pilates instructor qualification, further developing her knowledge of strength, mobility and injury prevention.

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Since joining the Katharine Mitchell School of Dance teaching team in 2020, Sophie has established herself as a passionate and dedicated teacher. She is proud to have achieved a 100% pass rate in Acrobatic Arts examinations, reflecting her commitment to high-quality training and helping every student reach their full potential.

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Sophie is delighted to be working alongside Gemma to provide exciting opportunities for students to grow in confidence, develop their skills and achieve their goals in a positive and supportive environment.

Principal

Competition Choreographer, Jazz, Musical Theatre & Lyrical, Ballet & Acro Dance

Gemma

Miss Gemma began her dance journey at the Katharine Mitchell School of Dance, where she developed a deep passion for performance from a young age. As a student, she performed with the English Youth Ballet in Giselle at the Torquay Princess Theatre and took part in a variety of projects, including Chance to Dance, annual Queen Elizabeth (QE) musicals and local dance festivals. Gemma progressed through the RAD Ballet syllabus to Advanced Foundation level and achieved ISTD Intermediate Modern Dance.

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At 18, Gemma’s dedication to dance led her to secure a place at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where she completed three years of intensive training and gained a Diploma in Performing Arts. Following her training, Gemma went on to work professionally in London, appearing on ITV’s The Voice, BBC’s Children in Need and Channel 4’s Complaints Welcome. She also secured a professional dance contract in Cyprus, which was unfortunately delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Since returning to Devon, Gemma has continued to make a significant impact within the local dance community. She has worked extensively in primary and secondary schools, delivering dance classes that encourage creativity, confidence and performance skills. She has also spent several years providing one-to-one coaching for students, preparing them for competitions and group performances. Gemma is now proud to be an All England National Finals Choreographer, creating and supporting students through high-level competitive opportunities.

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Alongside her dance teaching, Gemma has spent the last three years working as a Teaching Assistant and Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) within a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school. This experience has developed her ability to support students with a wide range of needs, including anxiety, autism and ADHD, helping her to create an inclusive and nurturing environment for every dancer.

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Gemma is also a qualified Acrobatic Arts Module 1 Instructor and is currently undertaking her Pilates instructor qualification, further expanding her knowledge of strength, conditioning, mobility and safe movement practices.

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As a passionate teacher and choreographer, Gemma is excited to be working alongside Sophie to create an inspiring and supportive dance school, providing students with opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence and showcase their talents.

Ballet Instructor (RAD)

Georgia

Miss Georgia has been passionate about dance since the age of 2 and has dedicated herself to the art ever since. She trained at the renowned Katharine Mitchell School of Dance, where she developed a strong foundation in ballet and other dance forms. Over the years, she has progressed through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, achieving up to the Advanced 1 level in RAD exams. With a deep commitment to perfecting her craft, Georgia spent the last two years specializing in RAD ballet and, in 2024, successfully qualified as a registered ballet teacher with the RAD. 

Now, as a qualified instructor, Georgia is excited to carry on the legacy of the Katharine Mitchell School of Dance, where she first discovered her love for ballet. She is thrilled to share her passion for ballet with students, helping to inspire and guide them in their own dance journeys, just as she was inspired in her early years.

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Beyond the studio, Georgia’s love for the performing arts extends to musical theatre. She has been an active performer with the Crediton Operatic and Dramatic Society (CODS), taking part in numerous productions. Her dedication has recently led her to a new role as choreographer for their musicals, where she brings her creative vision to life and continues to inspire others through her work.

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Sophie and Gemma are excited to have Georgia on board as part of the S&G team. We are confident that Georgia’s dedication, experience, and enthusiasm will make her a fantastic addition and an invaluable mentor for the students.

Hip Hop / Commercial Instructor

Lily

Miss Lily has been immersed in dance since the age of two, training at the Katherine Mitchell School of Dance for 16 years. During that time, she dedicated herself to seven classes a week, mastering modern, tap, ballet, jazz, and street jazz styles. She danced in solo, duet, and group performances across dance festivals and theatre stages, gaining experience in performance and choreography.

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Her passion led her to study GCSE Dance, followed by a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance at Exeter College Performing Arts. She was selected to be a part of the Exeter College Dance Academy. As part of this she performed across the South West, including fashion shows and public events, and ran a dance workshop for young children. Lily was also actively involved with CODS (Crediton Operatic Dramatic Society), participating and dancing in two big stage productions.

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Lily has now graduated with a degree in Commercial Dance for Performance, having completed three years professional training at UCW.​ Beyond her education, Lily has embraced diverse opportunities, from performing as a backup dancer for a drag queen to participating in industry projects.

Her commitment to dance extends beyond performance, she is passionate about teaching, helping students develop confidence, technique, and artistry. Whether working with beginners or experienced dancers, Lily aims to create a supportive and inspiring environment where movement can be enjoyed by all. She is looking forward to developing this with S&G Dance Academy.

We are proud to have Lily as part of the S&G Dance Academy teaching team. Her enthusiasm, professionalism and passion for dance make her a fantastic role model for our students. She continues to inspire dancers of all ages, encouraging them to build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of dance in a fun, supportive and encouraging environment. We look forward to seeing her continue to share her knowledge and passion with the next generation of dancers.

Acrobatic Arts Instructor

Primary - Level 5

Caitlin

Miss Caitlin began her journey at J.M. Acrobatics as a student in 2018 at the age of 11. She progressed through the Acrobatics Arts syllabus, achieving her Level 8 certification, and is currently continuing her training towards her Pre-Professional 1 qualification.

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Alongside her training, Caitlin was also a valued member of the J.M. Acrobatics competition team, gaining valuable performance experience through both group routines and duet performances. These opportunities helped her develop confidence, performance quality and a strong understanding of what is required when working towards competitions and showcases.

Having experienced the Acrobatics Arts programme first-hand, Caitlin has an excellent understanding of the syllabus and the progression required at each stage. From student to teacher, she brings valuable insight and experience to every class and is passionate about helping young acrobats develop confidence, strength and excellent technique.

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After discovering her love of teaching while assisting with younger classes, Caitlin completed her Acrobatics Arts Teacher Training in July 2024, achieving an outstanding score of 100%, demonstrating her exceptional knowledge and understanding of the Acrobatics Arts syllabus.

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Alongside her acrobatics qualifications, Caitlin is also a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer. Her passion for fitness, strength and conditioning enables her to help students build the physical foundations needed to progress safely and successfully in acrobatics.

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We are delighted to welcome Caitlin to the S&G Dance Academy teaching team. Her enthusiasm, dedication and first-hand experience of the Acrobatics Arts pathway make her an inspiring role model, and we know she will be a fantastic support to every student as they develop their skills and confidence.

Acrobatic Arts Instructor & Lead Cover Teacher

Acro, Ballet & Jazz styles

Emily

Miss Emily’s love of dance began at the age of 3 when she started training at the Katharine Mitchell School of Dance, studying ballet, contemporary and modern dance. She continued to develop her skills as a performer before joining J.M. Acrobatics when the school first opened in 2018.

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Since joining J.M. Acrobatics, Emily has progressed through the Acrobatics Arts syllabus, developing her skills through to Level 7. Having experienced the programme first-hand as a student, she has a strong understanding of the commitment, progression and confidence required to develop as an acrobat.

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Throughout her time with J.M. Acrobatics, Emily has enjoyed performing at festivals and competitions as a soloist, in duets and as part of group routines, gaining valuable performance experience along the way.

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Over the years, Emily has grown from a dedicated student into a valued member of the teaching team. After spending five years as an Assistant Coach, she discovered her passion for teaching and achieved her Acrobatics Arts Module 1 Instructor qualification in 2026. Her patience, enthusiasm and encouraging approach allow her to build strong connections with students of all ages and abilities, helping them develop confidence, strength and excellent technique.

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Alongside her acrobatics training, Emily has continued to develop her dance knowledge and performance skills. She successfully encouraged her school to introduce Dance GCSE after recognising the importance of creating more opportunities for young dancers. She later went on to study Sport and Exercise Science at Exeter College, where she was selected to join the Exeter College Dance Academy. In 2025, Emily took part in the Making Moves project, collaborating with choreographers from across the globe, with her team being one of only six in the UK selected to perform at Sadler’s Wells East in London.

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Emily now assists across a range of classes from Primary to Level 6, supporting students throughout their dance and acrobatic journey. Her versatility across both acrobatics and dance makes her a fantastic addition to our teaching team, and she will play an important role as one of our main cover teachers, bringing her knowledge and experience across a wide range of styles and abilities.

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We are so excited to welcome Emily to the S&G Dance Academy team. Her journey from student to teacher is a wonderful achievement, and we know her passion, dedication and positive approach will inspire the next generation of dancers and acrobats.