The South London Dance Academy

Principal

Megan Box-Bardwell BA(Hons), LRAD, ARAD, RAD RTS

Megan began her training at a young age under the tutorage of Royal Academy of Dance examiner Vanessa Rendell at Dance Foundation, Clacton-on-sea, Essex. Megan worked progressively through the Royal Academy of Dance Graded and Vocational ballet exams and The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance modern, tap and jazz exams before successfully gaining a place at The Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in Battersea, London on their Ballet Education degree. Alongside the degree Megan furthered her knowledge of classical ballet and the RAD syllabus by undertaking their licentiate programme and successfully achieving her Advanced 2 Vocational ballet examination to become an associate of the Royal Academy of Dance. Megan graduated from her degree in 2008, her licentiate and associate status of the Royal Academy of Dance and her registered teacher status.

Megan is a dedicated and passionate dance educator with a deep commitment to nurturing the potential of every child she teaches. With nearly two decades of experience across London and Surrey, she has built a reputation for combining high-quality dance training with a strong focus on each student’s personal development and wellbeing.

Her teaching philosophy centres around creating an inclusive, supportive environment where children feel confident, motivated, and inspired — whether they are dancing for fun or training for a professional career. Megan believes that the discipline, creativity, and resilience gained through dance can positively impact all areas of a child's life.

Many of Megan’s students have gone on to gain places at prestigious vocational schools and colleges, including The Royal Ballet School, ArtsEd, Rambert, Central School of Ballet, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Laine Theatre Arts, LIPA, and The BRIT School. Her pupils are also regularly accepted into associate programmes with The Royal Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Rambert, Ballet Boost, and London Children’s Ballet.

Megan is not only passionate about dance technique but also about the emotional and social development of young people. Her classes are designed to instil self-belief, teamwork, and joy — celebrating every step of progress, no matter how big or small.

Modern Theatre Dance, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet and Competition Team Choreographer

Sophie Blair BA(Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre, RAD RTS

Sophie Blair.jpg — Sophie began dancing at the age of four, taking part in numerous exams, performances and competitions, and went on to train professionally at Bird College in Sidcup, gaining a First Class BA Hons in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. Whilst training professionally she took part in many performances, including dancing on the main stage at Move It and taking on the role of Dance Captain for the third year musical, Sweet Charity.
Since graduating, Sophie has danced and co-choreographed various music videos for emerging pop artists and regularly teaches and choreographs for different dance schools’ performances and competitions. She was lead choreographer for the All England Festival squad at a dance school in the Midlands for four years, and choreographed dances across all genres, which reached the Regionals and Finals. Sophie’s passion lies in nurturing and developing young talent and helping dancers push their limits, both physically and creatively.

Classical Ballet Teacher

Cara Balfe BA (Hons) LRAD, RAD RTS

Cara has been in ballet classes since the age of three, having started her journey at the Wicklow School of Dance in Ireland. This is where she completed many Royal Academy of Dance exams up to Grade 8 and intermediate. Along with ballet, Cara has trained in jazz and contemporary.
Cara has recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance BA (Hons) in Ballet Education degree and the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance, where she learned the entirety of the RAD syllabi, and gained the deepest understanding of it. This degree allowed her to learn about many aspects of dance including science, history, analysis, teaching, and performance. During this time, Cara achieved her Advanced 1 examination, specialised in choreography for her final year, and performed in shows such as the 2023 Sharing of Work and Graduation show.
In 2023, Cara had the incredible opportunity to assist and teach at the London Children's Ballet whilst preparing for their production of Snow White. Cara worked alongside the director and lead choreographer, Gavin McCaig. This opportunity allowed Cara to observe the work it takes to build an entire show beginning to end in the preparations for it being seen on a West End stage. Cara has also worked in many dance schools across London where she has grown her experience, expertise, and love for teaching. Cara has a passion for helping you not only grow your love for dance but also for helping you grow stronger and enhance your self-esteem in the dance space and beyond.

Classical Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary Teacher

Kayleigh Bancroft MA Creative Arts Therapies, RAD RTS

Originally from Australia, Kayleigh trained across a number of studios in Queensland, studying RAD ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, acting, and singing throughout her childhood. She completed specialist dance and musical theatre training during high school, which led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Creative Industries. During this time, she developed a strong understanding of the entertainment industry and further deepened her passion for dance. Alongside her studies, Kayleigh began teaching at a local dance company, delivering classes in RAD ballet, contemporary, musical theatre jazz, and cover classes. She has choreographed multiple junior theatre productions and supported children in preparation for dance examinations, bringing creativity, structure, and joy into the classroom.
Kayleigh holds a Master’s degree in Dance Movement Psychotherapy, specialising in the use of creative mediums to support communication and expression. She is passionate about both her roles as a dance teacher and Dance Movement Psychotherapist, as she can integrate a wellbeing‑focused and therapeutic perspective into her teaching to enhance children’s learning, confidence, and enjoyment of dance. Since relocating to London in January, Kayleigh is excited to commence her teaching journey with SLDA. She is committed to creating a positive, safe, and inclusive class environment where children feel inspired to move, create, and reach their full potential.

Musical Theatre, Tap, Jazz and Lyrical Teacher

Molly Alba BA(Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre, ISTD DDE

Molly began dancing at the age of 2 at a dance school in Spain, studying ISTD tap, modern and ballet. In 2012 she came to England where she continued her ISTD training and began competing in local dance festivals.
Molly went on to train professionally at Bird College, graduating in 2024 with a First Class BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. Since graduating, she has gained her Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education and has taught a range of styles including jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre, disco, contemporary and commercial, alongside performing in numerous productions on both stage and screen.
Having developed a love for performing arts at such an early age, Molly hopes to nurture a similar passion in her students through classes that focus on the joy of dance and musical theatre, while also developing technique and individuality.

Modern Theatre Dance, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Competition Team Teacher and Choreographer

Olive Sutton BA(Hons) Professional Dance