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 with a 2:1, her licentiate and associate status of the Royal Academy of Dance and her registered teacher status.
Megan has taught in a number of schools throughout London and Surrey and has had previous students accepted into Junior Associate programmes with The Royal Ballet School, The Royal Ballet Lower School, Tring Park School of Performing Arts and London Children’s Ballet.
Megan is currently Head of Ballet at a prestigious independent school in South Kensington, London.
Since graduating Megan has specialised in Early Years Foundation Stage physical development and is a peripatetic ballet teacher in a number of Nursery settings across South London.
Modern Theatre Dance, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet and Competition Team Choreographer
Sophie Blair BA(Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre, RAD RTS
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.
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.
Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary Teacher
Fern Kershaw BA (Hons), RAD RTS
Fern started dancing at the age of three at her local dance school in the style of Ballet, Tap and Jazz. It was here where Fern found a passion for Ballet and went on to study a Diploma of Higher Education in Classical Ballet at Ballet West Scotland. During this time, she toured Scotland in the productions of The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Whilst training, Fern completed her Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate and Advanced 1 Ballet exam where she received Distinctions. This led her to take part in the Royal Academy of Dance Access Course where she learnt the RAD syllabi, allowing her to teach the syllabus and enter student into RAD Examinations.
Fern went on to continue her studies at London Contemporary Dance School where she gained a First Class BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance. In her 3rd year, Fern worked alongside many choreographers including James Cousins, Monique Jonas and Shobana Jeyasingh, performing on The Place stage. Fern had the opportunity to dance at River Stage Festival and perform James Cousins’ choreography of ‘Sometimes Even Now/She Painted Flowers’.
Since graduating, Fern has performed at Somerset House in the 2023 production of ‘Counter Point’ choreographed by Shobana Jeyasingh. She has also taught and choreographed at various dance schools across London. Fern enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of dance and hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers.
Modern Theatre Dance, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Competition Team Teacher
Freya Reed BA(Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre, ISTD DDE
Freya started dancing at the age of 2, initially studying ballet, tap and modern and later on adding Greek, Jazz, contemporary and musical theatre. Here Freya completed her ISTD exams and soon developed a love of performing, taking part in numerous dance festivals, performances and pantomimes.
Freya went on to train professionally at Bird College in Sidcup, graduating with a BA Hons in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. Here she was able to further develop her favourite dance style - tap and completed her ISTD tap teaching exam. Whilst at Bird, Freya took part in a variety of musical theatre productions where she developed a love for acting through dance.
Since graduating Freya has been working in a local primary school where she has been able to use her performance and choreography skills to the full. She has also been teaching at other dance schools around London.
Freya's passion lies in teaching and imparting her love of performance to the younger generation. She believes that dance is for everyone and works hard to enable everyone to find the joy in movement and dance regardless of their ability or needs.