MADELAINE KELLY B.Phil (Hons), LISTD (Dip), RAD Teaching Dip. << GO BACK TO TEACHERS MAIN PAGE The seeds of my life-long love of dance were first sown during my early years of training with Norma Lowe in the local village hall at Stonehouse in Gloucestershire. At the age of sixteen I successfully auditioned for the Arts Educational Schools, London where I completed a four year Dancer/Teachers Course. After graduating I spent two years teaching ballet, modern and tap at the Margaret Dixon School of Dancing, Surrey whilst continuing with my dance studies. Having always had the desire to perform I decided to take the plunge and embark upon a professional career. My first professional role was the role of Witch in Nelson Firth's production of Mother Goose, Gloucester. I then went on to dance with the all girl trio Pzazz which took us across Europe and America. During this time we were privileged to be included in several Combined Service Entertainment tours, starring with various artists including Jim Davidson and Tom O'Connor. In 1981 I moved to Aberdeen with my husband and established my first dancing school. Starting with approximately 36 pupils the School grew rapidly and by 1988 had approximately 600 pupils. During this period I was also a Director of The Rainbow Dance Centre where I was responsible for the children's work and taught adult classes. During this time I continued to dance, appearing with the Scottish Ballet and contemporary company, Nexus. I also choreographed for various drama and opera companies. On moving back south in 1989 I was employed by the Royal Ballet School as Audition and Summer School Administrator. In 1994 I was appointed Teacher Link Co ordinator, a job I happily combined with my teaching commitments until July 2001. On moving to Wargrave I continued to teach on a freelance basis and in 1992 established my school in Wargrave. During the past twelve years the school has grown and currently has approximately 230 pupils between the ages of 3 and 18 years old. In addition to teaching ballet, modern and tap, I also teach GCSE and A level dance and have recently become an approved Life Span tutor for the ISTD's new teaching qualifications. I also enjoy choreographing for the Wargrave Theatre Workshops productions as required. Throughout my teaching career I have continued to update my qualifications. In July 2000 I successfully completed a 3 year distance learning course and was awarded a Bachelor of Philosophy Honours degree in Ballet and Contextual studies validated by the University of Durham. My qualifications include: B.Phil (Hons) RAD Teaching Diploma ISTD Imperial Ballet Licentiate Diploma (Distinction) AISTD National The Arts Educational Schools Diploma (Commended) ISTD Imperial Ballet Advanced