Miss Sophie
I'm Sophie. Dancing was a passion for me from a very young age. I began my dance journey in Dorking town, training in Latin American and Ballroom. I trained at Guildford College college and moved on to Laine Theatre Arts where I did my A-level Dance. I then went to Linda Sweetzer School of Dance in Maidenhead to complete my ISTD training, I knew then I wanted to teach and spent all my time and energy preparing! After completing my training I couldn't wait to start teaching so I set up Desire To Dance in 2009 and never looked back! I love my jobn and find it extremely rewarding. I'm blessed to have such amazing students and to watch them grow into amazing dancers makes me very proud. Over the years we have continued to expand and I'm excited for for what the future will bring, with new opportunities on the horizon I can't wait to open our doors to offer more dancers the opportunity to dance and now D2D Academy.
Miss Libby
My name is Libby and I am a fully qualified professional dance teacher. I have a distinction in level 2 dance as well as a distinction* at level 3. I have been working as a teacher at D2D academy since 2016 where I began as a trainee teaching assistant. After qualifying as a professional IDTA dance teacher in 2018 I was able to begin teaching independently and running my own classes and I’ve had the pleasure of doing so ever since. As well as my passion for dance I absolutely love working with children and have experience teaching and working with students from as young as 2 all the way up to adults. I teach a large variety of styles including jazz, commercial street, lyrical contemporary and musical theatre. I absolutely love teaching and I couldn’t think a better job than shaping young dancers and inspiring their passion for dance and performing.
Miss Chloe
My name is Chloe and I am so excited to have started teaching at D2D academy. Having been a student myself with Sophie when she started Desire to Dance, to then go on to complete my Level 3 extended Diploma at The BRIT School in Musical Theatre, and achieving a First Class Honours in my degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre at Bird College, it really is a full circle moment. After graduating in 2023, I have recently played Wendy Darling in Peter Pan at The New Victoria Theatre, Woking, working with Crossroads pantomimes and I am still auditioning for West End shows and Touring productions. Teaching is such a rewarding job which I have a real passion for, encouraging children to step outside of their comfort zone, push the boundaries and improve and develop their performing abilities. I am super excited to share everything I have learnt over the years, and cannot wait to see what the future holds here at D2D Academy.
Miss Gabby
My name is Chloe and I am so excited to have started teaching at D2D academy. Having been a student myself with Sophie when she started Desire to Dance, to then go on to complete my Level 3 extended Diploma at The BRIT School in Musical Theatre, and achieving a First Class Honours in my degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre at Bird College, it really is a full circle moment. After graduating in 2023, I have recently played Wendy Darling in Peter Pan at The New Victoria Theatre, Woking, working with Crossroads pantomimes and I am still auditioning for West End shows and Touring productions. Teaching is such a rewarding job which I have a real passion for, encouraging children to step outside of their comfort zone, push the boundaries and improve and develop their performing abilities. I am super excited to share everything I have learnt over the years, and cannot wait to see what the future holds here at D2D Academy.
Rose
Rose is passionate about supporting expectant and new mums in and around Dorking and Reigate. As a mum of two young girls herself, Rose understands the highs and lows of motherhood and works hard to create a sense of community to make it that little bit easier. Rose has trained in pregnancy and postnatal yoga, baby massage and reflexology, antenatal and Hypnobirthing education as well as Mindful Breastfeeding. All her classes at D2D Academy combine elements of relaxation and mindfulness, gentle stretches as well as quality education and plenty of social time. Join a class with Birth & More and you'll benefit from a caring community and long-term support from bump to baby and beyond.
Elly
Head Instructor at SkyBound Pole & Aerial Studios, Elly first started pole in 2017 and has been hooked since day one. Nowadays, she is invited to teach her dramatic dynamic pole skills at Workshops and Masterclasses around the country. Elly started teaching in 2019 and is fully Spin City Certified from beginners to advanced pole fitness, as well as holding accreditations in Stretch & Flexibility, Pre & Post Natal Pole, Anatomy & Physiology, and a BSc in Bioscience.
I remember seeing a friend's pole videos popping up on Facebook, years ago, and being totally mesmerised by all the gravity-defying tricks they could do, thinking "I wish I could do that!". I had no idea at the time how truly transformative Pole would be for me!
Pole quickly grew from a hobby to an all-out obsession. I was expecting my physical health and fitness to improve, but I completely underestimated how transformative it would be for my mental health and personal growth. I have found a colourful, inclusive and welcoming community, some of my dearest friends and more self-confidence than I've ever had before. I found my passion.
I feel very lucky to be able to teach pole, and share my passion with others. There is something so deeply gratifying to be able to teach someone to do something they didn't think they could, and see their confidence flourish.