Hi, I’m Miss Melanie, founder and proud principal of MG Dance Academy! I’m a fully qualified teacher in ballet, tap, modern, and acro with the Association of American Dancing (AAD), an M2-certified Acrobatic Arts teacher, and I hold a BA (Hons) in Dance, Performance and Teaching. I’ve also completed specialist certifications in aerial, back handsprings, and contortion through Acrobatic Arts - because I love bringing exciting, dynamic training opportunities to my students!

Originally from Ambleside, I followed my passion for dance through university, then, after getting married, moved to London where I spent two amazing years teaching street and commercial dance at a local school. After, I headed back up north, teaching at Studio Nine in Workington and launching our very first classes in Keswick through the MFSD. We began with just two classes - a babes class and a junior class.

Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to grow the school into the busy, joyful academy it is today. We now run over 15 classes a week across 5 days, offer dozens of private lessons, and have built a brilliant team of dedicated teachers and assistant teachers. MG Dance Academy has become a place where dancers of all ages and levels can feel supported, inspired, and part of something special.

I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved and so excited for what’s still to come. I can’t wait to welcome you into our dance family!

Hello everyone I’m Miss Laura. I’m a fully qualified teacher with The Royal Academy of Dance and also hold qualifications with the NATD (contemporary), Acro (Acrobatic Arts) and PBT (Progressive Ballet Technique). Originally from Whitehaven, I began my dancing journey locally then went on to study under Dorothy Stevens MBE in Leeds. I was also an Associate of The Royal Ballet School, a York Ballet Scholar and completed my HND in Performing Arts at Carlisle College before moving to London to pursue my dancing dreams! 

Whilst in London I developed my teaching network to cover dance schools across the whole of North/North East London whilst also studying and dancing professionally. On moving to Essex I spent six years working as the lead choreographer for a prestigious private school where I had the opportunity to produce works for Sadler's Wells and Disneyland Paris, had the pleasure of choreographing for many competitions and festivals including the Dance World Cup and was awarded Independent School of the year for dance for my work in 2020. Since then I have worked for many dance schools and organisations in and around Essex and Kent both as a technical teacher and choreographer and this year was lucky enough to become a Move It 2025 official artist - a huge honour! 

I am passionate about creating well rounded, self aware dancers who not only excel in technique but have the confidence to express themselves as artists and the ability to support others through their dance journeys. My approach to teaching is holistic, looking at the whole child and how dance practise can positively impact development through childhood to adolescence and beyond. 

This year I am undertaking the Diploma in Dance Pedagogy with the ISTD, a further study of the science of dance teaching that will deepen my teaching practise and help me provide even better tuition to my students. 

I am so excited to be joining the MGDA family and can't wait to see what the future has in store.

Hi, I’m Miss Joanne, and I’m thrilled to lead the Musical Theatre classes here at MG Dance Academy! I’m a classically trained mezzo-soprano with a deep love for both music and performance. I trained in Carlisle, then continued my studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff University, and even performed with the Welsh National Opera’s Youth Opera - an incredible experience that shaped my passion for the stage.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to perform leading roles across the UK in opera, musical theatre, and oratorio. Some of my favourite performances include Carmen, The Coronation of Poppea, Cosi fan tutte, The Magic Flute, La Traviata, My Fair Lady, and Wind in the Willows - to name just a few!

As a qualified teacher with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London College of Music, and Trinity Guildhall, I’m fully accredited to prepare students for both Musical Theatre and Classical Singing exams. I also hold a PGCE and have worked as Head of Music in secondary schools, so I love helping students prepare for GCSE and A-Level performance exams too.

At MG Dance Academy, I aim to build confidence, spark creativity, and help every student find their voice - on stage and off. I can’t wait to meet you and share the joy of musical theatre together!