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!

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!