TeachersVanessa Gardner
Vanessa Gardner started dancing at age 2 with Doris Stainer at Hurst Lodge School, Sunningdale. She then continued her training at The London College of Dance & Drama 1978–1981 gaining her ISTD teaching qualifications in Cecchetti Ballet and the London College of Dance Diploma. Vanessa danced with her year group as guest artistes at The Albert Hall! Vanessa has taught at many local schools including St Mary’s Ascot, Halstead Preparatory School, Godstowe Preparatory School in High Wycombe and the Marist Preparatory School where she started 30 years ago! She established The Vanessa Gardner School of Classical Ballet in 1983. Many students have gone on to train at vocational schools including Tring Park, Elmhurst, Rambert, and Laine Theatre Arts and have successfully made dance their career. In 2006 Vanessa won The Betty Major Scholarship to attend the Cecchetti Summer School. She then gained the Licenciate qualification in August 2006. In 2014 she attended the International Dance Teacher Conference, a highlight of which was being taught by Dame Monica Mason, a previous Principal and later Director of The Royal Ballet. |
Vanessa Gardner
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Lucie Dale
Lucie's love of ballet began at West Berkshire Ballet School (WBBS) where she studied for 15 years in the ballet department and 10 years in Modern and Tap. Throughout these years Lucie found a love of teaching when she assisted the younger classes on Saturday mornings. Once Lucie had finished her A-Levels it was obvious that she wanted to begin her Cecchetti teacher training course at Highgate Ballet School, London, with Cara Drower. Lucie has just passed her unit 4 DDI and plans to further her qualifications by training for the DDE after the summer term. As well as teaching at Ascot, Lucie also teaches at two private schools; Downe House and Pinewood, and WBBS and Aldbourne Ballet School.
Lucie's love of ballet began at West Berkshire Ballet School (WBBS) where she studied for 15 years in the ballet department and 10 years in Modern and Tap. Throughout these years Lucie found a love of teaching when she assisted the younger classes on Saturday mornings. Once Lucie had finished her A-Levels it was obvious that she wanted to begin her Cecchetti teacher training course at Highgate Ballet School, London, with Cara Drower. Lucie has just passed her unit 4 DDI and plans to further her qualifications by training for the DDE after the summer term. As well as teaching at Ascot, Lucie also teaches at two private schools; Downe House and Pinewood, and WBBS and Aldbourne Ballet School.
Mel Silk
Mel started dancing at the age of 4, and studied ISTD Modern, Tap and Ballet at the Dulian School of Dancing in Egham. She successfully progressed through all her grades and major examinations as a student. Then she studied for, and successfully passed her teaching qualifications.
Throughout the years, Mel has entered numerous students and adults through their examinations in Modern and Tap with 100% examination success rate.
Mel started dancing at the age of 4, and studied ISTD Modern, Tap and Ballet at the Dulian School of Dancing in Egham. She successfully progressed through all her grades and major examinations as a student. Then she studied for, and successfully passed her teaching qualifications.
Throughout the years, Mel has entered numerous students and adults through their examinations in Modern and Tap with 100% examination success rate.
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Elaine Morgan
Elaine has taught and assisted backstage at shows for Vanessa Gardner since 2006. She is an Associate Member of the ISTD, and holds CDE and DDE (Certificate and Diploma in Dance Education) teaching qualifications for both Modern and Tap, and Advanced Modern and Tap exams as a dancer. During her teaching career, Elaine has taught pupils of all ages at local dance schools, including preparation for ISTD exams and choreography for shows. Elaine also teaches adult tap and jazz classes in the Bracknell area. Elaine is a Registered Chaperone, has Enhanced DBS Clearance and is First Aid Trained. |
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Andy Hamilton
Andy practiced the Martial Art of Shotokan Karate for many years but on joining a local Health Club found that classes in Yoga and Tai Chi were on the timetable. After attending both for some years and experiencing and enjoying the benefits that they bring, he decided to further his knowledge and attend a teacher training course. Andy now passes on that knowledge and benefits to his students which gives him continued pleasure and satisfaction. |
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