LDA
Meet your principal ….
Laura Ratcliffe
Laura trained at MB academy of dance from the age of 3 and then went onto further her professional training at Renaissance Arts. After completing her training she performed as a Production Dancer onboard several cruise ships including P&Os Britannia where she was part of the original cast and Cunards Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. She has also performed in various TV programmes, events around the UK, the renowned Thursford Christmas spectacular and many QDOS/Crossroads pantomimes.
In between performing Laura has continued to teach and gain her teaching qualifications. These include IDTA level 4 diploma in Ballet, Modern/Jazz and Tap, BATD Associate Tap and BATD Associate modern. She has 14 years of teaching experience, teaching from ages 2-18 in all genres. Laura prides herself in treating all her students equally and improving her knowledge through CPD.
Laura is keen to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of students and be able to offer a variety of opportunities for her students. These include exams, competitions, shows, events, workshops and much more.
![LAURA WATSON_Sep18-66[26648]_1cropped_1_retouch.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e2e1d_e7ca136fb404468e9640694670a3ce2d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_372,h_527,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/LAURA%20WATSON_Sep18-66%5B26648%5D_1cropped_1_retouch.jpg)
Meet the Team
Introducing our teachers ...
Martin Ratcliffe
Mr Martin is our assistant teacher and helps with events, rehearsals and classes.
Martin trained professionally for 3 years at Phil Winston theatre works. After graduating Martin went on to work as a professional dancer in many cruise ships and in pantomimes. This was where he met his wife and principal of LDA Miss Laura.
Martin has a wealth of knowledge from working in the industry and loves sharing this with our students. He is a huge support to all of our students and Miss Laura.
Shannon Clarke
Shannon trained at Rambert school where she obtained a degree in ballet and contemporary dance. Whilst training, Shannon was lucky enough to perform in a solo in a piece called ‘Linear remains’ at Sadlers wells theatre, as well as reforming pieces from her graduate show at the Royal opera house. Shannon has taught at various dance schools passing on her knowledge of ballet and contemporary as well as choreographing solo and group dances for competition students. She is excited to join the team at Laura’s Dance Academy and is looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
Miss Katie
Miss Katie is currently at full-time Musical theatre college Renaissance Arts and will be joining us on a saturday morning to assist with the Pre-school and mini classes.
Katies passion and commitment has always shone through and I am sure she will pass this on to our younger students. A pleasure to have you with us :)
Carolyn Gravel
Miss Cassie is our singing teacher currently offering private lessons to our students. She has worked professionally in the Performing Arts industry since the age of 3.
The last 7 years she has worked internationally teaching singing and acting, passing on her knowledge and experience in theatre and TV.
Miss Cassie is working with our students on their MT exams and competition solos. We love her enthusiasm and energy with our students.
Emily Rothwell
Miss Emily is currently working towards her ISTD DDE and will soon be a fully qualified ballet teacher.
Emily trained at Moorland ballet academy and is now at Renaissance Arts training full-time.
Emily has always been a pleasure to teach and I have no doubt she will be a great asset to teamLDA