Faculty
The faculty consists of currently working and former professionals who supply a wide range of knowledge and experience. This in turn prepares the student as they embark on their professional careers.
Principal & Founder: Ann Oliver MBE
Director: Neil Allen
Resident Governor: Dorrien Lewis
Artistic Director: Greg Pichery
Faculty Head: Gemma-Joy Hall
Exam Coordinator: Emma Hillyer
Administrator: Charlotte Woodward
Nurse: Jane Carver
Physiotherapist: Fitzroy McFarlane
Board of Governors include: Pam Chater, Monica Larose & Barbara Wood.
Biographies:
Ann Oliver - Principal & Founder
Miss Oliver started her Stage school 50 years ago and in 1972 formed the British Theatre Dance Association, a dance awarding body offering qualifications in a range of dance disciplines. BTDA is at the forefront of dance education, never afraid to take on new challenges in its efforts to raise both awareness and the standards of dance education receiving accreditation from the Council for Dance Education and Training in 1993. It gained its Part A accreditation from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in 2001 and this was closely followed by the accreditation of its General and Vocational Graded Examinations in Theatre Dance in December 2001 and September 2003 respectively. In 2004 BTDA formed the Graded Qualifications Alliance along with two partners: Manchester College of Arts and Technology and the University of Exeter’s School of Education and Lifelong Learning. The aim of the Alliance is to offer performance based qualifications for Education and Industry. In 2007 Miss Oliver was awarded an MBE for her services to the Arts, a well deserved recognition for someone who has dedicated her life to teaching.
Dorrien Lewis - Resident Governor
Miss Lewis entered Show Biz as a dancer at the age of twelve in pantomime at the New Theatre Coventry and the Birmingham Theatre Royal. After completing her education and training she went on to perform in Revues and Variety Entertainment. Having met her husband in a revue they formed their own double act in Musical Comedy performing in the West End and around the UK. After leaving the business Miss Lewis produced a dance troup that successfully danced in many venues including the Holland America Cruise Lines. At this time BTDA was formed and Miss Lewis became an examiner and an adjudicator until present day. Miss Lewis is now enjoying her role as governor and is finding it to be a very challenging and rewarding position.
Greg Pichery - Artistic Director
Jazz Technique, Double Work & Musical Theatre
Greg trained at Doreen Bird Performing Arts graduating in 1989 with an ISTD Associate Teaching Diploma in Modern Theatre Dance. He has spent the last fifteen years working extensively in Musical Theatre. He has performed in the West End, National UK Tours and Repertory Theatre, of which his performing credits include ‘On Your Toes’, ‘Singing in the Rain’, ‘Oliver!’, ‘West Side Story’, ‘Guys & Dolls’, ‘La Cage Aux Folles’, ‘Divorce me, Darling!’, ‘My One & Only’ in Concert, ‘Calamity Jane’, ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Peter Pan-A Musical Adventure’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Greg can also be heard on TER recordings of ’West Side Story’ and ‘Divorce me, Darling!’ Greg’s most recent work has seen him as Assistant Choreographer on ‘Follies’ (Royal Festival Hall) ‘Garbo the Musical’ (Stockholm, Sweden) ‘On Your Toes’ (Royal Festival Hall, 2004 Japanese Tour & Leicester Haymarket) and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the latter three projects with Royal Ballet star Adam Cooper.
Gemma-Joy Hall - Faculty Head
Musical Theatre & BTDA Modern Vocational
Gemma trained in Dance and Theatre at the Ann Oliver Stage School. Her introduction to professional theatre was in Lionel Bart's 'Oliver' at the De Montfort Hall, Leicester. Since then she has appeared in numerous Cabarets, Pantomimes and Fashion shows. Gemma has always loved to choreograph and has choreographed for many national cabaret venues. She has also choreographed for Theatre Groups, Solo Artists, Bands and Tribute Acts. Gemma is a registered teacher with the British Theatre Dance Association and a member of the Modern Jazz Artistic Group. She has also taught and lectured in many schools around the country aswell as children at the Ann Oliver Stage School and graduate students at Leicester University.
Emma Hillyer - Exam Coordinator
BTDA Vocational Ballet
Emma has been dancing since the age of five and received all of her training at the Ann Oliver Stage School. She has performed in various pantomimes and cabaret shows including dancing the lead role in ‘La Sylphide’, ‘The Nutcracker’, ‘Giselle’ and ‘Coppelia’ all with Leicester Performing Arts Youth Ballet Company. Emma is currently a registered teacher and examiner for the British Theatre Dance Association and is also a member of the Classical Ballet and Modern Jazz Artistic Group. As an examiner and adjudicator Emma travels the country and feels very fortunate to be able to pass on her knowledge and expertise.
Gemma Gent - Ballet
Gemma trained for five years the Royal Ballet School, White Lodge and was made Head Girl in her final year. She performed at the Royal Festival Hall in ‘Peter & the Wolf’ and several performances at the Royal Opera House. She continued her studies at Laine Theatre Arts before joining ‘Spirit of the Dance’ in 2002. Gemma toured Europe, Asia, Israel, Canada and America with the Irish show before residing in Reno, Nevada, doing both the lead role in ‘Spirit of the Dance’ and production singer in ‘Spirit of Broadway’. Gemma has also performed and choreographed for international tribute acts and featured extensively as a dancer/choreographer on documentaries on both channel 4 and ITV. Gemma is now a freelance teacher and enjoys teaching the wonderful students at LCPA.
Craig Turbyfield - Ballet
(Biography to follow)
Jaakko Helkavaara - Ballet Repertoire & Pas de Deux
Born in Finland Jaakko Helkavaara studied Ballet at The Finnish National Opera. He then went on to dance professionally with the Finnish National Ballet. In 1964 he was awarded a scholarship by the Ministry of Culture of the Soviet Union to study at the Vaganova Institute, St. Petersburg. Having completed his studies he performed and taught in Sweden and Austria. He subsequently joined the Royal Ballet School, where he taught senior students Classical Ballet, Pas de Deux, Repertory and Vaganova method. He went on to become Ballet Master in various companies in Europe and in 1986 returned to London as Ballet Master for London City Ballet. The 1990s were spent as senior teacher at Legat School of Classical Ballet, followed by election to the post of Artistic Director at the State Ballet School, Berlin, retiring 2001. He now freelance teaches in England.
Adrian Davies - Visiting Ballet Master
Following his training at the Royal Ballet School Adrian was accepted into the Royal Ballet Company aged only 16, dancing one of the lead roles in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s ‘Solitaire’ at the Royal Opera House for his graduation performance. During his time with the Royal Ballet Adrian was given the chance to perform his first solo roles under the direction of both Sir Kenneth MacMillan and Sir Peter Wright. After leaving the company he embarked on an international career, dancing as soloist/principal and guest in many international companies. As a dancer and now as Ballet Master, Artistic Director and Producer he continues to work World-Wide.
Laura Gibson - Contemporary
Laura trained at Liverpool John Moores University and completed a BA Hons in Dance. Laura has since established herself as a performer, dance teacher and choreographer and is currently working with the Richard Alston Dance Company, touring workshops of the company's past and recent repertoire throughout the country. In 2004 Laura was an invited dancer for VORTEX, a film directed by Gareth Risdale. In 2005, she joined 'Two Thirds Sky', an emergent Bedfordshire based dance company, operating under the directorship of Lisa Spackman. 'Two Thirds Sky' worked on a choreographic commission by Kerry Nicols (KNDC), which they toured throughout Bedfordshire and more recently they performed 'Svadebka' at Resolutions!. Laura has also been rehearsal director on various youth dance projects including a piece by Arc Dance, for BYDC and for the same company with Henri Oguike and Rambert Dance Company.
James Robinson - Commercial Jazz
James trained at LCPA and after completing his training danced for artists Dame Shirley Bassy, Atomic Kitten, Danni Minogue, The Freemasons, Jordan & Peter Andre, Dima Bilan, Sibel Tuzan and Bannarama. His television credits include 'Stars in their Eyes', 'Simply Musicals', 'Making Your Mind Up', 'An Audience with Coronation Street', 'Eurovision', 'Celebrity X-Factor', 'Russian Pop Idol', 'Bustamove', 'Children in Need' and 'Soapstar Superstars'. James has completed World and UK Tours for 'The X-Factor', 'Spirit of the Dance' and 'Disco Fever' and his corporate and catwalk experience extends to working for Adidas, Clarks and O2 to name a few. James has also had the pleasure of working with top choreographers including Paul Roberts, Mikey Mindon, Brian Rogers, Paul Domaine, David Wood, Gary Lloyd, Alan Harding and Michelle Thorne. James is currently teaching and choreographing for students all around the UK.
Mark Webb - Commercial Jazz
(Biography to follow)
Jenny Finney - Hip Hop/Street Jazz
Jenny trained at the Morrison School of Dance in Nottingham and the David & Anna Jones School of freestyle dance in Birmingham where in 1999 she represented England in South Africa in the dance troupe ‘Village Kids’, bringing home the trophy for England. She then gained a scholarship at Urdang Academy in London working along side Britney Spears and Westlife. She has appeared as a dancer/model at the 'Clothes Show Live' and for a commercial ‘Bring It On’ shown on Trouble TV and also danced in a music video on MTV Base and for Simon Webb. Jenny attended Sheffield University and gained Diploma’s in Media Make up, Fashion/Photographic Make-up and then went on to qualify as an IDTA Freestyle teacher. Jenny is a member of the Street Dance Association and has her own dance troupe ‘Kronk’ who have performed at many community events. Jenny is now a freelance teacher specializing in ‘Street’ and ‘Hip Hop’ and also instructs workshops in Lyrical, Jazz, Disco and Contemporary.
Derek Hartley - Tap & Contextual Studies
Derek brings to Leicester College of Performing Arts over 25 years of experience in the business. He has performed in Television, Film, Theatre, Cabaret and International Festival and has choreographed and taught his own style of Jazz Tap Dance in 14 countries, including the USA . Recently Derek gained his MA Performing Arts degree and is a respected figure on the dance scene that has choreographed for Opera North, almost all of the major dance academies in Britain and appeared as solo dancer in many commercials.
Rebecca Gingell - BTDA Vocational Tap
Rebecca trained in Dance and Drama from the age of ten at the Ann Oliver Stage School in Leicester. She then went on to complete her training at the Leicester College of Performing Arts Graduating in 2001. After leaving college Rebecca performed in a character role at Euro Disney in Paris and has appeared in many pantomimes and cabaret shows all over the country. Rebecca is also a member of the British Theatre Dance Association Tap Artistic Group and is very happy to be sharing her experiences with all the students at the Leicester College of Performing Arts.
Nigel Binks - Musical Director & Accompanist
Nigel is a professional musician and an associate member of the London College of Music. He specialises in Piano styles, including Stride, Ragtime and Classical Music of the 19th & 20th centuries. Nigel began accompanying dance in 1978 and has experience in Ballet, Tap, and National dance. He is an accomplished improviser and sight-reader and has composed arranged and produced music for Ballet, Tap and Musical Theatre. Nigel has a long association with a young performing arts group based in Derby and as well as accompanying other instrumentalists and vocalists both in concerts, festivals and examinations, he also performs as a soloist in concerts and more informal gatherings.
Julia Gaunt - Vocal Technique
Julia has been involved with music from an early age and has performed as a Singer, Accompanist and Musical Director throughout the country including the Albert Hall, Llangollen International Eisteddfod etc… She has over 20 years of experience in teaching/education, from Head of Dept, Lecturer at Leicester University (Lifelong Learning Programme), consultant and member of steering committee for a Performing Arts Degree at Sheffield Hallam University as well as a consultant for a number of Performing Arts Schools and Academies. A number of students now work throughout the profession in the UK, Europe and USA. She has worked/studied with some of the country’s leading practitioners including Mary King, Dierdre Trundle and Julian McGlashan (an expert on the Voice) she is also a member of the British Voice Association a multi disciplinary body concerned with all aspects of the voice, including health and rehabilitation.
Lynn Nelson - Singing Repertoire
Lynn has been involved in Musical Theatre throughout the East Midlands for the past twenty years, performing in over 40 Musicals Productions, taking such roles as Mabel-‘Mack and Mabel’, The Witch–‘Into the Woods’ and Mamma Rose-‘Gypsy’. She has taken part in National and International Music Festivals and won ‘Best Voice’ and ‘Best Female Performance’. Her concert work has been extensive throughout the Midlands and continues to keep her busy. Lynn enjoys teaching vocal technique and performance, focusing on the Jo Estill Voice Craft and finds the work both challenging and extremely rewarding. She is also a member of the BVA.
Eddie Buton - Acting & Drama
Eddie trained at Arts Educational in London and spent ten years working in the West End, appearing in shows such as: 'Les Miserables', 'Miss Saigon', 'Starlight Express', 'Elvis', 'The Gondoliers', 'Great Balls Of Fire' and 'Martin Guerre', working with some of the theatres leading directors including Trevor Nunn, Declan Donnelan , Nicholas Hytner, John Doyle, John Caird and Bill Kenweight. Eddie also appeared in the film 'Shadow Loves' and televisions Royal Variety Performance. Eddie has been teaching full time for six years and has a BA Hons in Performance Studies and a PGCE from The Institute of Education, and works as a freelance director, having recently directed 'We Will Rock You' in Hastings with a cast of 150 youngsters.
Natalie Davies - Pilates & Body Control
Natalie trained at London Studio Centre graduating with a BA Hons in Contemporary Dance. She then went on to qualify as an ISTA Modern and Tap teacher and Pilates instructor specialising in based mat work. Natalie has danced commercially including the BBC International Entertainment Awards in Dublin, TV Shows ‘Live & Kicking’, ‘Top of the Pops’, ‘Night Fever’ Channel 5, ‘My Kind of Music’ ITV 1 with Michael Barrymore and ‘The Royal Variety Performance’ with Brian Connelly. Tours include ‘Radio 1’ UK, ‘Sash’ Europe and ‘Smash Hits’ Poll Party Awards UK with the band ‘911’. She has also performed in the reconstruction of Michael Jackson’s hit song ‘Remember the Time’ for the 10th Annual ‘MJs’ Day in London, in aid of ‘Heal the Kids’ where MJ was guest of honour. Natalie is still working in the industry as well as teaching Pilates, which she has used all through her training and professional career to avoid and to recover from dance related injuries.
Carrie Ellis - Audition Consultant
Carrie trained at Arts Educational School and has performed in London's West End, National UK Tours, Repertory Theatre, Television, Radio, Concerts and Workshops! Roles include: Peaches/Baby Jane, ‘Jerry Springer The Opera’, Carlotta, ‘Phantom Of The Opera’, Jellylorum, ‘Cats’, Lady Jacqueline, ‘Me And My Girl’, Lesley Pynchon, ‘The Fix’, Lianne Dexhlemans, ‘Gigi’, Mavis, ‘Stepping Out’, Mrs. Molly, ‘The Matchmaker’ and Ida, ‘Honk’ to name but a few! TV works includes ‘Cutting It’, ‘Highly Sprung’, ‘Tonight At 8.30’ and ‘Jerry Springer The Opera’. On Radio: Lead Roles in ‘Chorus Line’, ‘Follies’, ‘Sweet Charity’ and ‘Take It Up The Octave’. As well as still working in the business, Carrie Adjudicates, Teaches, Choreographs and Directs shows in various colleges over the country.