Faculty

The faculty consists of currently working and former professionals who supply a wide range of knowledge and experience. This in turn prepares the students as they embark on their professional careers.

Ann Oliver - Principal & Founder

When Ann Oliver started her stage school over 50 years ago, her ambition was to one day open a performing arts college. In 1972 she formed the British Theatre Dance Association, a dance awarding body offering qualifications in a range of dance disciplines. Miss Oliver with BTDA also formed the Graded Qualifications Alliance along with two partners: The Manchester College and the University of Exeter’s School of Education and Lifelong Learning. After achieving these goals, Miss Oliver set in motion her dream of opening the college and in 1999 she welcomed the first intake of students. Since then, the college has gone from strength to strength. 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 - 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 troupe 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 Follies’, ‘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 - Course Coordinator

Musical Theatre & BTDA Modern Jazz

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 - Examination Coordinator

Ballet & BTDA Classical 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.

Jaakko Helkavaara - 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 graduated with a BA Hons Dance Degree from Liverpool John Moors University in 2000 and is a freelance dance artist. In 2004 she was a dancer for 'VORTEX' a dance film and in 2005 joined 'Two Thirds Sky' as a performer, under the directorship of Lisa Spackman. Through the company she has worked with Choreographer Kerry Nicholls and film maker Gareth Risdale. Laura continues to perform and lead educational workshops with the company and has taught with the Richard Alston Dance Company’s Education Department, delivering workshops across the country since 2003. Laura is also a visiting lecturer in Technique and Choreography at the University of Bedfordshire. Laura has worked on many Arts Council funded projects with Henri Oguike and Arc Dance for Bedfordshire Youth Dance Company. In 2003 she co-authored ‘Bright Sparks’ a dance recourse pack for primary and secondary teachers launched by Youth Dance England.

James Robinson - Commercial Jazz

James trained at LCPA and after completing his training danced for artists the Pussy Cat Dolls, Duffy, Dame Shirley Bassy, Atomic Kitten, Danni Minogue, The Freemasons, Jordan & Peter Andre 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' 'Soapstar Superstars' and the 'Royal Variety Performance'. 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/choreographing for students all around the UK.

Mark Webb - Commercial Jazz

Mark trained at the Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama and has since had the pleasure of performing with such top musical artists as Destiny's Child, Take That, Blue, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Steps, Girls Aloud, Lionel Ritchie, Spice Girls, Boyzone and his stamina and discipline of mind and body combined with his work ethic meant that he toured extensively worldwide with these artist. He's also performed at all the major UK pop concerts - The Brits, Party in the Park and was a regular dancer on TOTP and CDUK. He can be seen in many a pop video too! Always striving to break new ground Mark ventured into the world of teaching and choreography as he felt that he had something fresh, innovative and different to offer the industry. Since taking this step he has taught in many colleges around the country and choreographed for such notable brands as Aveda, Harley Davidson, Clothes Show, Tigi, Ben Sherman, Red Mother, Adidas, Speedo, the V Festival, Salon International and The Motor Show - to name a few.

Jenny Finney - Hip Hop/Street Dance

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

Derek brings to the 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. Derek gained his MA Performing Arts degree and is a respected figure on the dance scene and has choreographed for Opera North, almost all of the major dance academies in Britain and appeared as a solo dancer in many commercials.

Julia Gaunt - Singing & LCM Music Theatre

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 & LCM Music Theatre

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 & Musical Theatre

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 Morris - Pilates & Body Conditioning

Natalie trained at London Studio Centre graduating with a Diploma in Jazz Theatre Dance. She then went onto qualify as an ISTD Modern & Tap teacher and Pilates instructor. She also holds a BA Hons in Dance gained at Leicester Demontfort University. Natalie has had a successful dance career that has traveled her around the globe dancing for various artists such as Kavana, 911, Sash, Michael Barrymore, Brian Conley, Michael Jacksons reconstruction hit song 'Remember the Time' for the 10th Annual MJ's day in London, in aid of 'Heal the Kids' where MJ was guest of honour. She has also appeared on TV shows, Top of the Pops, The Box, Live & Kicking, The Smash Hits Awards, BBC International Entertainment awards in Dublin, My Kind of Music, and the Royal Variety Show. Natalie is now a full time teacher in many aspects of dance alongside teaching Pliates which she has used all through her training and professional career to avoid and recover from dance related injuries.

Carrie Ellis - Audition & Performance Skills

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: Maxine, ‘Stepping Out’, Golde, ‘Fiddler On The Roof’, Peaches/Baby Jane, ‘Jerry Springer The Opera’, Carlotta, ‘Phantom Of The Opera’, Jellylorum, & Grizabella, ‘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, as well as numerous Pantomimes! TV works includes ‘Cutting It’, ‘Highly Sprung’, ‘Tonight At 8.30’ ‘Coronation Street’ 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.

Additional Faculty:

Administrator - Charlotte Woodward

Board of Governors - Pam Chater, Monica Larose & Barbara Wood

Nurse - Jane Carver

Physiotherapist - Fitzroy McFarlane

Make up Consultant - Tracey Wilson

Pianist - John Hodson