About Us
We are here for YOU
Gemma Welch is the principal of Gem's Dance Academy and Performing Arts. She strongly believes that expressive arts such as dance and drama should be fun and enjoyable for everybody - which is what she aims to do through her academy with the support of her amazing team. Feel free to browse our pages and contact us for further information
Gemma Welch, BA Hons, Fellow with IDTA, QTS
Our Principal, Gemma Welch
Gemma (BA Hons) has several years experience in both the dance world and educational establishments. As an ex-English teacher in a busy secondary school and a current Guide Leader, Gemma can bring those skills into her dance and drama lessons to make them fun but purposeful.
Gemma currently teaches Freestyle, Musical Theatre / Drama and Ballroom / Latin classes with the support of other teachers and dance coaches.
Gemma is continuing to develop her own personal portfolio whilst supporting other students and trainee teachers along their own dance pathways. She is also a member of the ADFP and is currently working towards her adjudicating licence.
Current qualifications include: Fellow with the IDTA with qualifications in Freestyle, Latin, Ballroom, Rock 'n' Roll and Musical Theatre; ABD Acrobatic Dance, IDTA Anatomy and Physiology Diploma.
You can follow Gemma on Instagram: gda_gemmawelch
DBS checked annually and First Aid Qualification renewed bi-annually.
Emily Harris, Teacher
Emily (BA Hons) joined our team in 2017 and is packed with enthusiasm. Whilst her speciality is Ballroom and Latin, she is also qualified in Freestyle and happy to help in all genres.
Emily has been dancing from the tender age of 3 with experience in ballet and tap as well as the above mentioned styles and is keen to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with other dancers. Her degree in education and special needs is just another asset she brings to our academy, further enhancing our inclusivity policy.
DBS checked annually and First Aid trained.
Keeley Morrow, Teacher
Keeley has been a dancer since she was a young child training in ballet, tap, acro and Freestyle. For as long as she can remember she participated in IDTA examinations, competitions and shows going on to train in dance at college and later at dance studios in LA including Debbie Reynolds Studios, Movement Lifestyle and Millennium Dance Complex.
She went on to study Primary Education at university where she was also a member of the dance competition squad before completing her PGCE. She is now a SEND teacher with Maths lead as well as a qualified IDTA and NATD teacher with us.
Keeley loves passing on her passion of dance and helping children to achieve their potential.
DBS checked and First Aid trained.
Liam Pincher, Teacher
Liam began his dance journey as a contemporary dancer, but slowly moved to street dance styles the more he learned about them.This took him to study an urban dance course in London, and even to study Urban Dance in America!
Over the years, he has gained experience in a variety of street dance styles including hip hop, House, popping, locking, and breaking all whilst experiencing battle culture, performance opportunities and teaching. He's always very excited to have the opportunity to share everything he's learned with fellow dancers and has already made a positive impact on many of our students.
DBS checked and First Aid trained.
Emily Hunt, Teacher
Emily started dancing at the age of three in Ballet, Tap and Jazz, gaining medals and performing in regular shows with her sister.
Progressing through medals and competitions, Emily became a finalist in the 'British Amateur Junior Modern Sequence' at the age 14. Leaving the competition world behind she began studies for her Pre-Associate exam in 2010 where she won the 'Bill Tasker Award' before proceeding on to her Associate exams where she was nominated for the 'John Dilworth Award'.
Emily has a 2:1 BA Hons degree in 'Professional Dance Teaching' from Buckinghamshire New University as well as her IDTA professional awards. Her specialism is Classical Sequence but she is also an experienced Ballroom, Latin and Freestyle teacher.
DBS checked and First Aid trained.
Trainee Dance Teachers and Coaches
We are really lucky to have a group of amazing teenagers who assist with our classes. These girls have a fabulous rapport with our other students and can be essential in making new members feel welcome and helping less experienced dancers with steps. Many of them go on to complete IDTA level 3 or 4 trainings becoming qualified dance teaching assistants or teachers.
They all undergo First Aid Training and have DBS checks at the appropriate age. Many of them also do their Anatomy & Physiology diploma and work through IDTA teaching modules.
