The Premier Dance Studio

Theatre School

Teaching Staff

Kathryn Barlow (Dance / Ballet Teacher)

Kathryn started her dancing career at a local dancing school, where she trained in all aspects of dance, singing and the performing arts. During her training, Kathryn performed in numerous shows and competed in regional festivals. Kathryn then went on to perform in professional shows and cabarets before deciding to direct her passion to the world of teaching. Thus six years ago, Kathryn embarked on her new vocation, passing her ISTD Associate Tap in October 2002.

Kathryn is currently studying for her final modules of FDI and CDE in both Modern and Tap with the ISTD and is also an Associate member of the IDTA. At present Kathryn teaches for a school in Woking as well as The Premier Dance Studio, where she has choreographed frequent dance school shows and is looking forward to her first show with Premier. Kathryn is also an experienced festival choreographer, having many successes at different national competitions with routines in Modern, Tap, Ballet and Song and Dance.

Kelly Sims (Dance / Musical Theatre)

Kelly started her dancing career here at Premier Dance Studio, where she trained in all dance genres as well as Musical Theatre and Singing. During her training Kelly performed in frequent dance shows, regional dance festivals and performed in professional Pantomime both at Bracknell and Camberley, as well as a West End debut at ‘Her Majesty’s Theatre’, London. Whilst still at Premier, Kelly went on to further her training at Guildford College where she gained her National Diploma in Performing Arts and Dance, during her training Kelly undertook teaching Performing Arts in various Primary Schools in the local area.

Kelly has always had a passion for performing and in 2006 set off for Disney Land, Paris to perform Character and Parade. Upon her return Kelly continued her work with Disney Special Events (London) and in 2007 performed in the Jungle Book 40th Anniversary Showcase in Holland. Deciding to turn her talent towards teaching, Kelly embarked on a three year BA programme of study in Dance and Exercise Science at Roehampton University, where she is currently in her final year. Kelly has previously taught for Italia Conti Associates and Premier for some years choreographing festival work, as well as their popular holiday workshops. Kelly is now thrilled at joining Premier’s teaching staff on a permanent basis.

Emma Palmer (Dance / Ballet Teacher)

Emma started ballet lessons aged 2˝ and spent the majority of her training at Corraine Collins Dance Studios in Cheltenham. She then went on to study at All That Jazz Dance College in Bristol where she was introduced to tap and jazz. After college, she spent the next 6 years working in the Financial Service industry  and, after a break from dancing, started participating in adult tap and jazz lessons at 344 Dance School in Bristol in 2001. Over the next 3 years, Emma went on to take her vocational and teaching exams in Modern, Tap and Imperial Ballet and with a new fuelled passion for dance, some five years ago decided to go into teaching full time.

Emma spent 2˝ years teaching for 2 dance schools in the Bristol area, before moving down to Farnborough in December 2006, where she achieved great success in not only her choreography but also her examination results. Emma is fully qualified to FDI for the ISTD and is currently in the final stages of gaining CDE status. Premier is proud to welcome Emma back after her maternity leave and looks forward to many more years of success.  

Jenny Cartwright (Latin & Ballroom Teacher)

Jenny started her career at the world class dance studio ‘Hurleys’ in Guildford, where she specialised in Latin and Ballroom dance. At the age of fourteen she went to study at Dance Options in Cheam. After taking Dance at G.C.S.E and A Level she attended Roehampton University to study for a BA Hons in dance. The focus of Jenny’s career has always been teaching, performing and chorography of Latin and Ballroom dance - most recently having worked on the choreography and danced in the Hollywood film ‘Me and Orson Welles’ (starring Zac Efron). Her teaching has taken her around the world, including working in Spain and Mexico.

Jenny is also a highly experienced teacher, of both children and adults, from beginner to competitor level. She is also involved in teacher training for Latin and Ballroom dance. Jenny is also Freestyle, Contemporary and Street Dance trained, and a qualified YMCA Aerobics Instructor and Zumba teacher. She is also an Associate member of the IDTA.