Amy Burrell (LIDTA) - Principal
Miss Amy began her dance training at the age of 3 at Wirral Theatre School under senior IDTA examiner Denise Skinner. During her time at Wirral Theatre Amy completed examinations to Advanced level in all IDTA theatre dance subjects, and completed her Trinity Guildhall Drama examinations. Under the tuition of Denise Skinner, Amy qualified as an Associate teacher in all core subjects, and since moving to Yorkshire has continued her qualifications to Licentiate level. She currently holds qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Theatre Craft and Gymnastic Dance with IDTA as well as Acrobatic Arts certification. Miss Amy is a firm believer that there is always more to learn, and is currently working to gain further qualifications with the IDTA.
​
Professional Career
Before teaching full time, Amy worked for ten years as a professional performer. She has worked all over the world, performing in Abu Dhabi, Greece, Cyprus, USA and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain. Back in the UK she toured with numerous theatre productions including ‘The Rat Pack’, Maid Marion in ‘Robin Hood’ and Juliet in the national tour of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Amy has choreographed professional shows for dance companies in Greece and Cyprus, theatre shows and pantomimes in the UK and scenes for BBC’s Waterloo Road.
​
Studio A
Amy founded Studio A Theatre Arts in 2013. The school has grown considerably since opening, aiming to deliver community centred, professional training that is accessible to all. Children have been entered into IDTA examinations with 100% pass rate and some fantastic results, we perform an annual show at Castleford Phoenix Theatre and have taken part in several local and international performance events.
Josie Pangilinan - Teacher
Josie started dancing at a young age, then after completing her GCSEs and A-Levels she went to train professionally in dance and musical theatre at Performers College, Essex. Here she gained a National Diploma in dance and musical theatre as well as teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap and Modern. She then went on to work as a professional dancer on cruise ships for several years until returning to work in the UK. Here she did corporate performance work in hotels and theatres, before becoming Dance Captain at Flamingoland theme park in North Yorkshire. Alongside her dance career Josie has a degree in Law and has held several management positions within the retail sector.
Miss Josie has been a valued member of the Studio A team since 2017, teaching Contemporary, body conditioning and Ballet technique plus IDTA grade classes in Modern Jazz, Tap and Ballet.
Ashlee Larkin - Teacher
Ashlee has studied a wide range of performing arts from a very young age. Ashlee trained at CAPA where she achieved A-levels in Dance and Drama and BTEC in Performing Arts. She also trained with Yorkshire Youth Dancers at Northern School Of Contemporary Dance throughout her time at college. Ashlee has gained a BA HONS Degree in Acting at Blackpool and The Fylde University. She has worked as an actress in short films with National Film and Television School that have been shown in film festivals across the country. Ashlee is a fully certified Zumba Instructor and has been teaching in schools and the community for a number of years.
Hannah Ward - Class Assistant
Hannah has danced from a young age, studying Ballet, Tap, Contemporary Jazz and Modern. She currently attends Leeds Beckett University and is studying Primary Teaching. Hannah assists Miss Amy with the junior classes.