Principal - Gemma Hersey - e-mail Gemma

I began my dance training at the age of three. I studied ballet, tap, modern, jazz and national dancing at theatre schools both in Luton and in Bedford. I moved to the Hampshire area as a teenager and studied at the Southsea School of Dancing before obtaining my teaching qualifications with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing at the Park School Performing Arts College in Preston.

After qualifying, I spent a year in Madeira with a Portugese touring company teaching dance during the day and performing on stage each night. I then spent the next three years dancing in shows on cruise ships.

Returning to the UK, I attended South Downs College where I attained passes in A level, Dance, Drama and Theatre Studies. I was one of only five candidates in the country to achieve 100% for A level dance. I have a BA Hons degree in Dance from the University College, Chichester and I am currently taking my masters degree. I am also a qualified aerobics instructor and a qualified first aider.

The Classique School of Dance is my love and I hope to share my love of dance with you too at the Classique Dance Centre.

Kirsten Locke - e-mail Kirtsen

I began dancing at the age of three at the Anne Gale School of Dance and later at Sylvia Bebb School of Dancing in Bedfordshire. I then moved to Portsmouth where I continued my studies at the Southsea School of Dance.

I studied Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and Royal Academy of Dance ballet, national, Greek, Modern and tap.

During my career I have won the Ruby Ginner Musicality Award and numerous cups and medals. I also had the opportunity to take part in professional pantomimes, shows and competitions throughout the country.

I am qualified to Imperial School of Teachers of Dance level and enjoy sharing my love of dance with the children at the Classique School of Dance.

Hilary Steel - e-mail Hilary

I started dancing at the age of three, studying at the Beryl Heffren School of Dancing and finally with the Iris Barnes School of Dance in Portsmouth.

I studied modern, national and tap and was All England Tap Dancing Champion at the age of eight. I won numerous medals and awards along the way to gaining my Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing qualifications.

I have had great fun performing in pantomimes and taking part in dance competitions around the country. I really love tap dancing and enjoy sharing that love with the pupils (young and old!) at the Classique School of Dance.

Candice Doughty - e-mail Candice

I started dancing at the age of 3 at Purbrook School of Dance and at 13 moved to Southsea School of Dance studying RAD and ISTD Ballet and ISTD Modern.

After gaining 11 GCSEs (including an A for Dance) at Mayville High School, Southsea, I attained 4 AS levels and 2 A levels, including dance and performing arts, at Havant College. I completed a diploma in Art and Design at the University of Portsmouth and then gained a BA Hons in Dance at the University of Chichester.

Throughout this time I have performed with the English Youth Ballet and 3Fall Undergraduate Dance Company. Teaching ballet at the Classique School of Dance is a real honour..

Andy Wright - e-mail Andy

Andy attained ‘A’ Level Dance, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts at St Vincent College, Gosport before moving to Epsom in Surrey where he trained professionally at Laine Theatre Arts. Andy graduated in 2004 as head boy with a professional diploma in Musical theatre and Dance and his teaching qualifications.

Andy has a wealth of professional experience, having worked for Disney as a lead male, appeared in films, on TV and most recently in the UK tour of the stage musical 'Chicago'. He has also appeared professionally in panto with Cannon & Ball, John Inman, Danni La Rue and Linda Lusardi to name but a few.

'It is a great thrill to be teaching and choreographing at the Classique School of Dance.'

Geoff and Val Davies - e-mail Geoff - e-mail Val

Geoff Davies has a background in dance that goes back to partnering Juvenile Dancers for ISTD Gold Medal competitions at his father's dance school. He was highly commended at Bronze, Silver, Gold, Gold Bar Ballroom and Gold Standard in Latin-American whilst still a juvenile.

As a member of the Slough Modern Ballroom Formation Team, Geoff won the British Formation Team title at Blackpool and reached the semi-finals of the world level competition.

Val Davies is a highly commended Gold Star medallist and has danced at all the major venues around the United Kingdom teaching Ballroom and Latin-American dance with partner Geoff.

'The Classique Dance Centre is a wonderful facility. It's an honour to work alongside such a talented faculty and with such wonderful pupils.'

Simon Long - e-mail Simon

Simon has performed in Carmen as Don Jose, West Side Story as Tony, in Carousel as Billy Bigelow and in the Mikado as Nanki Poo and is now pursuing a career in Grand Opera. Simon is currently studying with Maestro Marcello Merlini in Milan.

Having enjoyed performing many varying roles in musicals and operettas, Simon fulfilled a childhood ambition in 1999 when he sang at the Royal Albert Hall in a Three Tenors tribute. He includes Italian Opera, Neapolitan Folk songs and English song in my recital repetoire.

'It is an honour to teach and share my love of singing with the pupils of the Classique Dance Centre.'

Richard Staplehurst - e-mail Richard

Richard trained at the Guildford School of Acting and graduated from Chichester University with a BA (Hons) Degree in Performing Arts.

Richard has performed nationally from Edinburgh, Brighton, London to Liverpool and has appeared professionally in many roles from Prince Charming in Disneyland Paris to Matt in Mathew Bournes play 'Saturday night and Sunday Morning' currently showing on SKY Arts 2 HD. Richard's new play 'Known Unto God' will be touring nationally in 2011 supported by The Royal British Legion.

Richard is the Acting Coach at the Classique Achool of Dance and also runs 'Open Stages' for the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre in Guildford and is Associate Acting Coach at The Academy of Musical Theatre in Southsea.

Audrey Hersey - e-mail Audrey

The Classique Dance Shop is managed by Audrey Hersey.

No stranger to the world of dance and theatre, Audrey trained in ballet and was involved in amateur dramatics for many years.

If you need dancewear or if you want to know anything about the Classique School of Dance, just ask Audrey.