Jess, originally from Ipswich, UK, trained in dancing from the age of 2 before graduating from Bird College in 2002 with a First Class Hons Degree. After pursuing a very successful career as a professional dancer, performing in London's West End, touring the world with the famous Irish Dance show Spirit of the Dance, and travelling to all seven continents while performing on luxury cruise ships, she now resides back in her home town to pass on her passion and years of performing experience to her students.

Jess is qualified as BA (Hons) ISTD DDI. Following her successful professional career, she went on to complete her ISTD qualifications with Penny Meekings at The College. She is continuing her personal and professional development by studying for the ISTD level 6 diploma in Dance Pedagogy.

Bobbie Silen has been entertaining audiences around the world since the age of three. She trained professionally at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom, London, studying singing, dancing and acting. After completing her three-year theatrical diploma course, she graduated with distinction in both her modern and tap teaching associates (ISTD). She was also awarded the "best operatic entertainer" accolade. She has been a headliner vocalist in several summer seasons around the UK, and has toured the country with a variety of theatrical shows. In 1998, Bobbie began her career at sea as a featured vocalist for Fred Olsen cruises lines. One night only is a particular project in which Bobbie is very proud to have performed. This is a self-developed cabaret show, and has been well received by international audiences. Bobbie has also been extremely fortunate to have visited over 60 countries as a consequence of being lead vocalist with Princess Cruises over the last few years. For the last few years she has been putting her teaching skills to good use in Vancouver, Canada. She is thrilled to now be back teaching in the UK at JASD, and at Ipswich High School, Woolverstone.

Marija is a classical ballet teacher, teaching Imperial Russian Ballet using Vaganova methodology. Marija has many years of experience. She completed her training at the Academy in Belgrade that was founded by Nina Kirsanova, famous dancer and student of even more famous dancer; Ana Pavlova.
Marija’s focus is to teach students about the art of movement, introducing a high level of ballet technique and presentation (choreographies).

The Vaganova ballet method is one of the best ballet methods in the world, as lessons are constructed in an artistic form; while learning steps and movements, students are building their self esteem and disciplining the mind, giving them the knowledge and skill to perform with high technical ability, gracefulness and agility of movement. The elegance, beauty, and technical perfection forms students into strong technical and artistic dancers.

Marija also teaches Character and Historical dance. As an ex-professional dancer, her passion and goal is to help her students learn through the Vaganova syllabus, and for them to reach their potential, fulfil their dreams and stay happy in learning ballet.

Bethany trained at the Linda Shipton School of Dancing from the age of 3. She was also a Suffolk scholar until she attended Northern Ballet School to continue her training. It was here, that she acquired her dance teaching qualifications with both the ISTD and RAD, as well as written examinations in the history of ballet, anatomy and child psychology.

After 3 years of training, Bethany decided she wanted to perform, and danced professionally for 10 years. Her first job was with one of the largest circus’s in Germany. She then progressed to other venues including international casinos, cabaret shows and cruise ships

Bethany moved back to Suffolk in June 2011, where she decided she would like to pass on her dance experience to others. She began teaching at the Linda Shipton school of dancing in Ipswich. Bethany also has Zumba and Zumbatomic qualifications and teaches at Sidegate  Lane Primary School, Livewell Suffolk and other private venues.

Bethany loves choreography and has just finished choreographing the dance routines for the end-of-year show, Aladdin at The Abbey in Woodbridge.

David Bridges began his training, aged eight, at the Star Studios of Performing Arts before being accepted, with a scholarship, to attend Tiffany Theatre College. Whilst training, David gained his ISTD Associates (Hons) aged just 17, one of the youngest in the country at the time. He graduated in 2005 as Head Boy. David has performed both on stage and screen, in the West End and on UK and International tours. When not performing or choreographing he teaches at many of the country’s leading professional theatre colleges and schools, including Urdang Academy, Tiffany Theatre College and Emil Dale Academy.
Click here to see David's professional credits.

Suzie trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and has worked professionally in the West End, around the UK and in Europe, in successful shows including Oliver at the London Palladium, Les Miserables, The Rocky Horror Show, Fame and Boogie Nights. She has had the privilege of working with people such as Minnie Driver, Franco Zefferelli, Russ Abbott, Robbie Williams and many more, and has enjoyed excellent opportunities working in both film and television, and on stage. She was the voice of Barbie for many years.

Suzie has been choreographing shows for many years, and now choreographs and teaches for companies in Suffolk, Essex, East Sussex and London. She has spent the past year juggling choreography work and teaching, as well as becoming a mum to her precious bundle of joy, Mila.

Lucy Mellamphy has recently joined the JASD teaching faculty, and will be choreographing for the summer show. Lucy is excited to be returning to teach tap for Jessica Ann School of Dancing, having formerly been a student at Stacey Pepper Dance Academy. She went on to train with Tap Attack as part of the Midlands Team, giving her the opportunity to learn from some great tappers such as Adam Garcia, Avalon Rathgeb and the Syncopated Ladies.

Lucy has recently choreographed for the Co-op Juniors Christmas Spectacular The Nutcracker and is looking forward to getting back to class and hopefully seeing some familiar faces.