JASON THOMAS R.A.D.R.T.S (Cert. Ed) A.I.D.T.A.

Jason started dancing at the age of 9 at the Cornwall High School of Dancing in Camborne,run by the charismatic and inspirational Madam Norman. At the age of 12, Jason auditioned successfully for Bush Davies School and The Lagat School of Russian Ballet. After finishing the Lower school at Lagat and appearing with the Northern Ballet Theatre on numerous occasions, he attended London Studio Centre, gaining the position of Head Ballet Boy in his second year. After graduation and becoming a member of Equity, Jason has worked throughout the world. He performed in London's West End,throughout Europe and Asia in Las Vegas style revue shows, gaining soloist/dance captain and company manager positions. He performed on many cruise lines on inaugural cruises, holding the same positions.

Sarah Thomas

Little Stars Nursery Manager
After gaining a BEd (Hons) degree in Primary Education in Plymouth, Sarah worked in a local Nursery before moving to Little Stars.

Over her 4 year degree she studied all aspects of education including the Early Years Foundation Stage which is followed at Little Stars Nursery which concentrates on 6 main areas, which are; Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication Language and Literacy, Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Physical Development and Creative Development.

With paediatric first aid training, and various other teaching certificates, Sarah hopes to create a warm, friendly atmosphere at Little Stars where children can fully access the Early Years Foundation Stage whilst developing a love for performing and dance.

Marianne Dawson

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Hip Hop

I started dancing in Cornwall and have always wanted to return and continue dancing. Throughout my life I have had various dance training including tap, modern, jazz, ballet, latin and ballroom and later on developed a love for contemporary. After taking a BTEC in Performing Arts, I decided to specialize purely in dance and completed a BA Hons degree, This was partially in Cornwall and partially at Bath Spa University. My training at Truro College specialized in Arts and Education and whilst there I was also a member of the Jason Thomas Dance Company. This was about the time my professional career as a dancer began as I started traveling around the country performing at events and festivals. Bath Spa gave me the opportunity to create and tour my own work specialising in "architecting the body". Since returning to Cornwall I have been working for Jason Thomas, where I have been for the last four year, teaching jazz, ballet, tap, street, hip hop and contemporary and since September I have also been teaching at Truro College. When I can I still travel with freelance work in and around Cornwall.

Ryan Moore A.I.S.T.D (Dip) R.A.D RTS with Distinction.

Started his training in Plymouth and then carried on his training at Performers Dance College. At college Ryan gained his Associates in Modern and Tap. Ryan’s credits to date are performing with George Michael and Elton John in the Royal Albert Hall, danced for Gloria Gaynor in Holland, also dancer in New York, Barbra Windsor’s This is Your Life, dancer for Shirley Bassey on the Royal Variety Performance in 2000 and Royal Variety Dancer, 42nd Street UK Tour, Pantomimes in Blackpool Dick Whittington and Manchester Snow White and the Severn Dwarfs and worked with London Cast of Fame in the BBC’s The Generation Game Show. Ryan has been teaching for 10 years now and enjoys passing on information and knowledge to his students to further their careers in the performing arts industry.

Terri-Anne Beattie-Sawyer

I have been dancing since the age of 16 years old and I started teaching shortly afterwards. I enjoy a wide range of dance styles but my favourite is ballet. I have been a member of the Jason Thomas Dance company for 2 years. I currently teach ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary. I have completed my FdA in Dance. I am currently studying a BA (hons) in dance theatre, Certificate in Ballet teaching studies with the RAD and Istd and ITDA qualifications. I will be assisting with the nursery Little stars and developing knowledge and training in the EYES . I qualified to fit pointe shoes and teach cheer leading. I am also a member of foundation for community dance.

Sophie Rollason

I was first on stage at the age as 3 and have trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Freestyle, street, hip hop and contemporary. Whilst at school I studied GCSE dance and went on to gain a Dance and Arts qualification which allowed me to teach dance in many primary schools across the county. I then went on to complete a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts at Truro college. Whilst on the course I had the opportunity to attend the Chelsea Studios in New York where I was taught by a member of Bob Fosse's Dance Company. I am currently studying at Truro for a Fda in Dance. Qualifications/ Achievements: IDTA Classical Ballet Award IDTA Freestyle exams from Bronze – 4th Star Child Protection Training Award Level 1 First Aid QCA Sports Leader UK Level 1 Award QCA Dance Leader UK Level 1 Award Cornwall Education Business Partnership Certificate

Shanna Dawes

Shanna is currently working towards my IDTA dance qualification for Hip hop and street dance and working toward her Btec in Dance st Truro College. Danced at numerous places including the Sadlers wells theatre, Hall for Cornwall in front of the HRH Duchess of Cornwall and the World Hip Hop Championships. I have been a Dance teacher for Jason Thomas for just over a year and have now moved onto teaching for Jason Thomas after being in his company for 4 years as head girl. I have a passion for teaching and I will be teaching hip hop and street dance for all ages at Jason Thomas.

Oriel Bennett – Health and Dance Fitness Trainer

FA Advanced National Teacher Trainer (Level 4)
Personal Fitness Training, Classes and Choreography
Member of the Register of Exercise Professionals

After a brief career as an international stage and recording artiste I returned to Cornwall and devoted myself to presenting keep fit and dance classes. My training has included fitness through both dance and health-related aims and my classes reflect this professional grounding in purposeful and fun exercise and movement. Everyone is welcome to join; please allow time to talk to me on your first visit.

Julia Fagence

Julia started dancing at the age of seven years old at the Marguerita Hoare School of dancing in St Albans, training in RAD Ballet and ISTD Ballet, Classical Greek, National and Modern Dance.

At 12 years old she moved to Guildford and trained at the Bellairs School of Dance and Drama with RAD examiner Ruth Audsley. At 16 she went on to full time training at Laine Theatre Arts where she trained with Betty Laine and gained her advanced exams in Ballet, Tap, Modern, National and Greek dance.

Over the years she has performed in many Festivals and shows and has choreographed many dances both for herself, children and other adults. Julia has now been teaching both Children and Adults, Ballet, Tap and Modern for 20 years and still regularly performs at the Jason Thomas Performing Arts yearly show, where she choreographs a dance for her Adult Ballet class.

Jennifer Cohen

Hi! I am Jennifer Cohen; I love ballet and have been dancing from a young age. I first started ballet in Jamaica at the Edna Manley College, School of Dance with the Cecchetti syllabus. I then moved on to Vickers Dance Studio, where I studied the RAD syllabus for over 6 years, from grades 3-8, achieving passes with distinctions and merits. Also, during my time at the dance schools, I performed in their shows. Moving from Jamaica to Cornwall to pursue childcare, I earned a Level 3 qualification (BTEC National Diploma) in Children's Care, Learning and Development. Since qualifying in July 2009, I have been working as a Play Assistant at a pre-school in St. Austell. I did not forget my love for ballet, so joined the Jason Thomas Dance School and this is the fourth year I have been with him at RAD Intermediate level. I am now Jason's dance assistant for the Nursery Ballet class which I enjoy and get much satisfaction in helping the children love and develop in dance.

Claudia Lindemann

Flamenco, originated in the South of Spain, is primarily a solo dance where the dancer performs his/her own original material. Claudia Caolin has her background in Contemporary and Flamenco Dance and has now a teaching experience of 22 years. Originally from Germany, she studied also for many years in London and Madrid, where she considerably broadened her technical abilities as well as her theoretical understanding of both art forms. (Claudia also holds an MA in Dance Studies and wrote her thesis about Flamenco Art.) Five years ago Claudia moved to Cornwall where she teaches and performs regularly with her group Claudia Caolin Y Compania. This class is a beginners/ improvers class, so do not feel shy if you never have danced Flamenco before. Technical advancement, including the development of good posture and alignment, is equally emphasized as the discovery of many flamenco styles through different choreographies.

Amanda Light

Amanda trained within the performing arts at The West Street School, Covent Garden, before completing her training in classical ballet and contemporary dance at Central School of Ballet. During this time she toured the UK with Ballet Central and danced in Northern Ballet Theatre's 'Cinderella' at Sadlers Wells. Her career began in musical theatre performing as a dancer and understudy 'Meg Giry' in Andrew Lloyd- Webber's 'Phantom of the Opera' in Manchester. She then went on to perform the role of Meg in Edinburgh and the West End for a number of years. Further work included the UK tour of 'Spirit of the Dance' alongside numerous pantomimes, cabarets and tours with small ballet companies. Amanda is also a qualified gym instructor and personal trainer. She currently teaches ballet and musical theatre at Truro College, as well as teaching dance to young people with special educational needs.

Anne Marie

Ann-Marie comes from a Samba dance background, dancing for fun in carnivals and semi-professional for private functions over the past 8 years. Zumba® Fitness classes are suitable for most ages and abilities. Adult classes ages 14 and over. Zumbatomic®-under 12's Zumba® Fitness classes fuse uplifting latin and world rhythms with easy to follow moves, to create a one of a kind class bringing you the most enjoyment, so much fun you'll forget you're working out!

Keith Stevenson

I started dancing in 1965, with The Spencer Bryant School of Dancing, in Surbiton, Surrey. The Principals Carl Bryant and Jane Spencer, were my parents closest friends, so this was a type of family affair. After working up to Gold Bar, (NATD) in 1972 for Ballroom and Bronze (NATD) Latin American, Bronze Stage (IDTA 1967) I spent over 10 Years, principal experience, enjoying social dancing and some stage work. The late Guy Howard trained me for Associate Ballroom and Latin American teaching technique(IDTA). I received Membership (IDTA) Ballroom training with the Late Jacqueline Roberts.

My qualifications: Membership (licentiate MIDTA) Modern Ballroom Dance Associate Latin American Dance (AIDTA) BCs Mathematical Sciences (HON) Open university HNC Electronics Engineering Professional Membership: Institute of Learning

Amateur awards Gold-Bar Ballroom amateur medal test ( NADT 1972 HC) Bronze stage amateur medal tests ( IDTA 1967)

Drama: Supporting role and lead role in two amateur productions in the 1980's. Helped to design and make electronic props. MC and Performer for Maori Culture (New Zealand) for music, dance and song troop in 1970's in London.

Taylor-Sian Paciuszko

Contemporary Dance/Burlesque teacher

I have been dancing since I was a child in various different schools, studying various different styles, but it wasn’t until I joined Jason’s classes when I was 16 that I knew I wanted to be a dancer. I gained a place on the degree course at one of Europe’s most renowned contemporary schools, the Laban Centre London and graduated in 2006. My final year at the school really ignited my passion for Graham technique and Dance for Camera, whilst giving me the chance to tour new choreographies by Jonathan Stone and Lea Anderson. Alongside my training I worked with Window Dance Company as a performer – this included site specific, instillation and film work performances. I am now currently living in Cornwall and working as a freelance practitioner and teacher. My teaching is based at Truro College and the Jason Thomas Dance Studios and my freelance work has included projects with youth, community and choreographic work as well as performance opportunities with Cscape Dance Company, Attik Dance and The Darkin Ensemble. Over the past couple of years I have co-founded All A Scrawl Dance Theatre – a Cornwall-based contemporary dance company working on live performance and dance for camera.

Naomi

Naomi was born in Ireland and studied Singing, cello and piano at the Royal College of Music, She has had a long and varied performing career, taught music in Cornwall for over twenty years and co-directs her own business. As well as teaching from home and in two local schools, Naomi recently opened a new studio in Truro .Together with teaching over fifty students ranging in ages for 7 to 70. she performs as a solo Singer ,plays the cello in a string trio and a quartet, accompanies her many pupils and runs a girls' singing ensemble.

Robert Mennear

Robert Mennear left Cornwall in 2003 to further his studies in London at ‘The Place’ (London Contemporary Dance School). There he gained both his BA (hons) Degree in Contemporary Dance and his Postgraduate Diploma in Performance with the touring company EDg07. He then went on to tour nationally and internationally with such professional companies as IJAD Dance Company, FFIN Dance, Jose Vidal and Angela Praed. Robert established himself as a freelance Dance Practitioner and Artist in such institutes as The Place, where he aided in developing youth dance as well as leading C.A.T Out-Reach Dance Schemes. Now Robert is excited about his return to the County in hope to further fuel dance in Cornwall.

Lucy Chadwick

I have been dancing since the age of 5; up until I turned 16 I studied BBO ballet and Tap once a week at the Henwood School of dance, Stourbridge in the West Midlands. Also from the age of 14 I was part of a cheer leading team for the Birmingham Bullets (basketball team) which required training and performing once a week, at 16 I earned a scholarship at the Urdang Academy of Performing Arts where I studied ballet. Tap, Modern, Jazz, Drama, Singing Body conditioning and various classes on nutrition, anatomy etc. I graduated at 19 years of age with a Diploma in Performing Arts, I finally began to teach at the age of 21 and have been teaching ever since. I have worked for many Dance Schools in the South West and have also had the pleasure of teaching in Goa India.

Zoe Moyle

I discovered my passion for dance when I began secondary school and started dance at Jason Thomas Performing Arts.I performed in yearly dance shows at the Hall for Cornwall. I then opted to do a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts where I gained triple distinction for my work. Alongside my BTEC I worked as part of the ‘entertainments team’ at a holiday camp where I found a love for working with children so I then decided to partake in a Foundation Degree in Dance at Truro College and will complete my third year and gain my (BA) at another institution. I am also on the JTPA Street Dance Teachers programme that will give me an associate certificate with the IDTA. I have experienced different style of dance such as ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, however I have a real love for Hip Hop and Street Dance which is why I am so glad to be teaching it and watching the children develop their skills.

Clare Meardon

In 1999 Clare left Cornwall to train for 3 years at Performers Dance College where she gained her Modern Dance Associate teaching qualification with distinction (AISTD). Upon graduation, Clare became a backing dancer for Lionel Ritchie, Shirley Bassey, Engelbert Humperdinck, Russell Watson, Boyz 2K, Joe Pasquale and Brian Connelly. Fashion, Trade and Hair shows for Next, Wella and various bridal wear. Cruise work; Celebrity Cruises – M/V Horizon, M/V Zenith, Costa Serena. Casinos – Solverde Casino Chaves (Portugal), Figueira Da Foz – Dance Captain and Soloist (Portugal), Casino Madeira, Casino St Vincent – Soloist (Italy). UK Credits include Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Hippodrome Circus – Great Yarmouth, Spirit of the Dance, Sunday Night Live from the Palladium, London Broncos Cheerleader, Sky Sports, BBC, The Lady Beau Peep Burlesque Show, C-Scape and Rogue Theatre. Bollywood Film Credits include RACE, DE TAALI and MONEY HAI TOH HONEY HAI. Music Videos – SURMA. Clare has been teaching and choreographing alongside performing for 8 years in Rome, Portugal, Paris and London. Clare has been fortunate enough to travel the world and realise that there is no place like home and after working at La Nouvelle Eve in Paris as a Can Can dancer she returned to Cornwall to work for Duchy Ballet, Rogue Theatre, Cornwall Youth Dance and Jason Thomas.

Terry Etheridge

Terry Etheridge has an extensive career in Dance and has performed with the English National Ballet, Northern Dance Theatre and in various West End musicals, television programmes

He has taught at some of the World’s best Dance Schools these include, The Royal ballet School, Ballet West, Rambert School (Principal and Ballet Master) and Urdang Academy (Head of Dance), Hong Kong ballet, Icelandic Ballet Company, Royal Swedish Ballet Company, Finish National Ballet, Ballet Gulbenkian Portugal, London City Ballet

Terry has choreographed pieces for the Royal Opera House London, the Vienna Festival Ballet London , Cape Town Opera, Die Fledermaus Gothenburg, Merry Widow Opera Sweden , Don Carlos the Opera South Africa, Chess the Musical Denmark, Sweeny Todd Finish National Opera, New ballet Youth ballet Australia

Chris Hamilton

Chris undertook a Btec National Diploma in Performing Arts at The Hub Theatre School, St Austell followed by a BA Hons degree in Performance, Musical Theatre option at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.Having successfully graduated in 2002, work  then started with becoming Musical Director for Liskeard Musical Theatre Company and as a peripatetic singing teacher for Cornwall College, St Austell alongside the cabaret work. Chris managed to establish himself as a permanent member of the Performing Arts lecturing team in 2004 where he has remained ever since primarily teaching acting and singing. 2011 sees Chris also add singing teacher at Fowey Community College to his portfolio along with an anticipated start at Jason Thomas' Performing Arts centre.