Meet the Team
All dance teachers hold an enhanced DBS check and have safeguarding training. A First Aider is present at all dance classes.
Imogen Gibson
I started dancing at the Jane Wheeler School of Dance at the age of 5. I danced here until I was 16 years old taking part in shows and taking my RAD ballet exams. Alongside my training with Jane, I was taught by Lynsey and Simon Kidd to further my ballet training. At 16 I gained a place at KS Dance Ltd where I trained professionally for 3 years. I gained my Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance and my Teaching qualifications in ISTD Ballet, Tap and Modern.
During college I danced with the Allegrodance Touring Company and performed in many Showcases at the Brindley Theatre. Upon graduation I danced professionally in a touring show in Cyprus and then went onto work at Disney Land Paris, dancing in the Parades.
I returned home to Barnoldswick and started taking some classes for Jane. I found my passion for teaching and in September 2014 I took over the dance School from Jane Wheeler, a school that is very close to my heart. I hope to inspire the children just like Jane inspired me.
Qualifications
- Level 6 Diploma in Dance Pedagogy (D.D.P)
- ISTD Licentiate Cecchetti Ballet (L.I.S.T.D)
- Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance
- Acrobatic Arts Module 1
Aimee Stead
I began my dance journey at 4 years old. I attended ballet classes at Jane Wheeler School of Dance and at age 8 I also attended classes at Lancashire School of Dance (Lynsey Kidd) in Colne/Barrowford. I auditioned for the Centre for Advanced Training Programme (C.A.T) at Northern Ballet in Leeds, I secured a place and continued my training on the C.A.T Programme from age 10-16 under the direction of Yoko Ichino. Here, I built a strong foundation in classical ballet and contemporary dance, alongside my school education. I performed with Northern Ballet Company on stage at the Leeds Grande Theatre in their Christmas performance of The Nutcracker (Artistic Director, David Nixon MBE). We performed an End of Year Show each summer and shared the stage with the Northern School of Contemporary Dance at our home, Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre and at the Northern school of Contemporary Dance’s Riley Theatre. At 16 I moved away from home and furthered my training at Northern Ballet School in Manchester where I trained for 3 more years in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Tap. We performed on our home stage at The Dancehouse four times a year, in our Choreography show, Ballet performance, Musical and End of Year production. I graduated in June 2021.
I’m excited to share my passion for dance and movement and I look forward to passing on my knowledge and experience to help the next generation of dancers.
Qualifications
Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance.
Paige Brett
I have been dancing, teaching and choreographing for 13 years and I couldn’t think of anything better! I studied theatre and performance at Burnley College and then went on to further my training in Manchester where I became qualified as a teacher. During this time, I volunteered at dance festivals and started training young students for competitions. I have performed in many shows at The Pendle Hippodrome Theatre with the company and I have also directed for the Youth Theatre.
I have taught in many schools over the years, teaching dance for their PE sessions as part of the curriculum as well as teaching for local dance schools. I am very passionate about the arts and theatre and I want to inspire and encourage the next generation of performers.
Qualifications
- ISTD DDI Modern Theatre (Diploma in Dance Instruction)
- BTEC Dance
- HNC Dance
Luke Whipp
I have trained in several dance disciplines, first studying at Imogen Gibson school of dance focusing on tap, modern and ballet. I furthered my training at Burnley college before attending the University of Salford where I attained a BA in Dance with a high focus on contemporary dance, interdisciplinary performance and community practices.
I spend a lot of my time in and around the arts whether it is watching shows, visiting galleries or performing. I recently graduated with an MA in Dance Choreography at Salford whilst freelancing in the Greater Manchester area. I am currently a course tutor at Burnley college and a freelance teacher and performer.
Qualifications
- BA in Dance- University of Salford
- MA in Dance Choreography - University of Salford