All of our teachers are fully qualified, insured, first aid trained and hold a current DBS
Jo Paris Principal & Musical Director (AISTD, ABD)
Jo was awarded a full time scholarship training as a professional dancer at the Stella Mann College of Performing Arts where she graduated with a Three Year Dance Diploma and ISTD Associate in teaching (with Honors). She has performed on the West End Stage and appeared in various Television Shows dancing along side Ant & Dec and with the former lead singer of INXS, Michael Hutchins. Joanna has been teaching students aged 2-18 years for the last fifteen years and has managed to gain parts for her pupils in many West End Productions, local Theatre Shows and TV Programmes. As Principal Jo has a very active role in the school, Directing and Producing Shows, running the Summer Workshops and teaching Ballet, Contemporary & Musical Theatre She loves the whole ethos of her school and believes she runs an extremely friendly and professional group.
Melitsa Mace Musical Theatre Teacher
Millie trained at Mountview Theatre School where she won three consecutive singing scholarships and graduated with honours. Theatre credits include; Little Shop of Horrors at the Chocolate Factory, Saucy Jack and The Space vixens at The Venue Leicester Sq, The musical Cabaret directed by Matthew White at The English Theatre Frankfurt, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar at The English Theatre Frankfurt & Madeleine in Brenda Bly at The Bridewell Theatre London to mention a few. Millie has performed in numerous cabarets and used to be the lead singer in the band Zóe, she has also danced professionally from a very young age competing in ballroom & Latin American. Millie combined her love of cooking and presenting when she recorded alongside celebrity chef James Martin Deck Dates for BBC Worldwide and Uk Food channel. She is very excited to be teaching at PPA and choreographing for forthcoming events.
Heidi Rowland Drama & Singing Teacher (ALCM AIDTA OCR)
Heidi graduated from her London based training in 2003 where she successfully achieved her 3 year Musical Theatre Diploma and exercise to music qualification. Since graduating Heidi has worked professionally and her credits include: P&O World Cruise, Lead Singer/Dance Captain UK National Tour “Annie” Grace Farrell Spirit of the Dance, South Carolina. Saturday Night Fever Musical “Annette” USA Royal Caribbean International: Liberty, Mariner, Brilliance & Serenade of the Seas. Lead Production Singer/Vocal Captain. The Greatest Show on Earth-Royal Albert Hall The Brit Awards 2000-London Earl’s Court Pink Floyd Tour- Brick in the wall (Child Singer) The Secret- feature Film, Lead Actress Myrtle. Heidi enjoys teaching and has taught in various schools around Kent and London, she is constantly looking for new and exciting projects and is extremely excited to be teaching at Paris Performing Arts.
Beckie Davis Contemporary & Conditioning Teacher
Beckie trained at Dance Act Theatre School and Reynolds Performing Arts. Since graduating she has performed in many tours with the well-known Irish show 'Spirit of the Dance'. These tours include: Russia, Israel, Europe, Canada, China, Dubai, Holland, Belgium & the UK! She has also performed in the resident shows on board the M/S Carnival Sensation and M/S Carnival Liberty with Carnival Cruise Lines. Other credits include: The X Factor, Israel - Dancer, UKG Wembley Arena,, Passport to Pimlico the musical - Ensemble, GFC Gem Cheerleaders- Captain/ Choreographer/ Cheerleader, London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony- Dancer, Celtic Fiddle Dance- Saga Cruise Lines- Dancer, Dick Whittington, The Stag Theatre- Senior dancer, Aladdin, The Stag Theatre- Ensemble, TV credits include: The Royals, CBBC Hatty Feather, The Only Way Is Essex, Guitar Hero, Soccer AM, TV OD Beckie has a great passion for teaching and loves passing her knowledge onto her students.
Kate Weller Dance & Singing Teacher (AISTD)
‘Kate has been happily teaching for the last 12 years. After training at Italia Conti Academy in Barbican she discovered a true love for teaching and hopes her passion for the performing arts comes across in her work. She went on to gain her FDI and certificate in dance education, and continues to train with ISTD. She is a CDET accredited dance teacher and has her safeguarding certificate in child protection with NSPCC. Kate's choreography has appeared onstage at The Palladium, Sadlers Wells, the 02 arena, Royal Albert Hall as well as Disneyland Paris, and many local theatres. Kate is thrilled to teach such talented individuals at Paris Performing Arts and would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication!’
Jessica Pease Contemporary & Troupe Teacher
Jessica trained at Stella Mann College where she was awarded a scholarship and graduated with a diploma in Musical Theatre. She has performed in numerous shows and events both in the UK and abroad including work in the West end, on cruise ships, and numerous tours in the UK as well as Europe. She has also performed for the British Army over in Germany as part of an all singing and dancing trio, having previously toured the show in Spain. She has worked as a Dance Captain, Choreographer and Company Manager for various shows and alongside performing has always loved teaching! She is also a DJ and entertainer at kid’s parties throughout Kent. Jessica still performs but also loves being part of PPA and watching the students grow from strength to strength.
Katie Mitchell Ballet Teacher (AISTD, DDI)
Since the age of 4 Katie has always had a passion for dancing, she completed her training at Doreen Bird College where she received a degree in professional musical theatre as well as an ISTD diploma in dance instruction. After graduating in July 2016 katie has dedicated her career to auditioning for musical theatre and dance based shows as well as teaching at various different dance schools. Most recently she landed a professional contract performing in 'The Wizard of Oz' Pantomime as a pro Dancer. Katie has been teaching for the past 7 years and loves watching her students improve week by week. Most recently Katie successfully coached our students through their ISTD Ballet examinations with 100% pass rate and all students gaining a Merit or Distinction.
