Poole Academy of Dance
Our teachers
All of our teachers are professionally trained artists who have a rich experience in the industry.


Principal
Sophia Marsh
Sophia is a qualified teacher in RAD Ballet, BTDA Tap, Modern Jazz, Ballet Lyrical and Acrobatics and iDance Contemporary training.
Sophia opened the Poole Academy of Dance since in 1992, teaching Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz & Acrobatics and then started Image Performing Arts to offer Stage work, competitions and Performing Arts to the students.
She has worked and choreographed many professional productions including Pantomimes and charity work.


Teacher - Dance & Performing Arts
Laura Eastwood
Laura is a BTDA qualified teacher that has been teaching Dance and Performing Arts for 20 years. As well as PAD, this includes After School Dance Clubs and numerous workshops for children and adults; including for groups with additional needs. Since Lockdown, Laura started up weekly online Stretch and Movement classes which really helps busy Mum's get involved. She also runs an online Health and Wellness Business which has helped her own wellness journey as well as many others. Laura now has two of her own young dancers within the school who love performing on stage.


Performing Arts, Lyrical and Contemporary
Sarah Battez
Sarah trained at PAD from a young age before going on to study Musical Theatre and Performing Arts at Laine Theatre Arts. Since graduating, she has worked professionally with many well-known choreographers in shows across theatres throughout the UK. After relocating from London to Poole, where she previously taught jazz, modern, and tap at several dance schools, Sarah is thrilled to be back at PAD teaching Senior Stage Class, Lyrical, and Contemporary. She also choreographs group dances and solos for competitions, showcases, and performances.


Classical Ballet, Lyrical and Contemporary
Carli Stephens
Carli trained at Northern Ballet School and is a qualified teacher in Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap and National Dance. Having taught for over 20 years and returning to her home town of Poole, Carli teaches our RAD vocational syllabus ballet classes. Carli also trains our Competition Team, choreographing ballet and Lyrical solo's and Team Dances.


Vocal Coach
Tim Dowland
Tim started singing and dancing at the age of 3, and took all subjects in dance and performance. He started singing in bands when he was 18 and has toured Europe and the Middle East.
He loves working with enthusiastic young people, and 15 years ago he became a vocal coach and it has been very successful. He has worked with many famous people as a Vocal Coach including, Suggs, Jools Holland, Sam Brown, Boy George and many others.
Tim was signed to the BBC ‘The Voice’ as a Vocal Coach and worked with them in 2012/13 season.
He now runs 7 Choirs and is National Musical Director for Parkinsons UK, and fronts a national SKA band called RatRace


Drama
Abbie Wills
Miss Abbie is a qualified teacher of drama and dance and head of performing arts in a Dorset Secondary school. She has been delivering workshops and teaching in local schools for over 20 years. She trained in performing arts since the age of two finally ending up at PAD for their first ever show. Miss Abbie now has two daughters at the school following in their Mum’s foot steps.


Competitions, Costume and Events
Jen
Jen is the organisational heart of the studio, keeping everything running smoothly both front and behind the scenes. From managing our extensive costume stock room to sourcing and purchasing costumes for annual Showcases, Bi-annual Shows, and Competition Team performances, Jen ensures every dancer looks their best on stage. She oversees the scheduling and co-ordination of daily studio life, competitions, events, and shows, while also handling payments and enquiries. As the first point of contact for parents, Jen combines efficiency with approachability, making her an invaluable link between the studio team and our families.
Student Teachers












