When parents choose a dance class for their child, it’s often the teacher that makes all the difference.
The right teacher can spark a love of dance that lasts for life. They can help build confidence, support self-expression and create a space where every child feels seen, supported and celebrated – even on the wobbly days.
At Borders School of Dance, we believe that great teaching is at the heart of everything we do. It’s not just about great technique and perfect feet (although we do love those). It’s about connection, kindness and helping every dancer step leap and soar in their own time.
So what actually makes a great dance teacher? Let’s go behind the scenes at Borders and show you what sets our team apart.
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Properly Trained and Passionately Committed
Every teacher at Borders holds professional dance qualifications, often in more than one discipline like ballet, modern or acro; and many of us are still adding to our training right now. Our team has studied at respected dance colleges and universities and brings a whole mix of real stage experience and studio know how into class each week.
We’re proud to be a CDMT Recognised School, which means we meet top industry standards for safe and professional dance education. We’re also registered with the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing); a brilliant examining body that supports teachers and dancers across the world.
But we don’t stop learning when we get the certificate. Our team is always growing, from regular syllabus training and creative workshops to safeguarding updates and inclusive teaching practice. It’s all part of making sure our classes stay fresh, safe and inspiring for every child who walks through the door.
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We’re Not Just Teachers – We’re Mentors
We don’t just teach steps. We help children grow.
Whether we’re teaching preschoolers how to take turns or guiding teens through their first pointework class we aim to build resilience, creativity, confidence and a real love of dance.
Our teachers:
– Adapt their classes to suit individual needs
– Balance structure with fun and discipline with encouragement
– Understand how children grow and how dance supports that journey
– Cheer on progress even when it’s not perfect
From wiggly little ones in tutus to seniors prepping for exams or shows our teaching style is rooted in patience, professionalism and belief in every dancer.
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Meet The Team
We’re so proud of the amazing people who make up our teaching and support team. They’re talented, caring, full of knowledge and genuinely passionate about helping your child shine.
Here’s a little more about who they are and what they bring to Borders School of Dance.
Miss Louise – Director and Teacher
I’m the founder of Borders School of Dance and mum to three energetic boys. I trained in ISTD, RAD and BBO ballet (amongst the other styles too) hold a degree in dance, a Pilates qualification and I’m certified in Acrobatic Arts. I performed professionally in Japan and England before setting up BSOD with a focus on high quality inclusive training that really looks after young dancers’ bodies and minds. I’m especially passionate about injury prevention and teaching ballet in a way that supports longevity and confidence.
Miss Holly – Dance Teacher
Miss Holly is one of those teachers who leads with quiet confidence. She holds a MSc in Dance Science and Education and trained and toured with Ballet West. She’s a registered ISTD ballet teacher and certified in Acrobatic Arts. Holly’s a real technique lover and is always working to help dancers feel strong, aligned and confident in their movement. She’s also mum to little Margot so she truly understands how much it means to find teachers you trust with your child’s care and creativity.
Miss Rachael Skillen – Dance Teacher
Rachael trained in professional stage dance and has performed all over Europe including for Disney. She holds ISTD qualifications in Tap and Modern and is working towards her ISTD ballet registration too. She’s also certified in Acrobatic Arts and creates award-winning choreography for our sister school’s competition team SSDC. She’s a brilliant mix of sparkly energy and technical precision and loves helping dancers shine in both class and on stage.
Miss Rach – Dance Teacher
Miss Rach trained in professional stage dance and has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and beyond. She’s certified in Acrotrix and teaches contemporary jazz and commercial styles. She’s a big believer in confidence-building through movement and helps dancers express their personality as well as their technique. When she’s not teaching she’s often cheering from the front row at competitions supporting our SSDC team.
Miss Olivia – Dance Teacher and Admin
Olivia holds a degree in professional dance and a contemporary teaching qualification and she’s certified with Acrotrix too. She’s part of both our teaching and admin team and helps keep everything running smoothly. Her calm confident energy makes her a go-to person for parents, dancers and teachers alike. And when she’s not in the studio you’ll probably find her following the Formula 1 – she’s a big motorsport fan and never misses a Grand Prix!
Miss Megan – Admin Support
Megan trained in professional stage dance and worked professionally across the UK and abroad before moving into an admin role. She’s mum to Rhea and still pops in to teach when needed which we love. Her background in performance makes her an amazing support for our dancers and her warmth and organisation helps keep everything flowing behind the scenes.
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Safety Inclusion and High Standards
All of our teachers:
– Have up to date PVG checks and first aid certificates
– Complete regular training in safeguarding and child protection
– Are trained in supporting ASN students and inclusive practice
– Follow safe dance principles in every class
Our Teaching Assistants are trained too with guidance on class support child safety and studio etiquette, because even our youngest helpers are part of the team.
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Why It All Matters
When you choose Borders School of Dance you’re not just signing up for a class. You’re joining a community.
We care deeply about each dancer who comes through our doors. We’re committed to helping them grow through movement expression and friendship. And we know that the teacher at the front of the studio plays a huge part in that journey.
So whether your child dreams of the West End or just wants to dance for fun you can trust that they’ll be guided by people who care and who are properly trained to help them thrive.
Because a great dance teacher doesn’t just teach steps. They help shape happy confident young people, and that’s something worth shouting and dancing about.
Miss Louise x