Meet the Team
Our mission is to provide dance training at the highest standard in a safe, fun and friendly environment for children, teenagers and adults.
At Plymouth Dance Academy we are qualified to teach all dance styles from beginners to advance level. We are very lucky to follow Ballet Bunnies® syllabus for our baby and toddler classes.
We cater those who would like to follow a professional career in dance as well as those who would like to dance just for pure enjoyment.
We nurture and encourage students to their full potential no matter their age or ability whilst trying to transmit our passion for dance.
PRINCIPAL
MRS CARMEN HAWKINS
Mrs Hawkins was born in Seville, Spain where she began her ballet training at the National Consevatoire gaining her degree in 1994. After this she trained at a professional level at the most prestigious vocational school in the country "Studio Maria de Avila".
Alongside her ballet training she also trained in Contemporary, Flamenco, Ballroom and Latin with many prestigious national and international teachers.
After a few years dancing professionally Mrs Hawkins began her teaching career in Portugal teaching for several dance schools and companies while running her own dance school and contemporary dance company before she moved to England in 2004.
While teaching Mrs Hawkins acquire her English qualifications being now qualified by the three main examinations boards in the country ISTD, RAD and IDTA holding the prestigious Fellowship professional qualification.
Mrs Hawkins has been teaching in Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and the Republic of Ireland for several dance schools before she moved to Devon in 2009 where she has been teaching ever since.
TEACHER
MISS ANNELISE BELL
BA (HONS) Degree in Dance and Musical Theatre at Dancebox Studios and Theatre Works. Trained in a variety of genres including Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Commercial, Latin, Heels,Tap.
Participated in several performances including the ‘Christmas Extravaganza’ and ‘Move it!’.
Professionally Trained Dancer. BA Hons Degree in Dance and Musical Theatre. I have wealth of knowledge across a variety of dance genres and am passionate about combining dance and fitness to deliver energetic, inclusive, and engaging classes that inspire confidence and enjoyment in movement.
I have a strong understanding of dance technique, choreography, musicality, and physical conditioning, enabling the delivery of safe, effective, and motivating sessions for participants of all ages and abilities.
Nursery Practitioner
Naturally, I project a warmth and approachable nature. Coupled with my dedication to nurture children and creating a positive and inclusive environment, I am an accomplished and experienced nursery practitioner.
- Enhanced DBS
- Safeguarding trained
- Food and hygiene certificate
(Little Orchard Montessori Nursery) Current employment during school holidays since 2022.
TEACHER
MISS ELOISE WHITLEY
Miss Eloise started to dance with Mrs Hawkins at the age 3. She has danceD Ballet, Modern, Tap Ballroom and Latin since the very start and has achieved both intermediate vocational level with outstanding Distinction results in both Ballet and Contemporary Moder n Dance. She has even assisting Mrs Hawkins and Miss Raquel since age 14.Mis Eloise will start teaching alongside her L3 Teaching qualification with the IDTA in September