Teaching Faculty
Miss Sammy (Principal) – ISTD, NATD, BA(hons)
Teaches:ISTD: Classical Ballet, Modern, Tap, Contemporary and Classical Greek Non Syllabi: Jazz, Ballet Conditioning and Pointework.
Miss Sammy started dancing locally in Southampton at the age of 5, and trained in Classical Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary. In 2009 she graduated from the University of Winchester with a Degree in Dance and Education Studies. In 2012, whilst working as a teaching assistant in the school she was training with, Sammy successfully auditioned for an entertainment position at Sand Bay Leisure Park, in Western Super-Mare, and upon her return in October 2012, she started classes in Woolston and grew the establishment into the school you see today.
Sammy strives to be one of the best for quality training and dance inclusivity. As a result she is continually engaging in as much training as she can to support our young dancers. Sammy completed her full ISTD initial teaching qualifications in Ballet, Modern and Tap by July 2021, and is now training for her licentiate qualifications with the Society. She also holds the Associate Diploma in Contemporary Dance with the NATD and has also completed the Level 1 Inspire Programme with the Royal Ballet School.
Miss Natalie – ISTD, BA(hons)
Teaches – Modern, Commercial, Musical Theatre
Miss Natalie joined SSD in January 2025.
Natalie trained at the prestigeous Laine Theatre Arts, and went on to perform aboard cruise ships, around the world including being part of the ‘We Will Rock You’ cast for Royal Caribbean. Ashore, natalie has worked creatively as a dance captain for P&O cruises and Choreographed for pantomime.
Natalie has taught a variety of styles for over a decade to children and adults, and is currently continuing her training for the ISTDs DDE (Diploma in Dance Education) in Modern and Tap. She has a huge passion for teaching, and wants to share her knowledge and training to a new generation of Dance performers. She is excited to be teaching at Sammy’s school of dance, and can’t wait to work with our students.
Miss Megan – Student Teacher
Supports: Ballet
Miss Megan began her training here at SSD at the age of 8. She has completed her graded exams in Ballet and Modern with the ISTD and continues to work at the vocational level. She also holds the higher graded exams in Contemporary Dance with the NATD and is also now working at the vocational level. Megan has taken part in a range of events and performances with the dance school including the ISTDs Janet Cram Modern Awards and several SSD showcases.
Megan assists our younger dancers in our Saturday morning Ballet classes. Megan loves working with the younger students and supporting them in their earlier years of training. Megan is now venturing into teaching dance, and is one exam away from beginning her initial teacher qualifications.
Miss Danielle (LSA)
Miss Danielle is our Learning Support Assistant. She joined SSD in May 2022. She assists a number of students with support needs both in their classes and on stage, allowing SSD to be a fully inclusive dance establishment.
Danielle has a background in dance from her training in Classical Ballet at the Lesley Angove School of Dancing in South Africa. She paused her dancing to pursue her career as a Primary School Teacher in SA before moving to the UK. We are delighted to have Danielle onboard, enabling us to offer fully inclusive dance to all young people across the city.
Char – Admin and Safeguarding Assistant
Char joined SSD as a dance mummy in 2021, before taking up a voluntary role as our admin assistant.
Char is an asset to the everyday running of the dance school, and support to both staff and students at events, competitions and performances as a lead chaperone. You will often spot her at the studios with her children who all dance here at SSD. Char’s main roles include assisting with school finances, emails and Class Manager administrations.
