MEET THE STAFF

Professional Dance and Drama Teachers in Cumbernauld

At The Dance Academy, Cumbernauld Branch, all our classes are taught by professionals and guest teachers. You can be assured that your child will be trained to the highest standards. Get in touch with us for more details.
Jenny Dougan, Principal

JENNY DOUGAN
ISTD DDI AND DDE, RAD DDTS, RAD RTS
DIP. ED LSC

Principal

Jenny trained at Scottish Ballet Junior Associates, The Dance School of Scotland, Knightswood and London Studio Centre.

After graduating with a Diploma in Musical Theatre, Jenny worked as a professional dancer. Her performing credits include Dance Overture (Hackney Empire, London and Peacock Theatre, London), Babes in Arms (LSC Seedtime tour), Messin' Round Midnight (Edinburgh Fringe), Half a Sixpence (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Cinderella (Theatre Royal Newcastle) Pinocchio, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan and Cinderella (Glasgow Pavilion Theatre) and Fred and Ginger (Arts Club London). Jenny also performed as a soloist on many UK tours with Dance Company Jazz Art UK, gaining critical acclaim for her solo in the "Cuttin' a Line" tour

Since becoming a teacher in 2002, Jenny has taught at various schools and colleges around the country including London Studio Centre, Bodyworks College Cambridge, Italia Conti Associates London, GAMTA, Royal Conservatoire Scotland and the Jazz Art UK College of Performing Arts.

As a choreographer, Jenny has worked with Scottish Youth Theatre, CBBC, National Theatre Scotland, Lickity Spit Theatre Company and The European Chamber Opera. She began teaching at The Dance Academy Cumbernauld in 2009 and became Principal in 2016. 

Seeing the students enjoying their classes, making new friends and progressing each year is the reason Jenny loves The Dance Academy.
Caitlin Smith, Tap, Ballet and Modern, Junior Jazz and Senior Cheerleading Teacher

CAITLIN SMITH
ISTD DDE, RAD CBTS, RAD RTS, MBATD

Head of ISTD Tap and Modern
Head of BATD 
Ballet, Jazz and Cheerleading Teacher

Caitlin trained in ISTD tap, ballet and modern at Forefront Stage School. She studied HND in professional photography at Carnegie College before deciding to embark on her professional ISTD teaching diploma (DDE) and RAD teaching diploma (CBTS). Caitlin is also a teacher tutor for the BATD and studying towards becoming an examiner.
Caitlin also owns and runs her own dance school in Alloa - Fusion Dance and Cheer Academy.

Caitlin loves teaching at The Dance Academy and is determined to pass on her love of tap dance to all the students.
Jude Mccafferty, Head of Admin

JUDE MCCAFFERTY

 Head of Admin and Retail
PA to the Principal
Majorettes Teacher

Jude attended dance and musical theatre classes from age 2 till 18, specialising in Majorettes. 

Jude graduated university with a BA Honours in History and Global Politics and also works for a children`s charity.

Jude loves being a part of The Dance Academy team, especially hectic Saturdays and show time!!
Megan White, Teaching Assistant

MEGAN WHITE  

Contemporary and Jazz teacher & tap, ballet, modern teacher

Megan began her dance training at The Dance Academy when she was three-years-old.  Megan and her class were the first students in the school to take a professional level dance exam. Megan gained a distinction (the highest grade) for her ISTD Intermediate Foundation Modern Theatre Dance exam.

We are delighted to keep Megan on board with us as a teacher and choreographer. Megan was a class assistant at The Dance Academy for many years as a teenager.

Megan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation. Megan is also a full time lab technician.

Megan loves seeing the students confidence develop, especially with tricky floor work during contemporary.

RACHEL HAY

Teaching Assistant

Rachel trained at The Dance Academy from age 2 and a half, taking many RAD ballet exams and ISTD tap and modern exams during her time as a student.

Rachel was a class assistant for many years as a youngster at The Dance Academy before she became a teaching assistant.

Rachel is also a fully qualified Primary School teacher.



Rachel loves seeing the students having fun with their friends at The Dance Academy and especially loves teaching in tap classes, her favourite genre of dance.



Lauren Ellis-Steele, Junior, Senior and Pro Jazz, Musical Theatre and Junior Cheerleading teacher

JESS MCCAFFERTY

 Majorettes teacher
Admin and Retail assistant 

Jess trained in dance and musical theatre until she was 16, specialising in Majorettes.

Jess is currently studying French and Spanish at university. 

Jess loves working at The Dance Academy, especially seeing the younger students master their majorettes technique. 


Amy Hart, Tap, Ballet and Modern teacher

  AINSLEY STENHOUSE
 
Head of Musical theatre
Acting Tutor
Street Dance, Stretch, Jazz,  and Cheerleading teacher

 Ainsley trained at Jazzart UK and graduated with a HND in Musical Theatre. 

After Graduating, Ainsley went straight into performing professionally. Her performance credits include The Wizard Of Oz (UK Tour), Alice In Wonderland (UK Tour) Sleeping Beauty The Pantomime (UK Tour), Lead Singer for Siblu Productions. TV Credits also include Supporting actress in Holby City and Eastenders (BBC).

Ainsley had previously been teaching and choreographing for various Performing Arts Schools in London before making the move back up to Scotland and couldn't wait to come back and join us at The Dance Academy!










 

EMILY BURNS

Teaching Assistant


Emily trained at The Dance Academy from age 2 and a half, taking many RAD ballet exams and ISTD tap and modern exams during her time as a student. Emily was a class assistant for many years as a teenager at The Dance Academy before becoming a teaching assistant.

Emily is also a fully qualified P.E. teacher.


Emily loves welcoming new students to The Dance Academy and especially loves her cuddles from the younger students.



 

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