Meet Our Dance Teachers

Jessica Corell

How did you become a dance teacher? I grew up in Chichester and trained in Musical theatre full time from the age of 12- by Sarah herself, infact! I went off to London at 16 to train at Urdang and enjoyed my time dancing and singing abroad before having to move back home. Now I have been teaching back in my hometown since 2017 and love it!

Favourite dance classes to teach: Musical Theatre is my favourite because I feel I can play around with choreography the most and have fun with it! Closely followed by Tap!!

Most memorable moment of my career: Dancing in the opening on BBC 1 Children In Need. So fascinating seeing how it all works behind the scenes at the Elstree studios. In my teaching career, I’d have to say choreographing and dancing a dance with a huge flashmob at the end of it, at goodwood revival. It’s always a big hit and widely recognised by the Duke and by ITV!

Favourite drink: A sunny day time drink for me has to be a fruity Pimms! Non alcoholic would be an orange juice and lemonade!

Book or Box Set? Box set… Just!!

Beach or countryside? Beach 100%!

Tell us an Interesting fact: When I was 17 I had to tube feed myself for 8 weeks-no food or drink whatsoever. All whilst continuing with my professional musical theatre training in London. Safe to say I have loved and appreciated food ever since!!

Emeli Salentino

How did you become a dance teacher? After training at Bird College I went on to dance professionally for 7 years however along the way I found a new love for teaching so decided to make that my full time job after my final cruise contract!

Favourite dance genre to teach: Ballet & tap

Most memorable moment of my career: Principle Classical dancer in our show ‘Traviata’ onboard MSC cruises.

Favourite drink: Tea 😂

Book or Box Set? Box Set

Beach or countryside? Oh gosh both!!

Tell us an Interesting fact: Both my parents are Italian and myself and my two sisters have all been brought up with very Italian culture and traditions.

Clare Ellams

How did you become a dance teacher? I was taken to Ballet when I was 3 yrs old and never looked back, performing in competitions and shows before training at Preston Dance College, followed by performing and choreographing shows on land, abroad and ships. Now I work in the entertainment department for P&O Cruises, I love my job and also fit in teaching dance, paddle-boarding and looking after my cute puppy.

Favourite dance classes to teach: Musical Theatre and the variety it brings. However I do enjoy teaching other genres of dance.

Most memorable moment of my career: Travelling the world on cruise ships and working with BBC Strictly Come Dancing.

Favourite drink: I do like a pink gin and tonic, however a Prosecco is always great 😊

Book or Box Set? Recently I love a box set, but definitely love to take my book to the beach and get lost in it.

Beach or countryside? Beach, love country walks but my happy place and makes me relax is the sea and beach. I’m so lucky to live by the sea.

Tell us an Interesting fact: The most interesting celebrity I met among lots was Eddie Large (from Little and large) We had great chats.

Katie Jerwood

How did you become a dance teacher? I have always loved dancing and in general all sports. After having my first daughter, my NCT mummy friends and I went to a Zumba class and that was it – I loved it. A few years later I trained as an instructor and took over the class. I’ve gone onto expand the range of fitness classes I teach and I just love helping people achieve a wide range of goals, from coping with stress and anxiety, building confidence, weight loss, improving mobility and flexbility and generally just having a good time with friends.

Favourite genre of Dance to teach? I absolutely love teaching Barre because it can really change people’s lives – improve mobility, flexbilty and strength. It’s tough, as it can be mentally and physically challenging, but so rewarding.

Most memorable moment of my career? Recently one of my ladies who is in her 70’s had her regular health MOT – the nurse told her that her readings were that of a 30 year old – she attributed it to her exercise routine and her wonderful instructor!

Favourite drink? I can’t function without my morning coffee and love a gin & tonic on a Friday when I’ve picked my daighter up from her last dance class!

Book or box set? In the summer a book in the sun but in the winter definitely a box set.

Beach or countryside? Beach.

An interesting fact: In my life before children I was a Headhunter specialising in Sports Sponsorship and Events – I recruited people for the 2012 London Olympics, Red Bull and the FA.

Beverley Norton

How I got here: I studied Musical Theatre in Bromley for 3 years whilst studying to be a Dance Teacher. After being lucky enough to work professionally as a Dancer I fell in love with teaching and now work for multiple schools in and around Hampshire.

Favourite dance genre to teach: I adore Big Band and Jazz Music so it would have to be Jazz and Tap followed by Contemporary.

Most memorable moment of my career: Being lucky enough to be a part of the 25th Parade at Disneyland Paris!

Favourite drink: I love a hot drink especially a Chai Latte and a Hot Chocolate!

Book or Box Set? Box Set!

Beach or countryside? Beach every time!

Tell us an Interesting fact: Every time I go away I challenge myself into trying new things so far I have ziplined, snorkeled, kayaked and surfed!

Mignon Riggs

How I got here: Originally from Somerset I moved to Chichester in 2017 to study Dance. Completing both by BA and MA in dance at The University of Chichester. Since then have been working freelance around the South and have recently co founded Glitch Dance Collective.

Favourite dance classes to teach: Definitely contemporary- I really enjoy creating a more somatic and breath led approach to moving. I’m super interested in physical theatre and hugely inspired by companies like Gecko.

Most memorable moment of my career: I am currently at the beginning of the creation process of my first professional work with my company Glitch Dance Collective- we are loving the creative process and are super excited to be debuting the work at Brighton Fringe 2024.

Favourite drink: Definitely an oat milk flat white!!

Book or Box Set? I really love a book however I’m a sucker for an easy series, New Girl is my favourite!!

Beach or countryside? Beach for sure! 

Tell us an Interesting fact: As a child I used to eat porridge on toast for breakfast (secretly I still love this now!)

Caroline Ferguson

How did you get here? After studying at the Central school of Ballet and having a professional dancing career I returned to Portsmouth to pursue teaching as the passion for dance is an art to be passed to everyone whatever level ( I absolutely love it) 

What is your favourite genre to teach? Ballet of course lol 😂 

What is the most memorable moment of your career? Performing at Sadlers Wells theatre as a solo artist 

What is your favourite drink? Tea is my go to I absolutely hate coffee!

Book or box set? Definitely a box set 

Countryside or beach? Difficult to choose but we are definitely spoilt having both on our doorstep.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I’ve recently picked up a tennis racket and have enjoyed exploring a new hobby totally out of my comfort zone later on in life and I love it. Just shows you’re never too late to enjoy something new !!