MEET THE TEAM
NIKI TAYLOR A.I.D.T.A - PRINCIPAL
Niki has been dancing since she was 5 years old and is primarily trained in Ballet, Tap & Freestyle. At a local dance school, she participated in shows & passed many examinations over her 20 years of dancing. Niki is an Associate of the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA). A love of all things dance has encouraged Niki to learn further dance styles including contemporary, street, latin & ballroom.
SOPHIE HUNT- OFFICE MANAGER
Sophie, started her TDC life as a Dance Mum, when her daughter joined our dance classes. She quickly became a regular helper at our dance events and in our reception area. Sophie has a Level 3 CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education and has worked at a senior level in several Nursery settings. Sophie is an essential member of the team ensuring everything is kept in order!
IZZI OLIVER AISTD-
HEAD OF BRAINTREE
Izzi has been dancing since she was little and has been lucky enough to perform on the West End Stage in Billy Elliot the Musical. In 2019, Izzi graduated from a 3-year musical theatre diploma course at Performers College. Since then Izzi worked for P&O Australia and performed as dancer on board the Pacific Aria Cruise Ship. Izzi was made Head of Braintree in 2022!
AIMEE PETTIFER AISTD- TEACHER
Aimee has been dancing for as long as she can remember! She graduated from Masters Performing Arts College in 2016 and was lucky to perform on the X Factor, in various music videos for well-known choreographers & perform at numerous Children In Need events. Aimee went on to gain her DDI in ISTD Ballet, Tap & Modern, and has many years of experience in teaching different dance styles.
HOPE WOOLSTON- TEACHER
Hope started dancing when she was 3 and hasn't stopped since. After leaving her dance school at 18 she danced and performed several styles before discovering and falling in love with Burlesque - which she now performs. Hope found and joined TDC's adult class in 2021 and fell back in love with the traditional dance styles which she is now thrilled to teach to the younger students.
SAM TRACEY ISTD- TEACHER
Sam is originally from Manchester and trained at Preston College where she gained her teaching qualifications and a degree in Dance Education. Sam was lucky to perform as a Showgirl in Paris and Spain, but has now settled in Essex! Sam joins the team with a wealth of teaching experience.
SAMANTHA CANTRELL AISTD- TEACHER
Sam started dancing at the age of 3 at a Saturday class in a local village hall and she is still dancing at the same village hall but now as a teacher of her own dance school- Ignite Dance Company. Sam is a ISTD qualified teacher and specialises in disco and street dance. Sam is a long term friend of TDC and has been a regular at our Showcases and events. Sam runs our Wivenhoe classes!
LAUREN BLAZER- TEACHER
Lauren started dancing at Essex Dance Theatre at the age of 3 and committed to it for 12 years, representing Essex & touring around Devon. I absolutely loved when I began tap dancing again and started at an adults tap class at TDC. I quickly realised my passion and love for dance had not faded! Being asked to become a teacher at TDC gave me a great sense of achievement and pride as now I get to support other people with wherever they are at with their dance journey. I hope to bring fun, laughter and enjoyment to every class!