Meet The Team

Jayne Wing

Jayne has loved dancing since the age of three and at just twelve years old fulfilled a lifelong dream by performing in the original West End cast of Annie alongside the fabulous Sheila Hancock.

She trained in Leicester before continuing her studies at the Drusilla Duffill Theatre School in Sussex, where she became the only student to graduate with ISTD Diploma teaching qualifications in four different dance genres.

In 1987, Jayne opened Pirouette and has been Principal ever since, teaching and supporting generations of dancers and building an impressive list of successful alumni, who have gone on to perform around the world but also have amazing careers in other pathways! She holds 3 Fellowship qualifications with the ISTD and works as both an Modern and National examiner and committee member for the society’s national branch with Pirouette being a recognised as an approved dance centre. She is also a member with the RAD and is really excited to be introducing the brand new Musical Theatre sylllabus.

Alongside teaching, Jayne has travelled internationally as an adjudicator and judge for organisations including the British and International Federation of Festivals, All England Dance and the Dance World Cup.

​Outside of dance school life, Jayne enjoys spending time in Spain embracing her love of flamenco. She is passionate about creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere at Pirouette and is proud of the welcoming community the school has built over the years.

Emma Whyle

I am a passionate dance teacher with a love for Musical Theatre, although I enjoy teaching all dance genres and helping every child grow in confidence and ability. I trained at the London College of Dance where I gained my ISTD teaching Diploma in National, Ballet, Tap, and Modern. I am also Acrobatic Arts qualified and teach the new RAD Musical Theatre syllabus.

I believe dance classes should be fun, inspiring, and full of creativity. One of my favourite things about teaching is seeing pupils’ personalities shine through and encouraging their cheeky, creative side in a positive and supportive environment. I love helping children build confidence while making wonderful memories in class.

Pirouette Academy of Dance has always been a huge part of my life. I have been part of the school since the day it opened as a pupil myself, and now I feel incredibly lucky to teach there too. As well as being a teacher, I am also a proud dance mum with two children attending the school, which makes it even more special to me.

Jemma Hill

Jemma started at Pirouette as a child and then went on to further her dance training at the Northern School of Contemporary dance, Jemma completed her training at the Scottish School of Contemporary gaining BA Hons. Degree : contemporary dance performance. While in her final year Jemma gained a place as an apprentice dancer with Smallpetitklien Dance Company. While Jemma was with the company she got to perform professionally alongside the company throughout Scotland.
Jemma has work with many choreographers such as Janis Claxton, Angus Balbernie, Vanessa Haska , Victoria Fox, Sarah Blanc and Peter Royston. Jemma has completed two UK tours with SSCD performing that The Space and The Riley Theatre to name a few.
Since graduating Jemma has taken part in many dance project including working/performing with choreographer Aaron Jeffery within the Edinburgh Festival , research dance project under the guidance of choreographer Hannah Seignior. Jemma was a dancer for dance company Testingtherazor working on their tour of ‘Fool Circle’.
Jemma has been part of the Pirouette faculty since 2014 after returning back to Leicester.

The most important reason why jemma began teaching is giving children an environment to be able to express, explore and create movement from a new angle. Whether it be new movement or lift seeing the students achieve, gives her a profound sense of fulfilment .

Josh Pegg

Josh has been teaching now at pirouette for over four years and has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the dance school. In particular he thrives off of seeing the students grow and develop not only as dancers but as happy and well rounded young individuals. 

His love for teaching began from the young age of fourteen after coaching younger students at his dance school for private one to one lessons on varying genres of dance from jazz and lyrical through to ballet and contemporary styles.

Having trained vocationally in dance from the age of fourteen through to eighteen and now having six years teaching experience under his belt Josh has been involved in many performance opportunity’s his self as a child. Now he provides his students from all across the country with opportunities to perform and compete both on the national level and internationally through his role as vice principal of the Phoenix dance company and her various sister companies. You may have seen the Phoenix boys on the 2024 series of Britain’s got talent where they were awarded Bruno Tonioli’s golden buzzer and thus a fast track to the live semi finals shows! 

Being fully acrobatics arts module 1 qualified means acro is naturally one of Josh’s favourite genres to teach within the school, the children thoroughly enjoy the challenge of these classes and are excelling through the solid technical foundations he is instilling in them. Also having completed his practical teaching exams in both Imperial Classical Ballet and Modern Theatre Dance with the ISTD Josh is well on his way to becoming fully qualified with the support of the Pirouette DDE team. He is also a fully qualified level 3 first aider and believes the health and safety of all students in his care is paramount.

When asked what he looks forwards to in his future with Pirouette Academy of dance - ‘’ Having taught now for four years within the school the two most exciting things to me are getting to continue to nurture the wealth of talent already within the school as well as seeing so many fresh faces in my younger classes and starting them along their wonderful journey through the world of dance at Pirouette’.

Poppy Sharman

Poppy has always been part of the Pirouette family as Jayne’s daughter. From starting ballet classes at the age of two and a half, she always knew that Pirouette would forever hold a special place in her heart. Growing up with Pirouette as her second home, before going on to train in Musical Theatre at the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts, Poppy has always come back to teach at Pirouette in between professional performing contracts.

In her classes, Poppy loves sharing her knowledge of the current performing industry while always staying true to her ISTD roots. She aims to motivate and inspire her students, keeping her classes fresh and up to date whilst maintaining the strong foundations of technique and discipline that Pirouette instilled in her from such a young age.

Poppy holds four Diploma in Dance Education qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Modern and National, and is currently working towards her Licentiate teaching exams, she also has her Progressing Ballet Technique qualification. With a combination of teacher training, professional dance and singing classes, and experience teaching in the fitness world, she is always looking for new ways to develop and refine her craft.

Poppy has such a strong connection to Pirouette and, even to this day, still thinks of it as her second home. She feels incredibly privileged to be working alongside her talented family.

Mollie Gough

From a young age, I knew I wanted to become a dance teacher after being inspired by my own teachers at Pirouette and the positive impact they had on me. Their encouragement and passion for performing arts motivated me to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in teaching.

At 16, I trained at Addict Dance Academy, where I achieved a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Musical Theatre. Following this, I went on to complete my DDE qualification and have since continued to expand my knowledge through additional training in safeguarding for children and adults, first aid, behaviour management in education, and behaviour management within home education settings.

I am passionate about creating a supportive and encouraging environment where pupils can grow in confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy their love of performing arts. I particularly enjoy teaching at Pirouette Academy of Dance because of its welcoming yet professional atmosphere and the strong support it provides within the performing arts industry.

Shelley Bass

Shelley is an invaluable member of the Pirouette team, serving as our Administrator and Finance Coordinator. She has been part of Pirouette for many years, initially joining us when she brought her daughter, Evie, to the school at just two years old. Evie is now a university student, showing the long-lasting connection families can have with Pirouette.

In addition to her role here, Shelley works as a School Administrator and Exams Officer at Beauchamp College, making her an excellent resource for liaising with parents, addressing enquiries, and managing invoicing and finances for the dance school. 

With her extensive experience as a dance mum and a deep understanding of our school's operations, Shelley is  dedicated to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all our families.

Ginnette Brooks

I am Ginnette Brookes and I have loved being a guest  teacher for Pirouette for the last few years. I trained initially in Aberystwyth under Clare Thomas who was an RAD examiner and who was my inspiration to go on and become a teacher myself. I trained at The London College of dance and completed the three year course and was awarded the teaching diploma which covered all the dance genres and teaching practice in state schools and private dance schools and gained my associate in Imperial Classical ballet and later in National Dance. I have taught in primary and secondary schools and private dance schools in Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Leicestershire and have had my choreography showcased at local theatres and awarded at regional festivals and at All England dance .I am passionate about encouragement and positivity and enabling anyone who is in my class to feel like they are achieving whatever their abilities.  I am now the proud founder of my own dance business which focuses on teaching adults of all ages so coming to Pirouette and occasionally teaching children again is a real treat. What I enjoy most about Pirouette is its calm and supportive atmosphere which is ideal for young dancers to be nurtured and to grow.

Steph Goddard

Our wonderful Steph is in charge of all things costume at Pirouette, also managing our incredible costume hire company S.WING Costume Hire. Steph brings a unique blend of professional dance experience and nurturing energy to the Pirouette team. Having trained and performed throughout her youth and into her mid-20s, she developed a deep appreciation for discipline, creativity, and teamwork, qualities she brings to everything she does at the studio. As both a parent (her two daughters dance at Pirouette!) and a former performer, Steph offers a warm, grounded perspective that makes her an invaluable part of our team. Steph also plays a key role in keeping our studio clean and welcoming, ensuring a safe space for all.

Katie Lawrence

Katie has over 20 years experience in the dance education sector, teaching and entering students for ISTD exams both in college settings and in private dance schools. She also ran her own studio her own dance school in Bedfordshire for many years. Katie has taught across the wide variety of age groups and genres, and holds fellowship status in Tap Dance.

Katie is an established approved tutor for the DDE qualification, tutoring across the whole range of units, and is delighted to be working alongside the Pirouette team providing tuition for Unit 1 (Preparing for Safe Teaching Practice) and Unit 5 (Social, Emotional & Cognitive Development).

Katie is passionate about both dance and education, and endeavours to inspire new dance teachers to develop their zest for learning and teaching, both through the DDE qualification and into their careers beyond.