Meet the Team
Yasmin Sidery - Director and Teacher
Qualifications: BTDA Certificate in Dance Teaching, Qualified BTDA teacher in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz and Acrobatics, Diploma in Modern Jazz, BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (1st Class Degree)
I started dancing at the age of 4, and never stopped! I trained at The Jill Gregory School of Dancing, achieving my Diploma in Modern Jazz, completing my acrobatics exams, and reaching advanced standard in ballet and tap. My background also includes competitive gymnastics and cheerleading. At the age of 12, I started assisting in classes, realising I loved teaching. Since then, my Saturdays are no longer complete unless they are spent at the studio!
I continued to dance throughout university, where I qualified as a primary school teacher. Life took me in a different direction, and I spent 6 years working as a manager for a children's education centre alongside teaching dancing on Saturdays, before taking over The Jill Gregory School of Dancing, and rebranding it as Elevation Dance. I've always been passionate about supporting children and young people in reaching their potential. My aim is to support as many people as possible in finding a love of dance and all the benefits it brings!
Dianna Stevens - Teacher
Qualifications : BTDA Registered teacher in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz and Acrobatics, NNEB, Level 4 Primary Teaching Assistant
I started dancing at Betty Rose School of Dancing when I was about 5, then at the age of 8 joined the Jill Gregory School of Dancing and started teaching at 15. I have always found it a privilege to be able to teach so many wonderful children and see and encourage them as they grow, not only in ability, but in confidence as well. I believe that classes should be a fun and safe experience to develop a growing mind and body.
As well as the dancing school, I work at my local junior school as a teaching assistant and forest school leader. I am excited to be part of this enthusiastically wonderful team and to build our dance community to fulfil their potential.
Bronwyn Stevens - Teacher
Qualifications: BTDA Certificate in Dance Teaching, Qualified BTDA teacher in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz and Acrobatics, Diploma in Modern Jazz
My favourite day of the week is Saturday - teaching and taking part in lessons myself! Since the age of 3, dancing has been a very special part of my life. Not only have I learnt how to dance and keep fit, I have so many amazing memories and friendships for life. At the age of 16, I took my Modern Jazz Diploma and started teaching, and in 2019, I qualified as a teacher with the BTDA. I love choreographing dances, as it’s a chance to get creative with ideas. It is so exciting and rewarding when it all comes together!
I’ve worked for the NHS for the last 10 years, which I’m very passionate about. I'm also an on-call firefighter! I am very excited to be part of Elevation Dance, as I know we are committed to building a community for people to learn and love dance as much as we do!
Rachel Greenwood - Teacher
Qualifications: Diploma in Modern Jazz, Advanced 2 Classical Ballet, Advanced 2 Tap
I started dancing when I was 3, and joined the Jill Gregory School of Dancing when I was 4. I started assisting in classes when I was a teenager and later started teaching. I have completed my Diploma Certificate in modern Jazz and advanced levels in Tap and Ballet. I can’t imagine what life would have been like without teaching, dancing and spending time with the team!
Alongside dancing, I work for the NHS within children and young people’s specialist mental health.
Yasmin Walter - Teacher
Qualifications: BTDA Certificate in Dance Teaching, Advanced 2 Tap, Advanced 1 Classical Ballet and Advanced 1 Modern Jazz, BA (Hons) Education Studies and Early Years
I have been dancing since the age of 5 at the Jill Gregory School of Dancing, and have completed advanced levels in modern jazz, ballet and tap. I started assisting with dance classes at 12 years old and then later went on to teaching classes. It was from this experience that I decided I loved teaching, and went to university to complete a degree in Education Studies and Early Years. Whilst at university, I was also part of their dance team, performing and competing with them over my three years there. I have experience teaching dance to children in primary schools across Nottingham, and currently work as a teaching assistant in a school.
Patricia Hellen - Assistant Teacher
Qualifications: Theatre School Diploma : Stage Management, Technical Theatre and Design, A Level Stage Decor and Costume, NCFE Initial Training for Classroom Assistants
I attended ballroom and Latin American dance classes from an early age, adding stage, tap and ballet later. After school, I studied dance and technical theatre at college, and met Jill at the age of 19 when she took over the dance school I was assisting at.
I went on to work in a leisure centre theatre by the sea, and toured the UK and Germany dancing with a cabaret group before heading to the bright lights of London to Mountview Theatre school.
I rejoined Jill Gregory School of Dancing in 2006 and have been helping out since then. Dance is for all ages and I highly recommend it!
Darcey Coates-Gill - Volunteer Assistant Teacher
I started dancing at Jill Gregory School of Dancing when I was 3, and completely fell in love with dancing. I was really excited to start assisting in classes as I wanted to be a person younger pupils could look up to and trust. The opportunity to assist in classes has also helped improve my own dancing and confidence. I have loved seeing all the young dancers find their love and passion for dance just like I did.