About Lisa – Principal & Founder of TDH Academy

Dance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

I began dancing at just three years old, and from those very first classes I knew that dance was where I belonged.

I went on to complete three years of full-time professional training at Gravesham College, studying Performing Arts and gaining qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Modern, National and History of Dance, alongside my ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Modern and National.

My training also included singing, drama and musical theatre, culminating in a three-year diploma.

After college, I was fortunate enough to begin my professional performing career, working alongside acts including The Nolans and comedian Ken Goodwin.

I gained my Equity card and went on to perform in summer seasons in Spain and Gibraltar, as well as other European destinations and numerous pantomimes around the UK.

At 21, my career took a different direction when I discovered just how much I loved teaching.

I was incredibly fortunate to be offered a full-time teaching position at The Dance House, a performing arts college in Kent for students aged 16–18.

Sadly, The Dance House eventually closed, but my time there had a lasting impact on me.

Years later, when I created my own school, I chose the name The Dance House in memory of a very special place and the wonderful people who were part of it.

Today, that name lives on through TDH Academy.

After taking time to bring up my family and spending many years teaching for other schools, I finally decided it was time to follow my own dream.

I began teaching at Mason Road in Clacton-on-Sea with just one student.

From that one student grew the TDH family we have today – and as we approach 20 years of TDH, I am incredibly proud of just how far we have come.

I have always believed that a teacher should never stop learning.

In more recent years I have continued my own professional development, becoming an Associate Member of the ITDA and BTDA, achieving my ITDA Associate Freestyle and Licentiate Freestyle qualifications, alongside Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications with the BTDA.

And I’m not finished yet!

My next goals are to continue towards Level 6, Fellowship and examiner qualifications, allowing me to keep developing as both a teacher and Principal.

For me, TDH has never simply been a dance school.

It is a community, a family and the result of many years of hard work, wonderful memories and some incredible people.

I love my school, I love my staff and I am immensely grateful to every student and family who has been part of our journey – whether they have stayed for a few months or grown up with us.

TDH Academy started as a dream.

Now it is a dream I am lucky enough to live every day. 💜✨