Meet The Teachers

Photo by David Tett

Kirsty Purvis

Principal

Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)

B.Phil (hons), LRAD, ARAD, AISTD (CDE)

Worcestershire County Council Licensed Chaperone

Educated at Bush Davies School, the Legat School of Russian Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance and Durham University.

Kirsty has a B. Phil (hons.) in Ballet and Contextual Studies and is a licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance. She Qualified with the three year teaching Diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance and is also an Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance, travelling this country and the world.

Kirsty is also a licensed chaperone for Worcestershire County Council and therefore has up to date knowledge of both government and local council policies for the safeguarding of children in her care.

Kirsty has been dancing since the age of 2 ½ and teaching for over 20 years, with many past pupils going on to appear on stage and screen.

Kirsty Purvis School of Dance started in 2004 and offers classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern & Jazz - All ages from 3 years to adults!

Before establishing her own school, kirsty taught in London, Eastbourne and Worcester.

In 2010 kirsty adjudicated the RAD northern awards day in Leeds.

She has choreographed numerous shows, including pantomimes, at the Norbury Theatre.

Kirsty endeavours to ensure an open and honest two way process of communication, directing classes to best meet the needs of pupils. She offers a structured approach to teaching to provide a stable environment for growth and development.

Rhiannon Clarke

Teacher

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Registered Teacher Status RTS, ARAD

Diploma in Dance Education (ISTD)- Modern Theatre, Tap Dance and Imperial Classical Ballet

B.A (Hons) Dance Performance, Teaching and Choreography

Worcestershire County Council Licensed Chaperone

Rhiannon began dancing at Kirsty Purvis School of Dance at age 4 taking examinations in ISTD tap dance, ISTD modern theatre and RAD ballet. She also performed regularly in local shows and pantomimes. Whilst at Kirsty Purvis School of Dance, Rhiannon had the opportunity to become a dance class teaching assistant, where she realised her love of dance teaching.

Rhiannon went on to study at Preston’s College Dance where she achieved a First-Class B.A (Hons) degree in Dance Performance, Teaching and Choreography alongside achieving her DDE in Modern Theatre and Tap Dance and studying for her DDE in Imperial Classical Ballet. Whilst in full time dance training, she had the opportunity to take classes with industry professionals and perform in shows as well as at ‘Move It’ in 2019. Rhiannon also achieved her Advanced 2 qualifications in Imperial Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance.

After completing college, Rhiannon then went on to achieve registered teacher status with the RAD in addition to completing her DDE in Imperial Classical Ballet. She also achieved Distinction in RAD Advanced 2 Ballet. Rhiannon loves teaching and nurturing students of all ages and abilities and is really excited to be able to give back at the school where she began her dance journey.

Assistant Teachers

Our assistant teachers are some of the senior dancers that volunteer to help Miss Kirsty with younger groups. In classes you'll see them demonstrating steps, giving additional support to students who may be struggling and helping Miss Kirsty with the organisation and management of the class such as organising the class lines!

Emily Dutton

Emily began dancing with Kirsty Purvis School of Dance when she was 5, taking classes in ballet. She is currently studying intermediate foundation ballet and grade 5 ballet. Emily has taken part in numerous dance exams and has performed in the bi-annual dance shows. She has also been a part of the local pantomimes as a junior dancer and as part of the chorus. Emily's other hobbies include singing, acting and learning to play the piano.

Since September, Emily has been assisting Miss Kirsty with pre-school ballet, grade 1 ballet and grade 1 modern. Emily says that her favourite thing about assisting is seeing the smiles on the children's faces while they are dancing and seeing how happy they are.

Megan Clarke

Megan has been dancing with Kirsty Purvis School of Dance since she was 3, taking classes in ballet, tap and modern. She is currently studying intermediate foundation ballet, grade 5 modern, grade 4 ballet and grade 4 tap. Megan has taken many dance exams across the genres and has performed both in the bi-annual dance shows and in the local pantomime as a junior dancer and as part of the chorus. Outside of dancing Megan is also involved in netball, golf and has piano lessons.

Megan has been assisting Miss Kirsty with primary ballet and primary modern since September. When asked what her favourite thing about assisting is, she said that she enjoys watching the children learn new things for the first time and how she gets to be part of their dancing journey.

Have a look at some of our previous assistants supporting our youngest students on stage