Tutors & Staff
Tutors
Emma Fentiman
Hi, my name is Emma and I am a dance and vocal tutor here at BALPA. I trained at ngm, Bristol and then spent two years travelling the UK as a dancer and singer in the pop opera LuvEsther. Some of my other credits include: Ensemble in The Prodigals when it opened at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2011 and The Belgrade in Coventry in 2013; One of the lead roles and Director in the Inspire production Broadway Live; Nancy Sinatra in The Definitive Rat Pack UK and European tour and currently performing as a backing vocalist for Sheridan Smith.
I re-joined the LuvEsther team as choreographer and Assistant Director in it’s most recent return to the stage and for many years was a member of Release dance crew touring the UK performing and teaching workshops.
I have been teaching for over 10 years and have always loved being a part of the BALPA team. “Nothing truly compares to the joy of teaching…seeing a student develop in technique, grow in confidence and deliver performances they can be proud of makes me feel like I have the best job in the world!”
Emma Ford
I have adored dancing since a young age, primarily training in ballet, jazz and modern completing ISTD, RAD and BTDA examinations. I then moved on to study dance vocationally at college where I began training in other styles such as street, contemporary and tap. Most recently, I graduated from University of Gloucestershire with a 1st Class BA (Hons) Degree in Dance, where I focused on teaching, performance, and choreography as well as working on ISTD teaching qualifications alongside, which I am continuing. I look forward to starting my dance teaching career at BALPA and passing on my knowledge to students.
Hannah Clarke
Hiya! My name is Hannah and I’ll be teaching street dance and musical theatre here at BALPA. I went to BALPA from year 2 and they’ve not only helped me become a better dancer and musical theatre performer but they’ve also given me some friends for life and the confidence that I’ve needed to take my dancing to the next level. I am currently studying for my level 3 extended diploma in Performing Arts at The Big Act academy in Bristol and have been performing in all kinds of shows since around age 6. I love teaching here with the friendly faces of the children and staff and being able to have the opportunity to see young talent grow into the new generation of the arts industry.
Jess Harris
Hello, my name is Jess. I am a musical theatre and multi-instrumental teacher here at BALPA. I hold an MA Music Performance degree from Cardiff University where I specialised in Classical Singing and soon went on to provide Pop and Rock instrumental tuition to schools in Bristol and later private singing and music theory lessons. I also enjoy singing professionally with the BBC National Chorus of Wales, having performed in the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and have participated in studio recordings for Lyrita Records as a part of the chorus. I have over ten years of experience and training as a singer in a wide variety of genres from classical and musical theatre performance to rock and pop music.
Leanne Goudie
My name is Leanne and I have been one of the tutors here at BALPA since 2017. I teach vocals, song writing and beginner piano. Throughout the years, I’ve written and recorded my own original material and been part of other collaborations. In 2017, I also released my debut EP ‘Secrets’. Since then, I have spent my time mainly teaching but also performing in various locations throughout the UK. It’s a joy to be able to see each young person I teach continue to grow and develop their musical abilities and their passion for performing!
Shoua Mitchell
My name is Shoua, and I am French.
I’ve been teaching Street dance since 2019 here at BALPA. I am the art awards Coordinator and also in charge of BALPA’s social media. Growing up I’ve never been encouraged to participate in dance lessons or anything creative, that’s why I absolutely love going to schools to do dance workshops and give everyone the opportunity to participate at least once in a dance lesson. I firmly believe in young people’s talents and ambitions and hope to encourage them find their voice in this industry.
All our tutors are DBS checked.
Aidan Goudie
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​Hi, my name is Aidan and I am going to be teaching a brand new class here at BALPA called ‘Fitness for Sport’. I am a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer and have a level 2 and level 3 diploma in sport which involves an array of different qualifications. I have worked in a gym as a fitness instructor and PT for a number of years, doing 1-1 programmes and classes. I have taken part in sports for most of my life which include; football, golf, rugby, cricket, basketball and more. I am passionate about training young people to be able to achieve their goals in sport and general fitness.
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Staff
Janice Suffolk – BALPA Co-ordinator
Liz Wilson – BALPA Administrator
Lauren Barrow – Finance
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Rachelle Suffolk – Additional Receptionist
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Management:
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Nancy Goudie – CEO
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Zoe Wickham – General Manager
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Inspire Trustees:
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Richard Collier-Keywood – OBE
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Hazel McGreavy
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Doug McGinn
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Sean Cavanagh
Lizzie Leaver
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Hello, my name is Lizzie and I will be teaching Dance, Musical Theatre and Singing here at BALPA! I have loved anything to do with performing since I was very little and I am currently studying a L3 extended diploma in Performing Arts at The Big Act Academy based in Bristol. I have performed in all kinds of shows since the age of 8 and have trained in singing, dance and acting properly since I was 10. I also train at the Junior Royal Academy Of Music program in London, which has given me the opportunity to work with industry professionals and obtain knowledge I can now pass on and teach to the lovely students at BALPA. I love teaching and sharing my passion and love for musical theatre with others and it’s so exiting to see the next generation of young performers grow!