Faculty

Michelle Sidwell AISTD DDE, AIDTA (Bt, Mt, T)

Principal

Role

Director & Dance Principal

Biography

Michelle started dancing at the age of 4 at her local dance school in Dulwich. Following exceptional exam results and a natural performance ability, Michelle successfully auditioned for both The Urdang Academy Of Ballet & The Arts Educational School. After being offered a scholarship for The Urdang Academy she commenced full-time training at the school's location in Covent Garden at the age of 10.

During her time at The Urdang Academy, Michelle successfully auditioned and performed with both The Bolshoi Ballet & The Kirov Ballet during their tours of England. Michelle was one of only four children in the country who successfully auditioned and performed with both Russian companies, a feat that entered her into the book of world records.

Michelle has also performed at The National Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre, The Bloomsbury Theatre, Sadler's Wells Theatre, The London Palladium, The Royal Opera House, Bob Hope Theatre, The Broadway Theatre to name but a few.

Michelle has completed her I.S.T.D Examinations to Advanced 2 level in Classical Ballet, Tap Dance & Modern dance as well as achieving Drama, Music Theory, Anatomy & Dance History qualifications.

In July 1999 she gained her associate teaching qualifications in Tap, Modern & Classical Ballet and opened the academy in September 1999. Michelle now also holds her DDE (Diploma in Dance Education) in Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre & Tap Dance, as well as a DBS and Chaperones Licence.

Michelle has also taught at various other teaching establishments including The Campbell School Of Dance & Drama, The Lucy Griffiths Dance & Theatre Academy, St David's Prep, Dance-Wise, Stagecoach - Beckenham, Benedict House Preparatory School, Mrs Treble Clefs Nursery & many local primary schools.

Michelle has also for the last 15 years provided the dance classes at St David's Prep, West Wickham.