Chiltern Academy

Chiltern Academy Staff

Jane Anderson, L.I.S.T.D., C.D.E., A.I.D.T.A., Principal
On completing a 3 year course at London Studio Centre, Jane danced professionally throughout Europe and America. After 5 years as a performer and on gaining her full teaching qualifications, she founded the Chiltern Academy Prestwood, one of Buckinghamshire's foremost dance schools. Jane also took on the challenge of running a hugely successful retail dancewear business. Jane was director and choreographer of the Bucks Youth Jazz Dance Company for a number of years and continues to enjoy working as a professional choreographer. Her teaching experience has enabled her to travel widely, guest teaching at workshops and summer schools throughout the U.K. Following several years teaching at Mountview Theatre School and at the Arts Educational School,London, Jane now teaches at Bucks New University in High Wycombe.

Lisa Tierney A.I.S.T.D.

Lisa trained at the Margaret Howard Theatre College, studying Ballet, Modern, Tap, National and musical Theatre. After gaining her I.S.T.D. Associates, Lisa persued her career as a full time dance teacher. She has taught for the last fifteen years in schools across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and London where she joined the faculty at the Italia Conti Junior Associate School. Lisa is very happy to have been on the Chiltern Academy staff for over fourteen years.

Heather Blakeborough A.I.S.T.D.

Heather graduated from Performers College in 2003 where she gained her Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance. Since then she has had a busy career as both a professional dancer and teacher. Her TV credits include "Top Of The Pops", "GMTV Live" and "Children in Need". Heather's passion lies in musical theatre where she has been lucky enough to be given some great opportunities. She was given the part of Sally in the original cast of "The Biz" and has played the principal role of Aladdin at the Madinat Theatre in Dubai. Heather spent a busy six months dancing in various productions at Londons Madame Tussauds and also performed regularly in various summer and christmas productions around the country. Heather has enjoyed extensive cabaret and corporate work at some of London's top venues. She also has a keen interest in excercise and fitness and has recently started her own fitness business in Chesham. Heather teaches at various dance schools in Buckinghamshire and finds the students and teachers at Chiltern Academy a pleasure to work with.

Clover Hayer-Brown BA(hons) PGCE:DT

Clover started dancing at Chiltern Academy back in the eighties. She went on to complete a Degree in Dance at Middlesex University and subsequently, a Post-graduate Certificate in Education : Dance Teaching at the Royal Academy of Dance. For the past 5 five years Clover has been teaching and managing Dance courses at Lewisham College. We are thrilled to have her as head of our GCSE and AS dance courses.

Annie Graham

Annie started dancing with Chiltern Academy at age 5 taking Ballet,Tap and Modern classes, and stayed at the school until she left for dance college at 18.She graduated from Performers College in 2006 where she gained her Trinity Diploma in Musical Theatre and Professional Dance. Annie has worked as a Professional dancer throughout Europe and the UK including performing at Sadlers Wells for the ISTD's cenenary gala alongside Anton du Beke. Television credits include "GMTV" and "Top of the Pops". She has performed in various amateur musicals including lead female Ann in "Half a Sixpence" and Peep Bo in "The Mikado". Annie took over the teaching of the adult ballet class in September 2010 and enjoyed choreographing a number for the 2011 show "Earth Dance" at the Wycome Swan. Annie is hoping to do a conversion course to turn her diploma into a dance degree and is looking forward to the continued challenge of teaching the adults class.

Sophie Free A.I.S.T.D.

Sophie started out her dancing days at the age of six with Chiltern Academy. Since graduating from Performers Dance College, Sophie has enjoyed a successful career as a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher. Her work has taken her around the world on cruise ships and to Orlando, Florida where she choreographed and directed a Magic Revue Show. Sophie's teaching positions have included, Mountview Theatre School, Hayes Community College (Btec), Jean Ann Ryan Productions, Merritt Island High School Dance Team and Stagecoach Theatre Arts. 2010 has seen Sophie become a registered hot yoga instructor.

Jackie Ginger, Administrator

Jackie has been involved with The Chiltern Academy for 16 years and has seen two daughters progress happily through the school. Prior to starting her business career she spent 18 months in Germany looking after two small children. She has spent the last 29 years working in a variety of office-based administrative and managerial roles,as well as enjoying her voluntary duties including five years as Treasurer of her daughters' Pre-School group, Chair of Friends of Guiding,and member of primary and secondary school PTA committees.