Meet The Team

Our teachers are dedicated to giving a high standard of training in a nurturing and safe environment. It is important to us that we continue to train while teaching as well as taking a number of CPD courses. In doing this we can keep up to date with the dance world, education and health and safety in schools. All our teachers are DBS checked and first aid trained

  • Francesca Grando

    PRINCIPAL - CONTEMPORARY

  • Ruby Gadsby

    CONTEMPORARY

  • Dan Thatcher

    ACRO

  • Francesca trained and graduated from Middlesex University with a BA Hons in Dance Studies. Her degree specialised in contemporary choreography and technique along with contemporary dance history. Francesca trained professionally in the fundamental contemporary techniques; Graham, Cunningham, Release and Humphrey technique. She also has training in Tai Chi, Yoga and Ballet. Upon graduating, her choreography has been shown in London theatres and galleries around the UK, as well as working with local artists, film directors, events managers and choreographers.

    Francesca started her teaching career in 2014, freelancing as a dance teacher around East Sussex, UK and Northern Italy. Her experience in dance then led her to teach GCSE Dance in local independent schools, where her pupils have 100% pass rate. In 2020, Francesca trained with the UK’s leading contemporary dance company Rambert and is now qualified to teach Rambert Contemporary Grades 1-8 (Hofesh strand). In addition, she also holds teaching qualifications in Progressing Ballet & Contemporary Technique as well as being a certified Acrobatic Arts Preschool and Level 1-6 teacher. Her teaching has allowed students to further their career in dance, with past pupils gaining places at Italia Conti, Laban, The Place, London Contemporary Dance School and a number of dance universities. Francesca’s style of teaching is heavily influenced by her knowledge on Hofesh and Graham technique.

    Most recently Francesca was invited to attend ‘East Sussex Woman of the Year’ for her efforts in supporting the younger generation’s mental wellbeing.

  • Ruby trained at Middlesex University gaining a BA (Hons) in Dance Studies with a specialism in Choreography. Here she trained in the Contemporary techniques Graham, Cunningham, Humphrey and Release as well as Contact Improvisation and Ballet. Her choreographic work saw her collaborate with Music, Fashion, Animation and Architecture students.

    She then graduated from London Contemporary Dance School with an MA in Screendance, the only MA of its type in the world, training in the highly-specialised area of dance filmmaking, choreography and curating for FrameRush, an International Screendance Festival.

    Since then, her work has been shown at The Place (London), Rollout Dance Film Festival (Macao) and Sussex Dance Network. Her community dance experience led her to work as an Artist for ConfiCo, a professional training dance company creating high quality dance work with and for learning disabled and neurodivergent artists. As well as facilitating classes in SEN schools to create an inclusive pathway into dance. She continues to train in Contemporary dance styles as well as Aerial Hoop.

  • Dan initially trained in Parkour, Gymnastics, Tricking and Breaking. Subsequently, he collaborated with esteemed companies such as NoFitState Circus and Frantic Assembly, participating in notable works like "Bodies in Urban Spaces," created by Willi Dorner. Dan's expertise extended to coaching gymnastics, with a specific focus on Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) and Tumbling.

    As his performance career evolved, Dan shifted his focus toward Contemporary Dance. He pursued a degree in dance studies, with a focus on choreography. During his university years, Dan honed his skills, dedicating himself exclusively to Floorwork—a discipline that now defines his artistic practice and teaching approach.

    Following graduation, Dan presented his original work at Resolution 2020 (titled "Cenedl heb iaith"), which also featured during Wales Week London.

    Currently, Dan's influence extends across the United Kingdom, where he imparts his expertise in floor-based contemporary acrobatics. He serves as a teacher for AcroPad, teaching at institutions like Wilkes Academy and Addict. Additionally, Dan recently delivered guest lectures on floorwork at Italia Conti.