Jo Perkins

Having started ballet classes at the age of three, and modern and tap around six years old, dancing has always played a huge part in my life. 

I began my training at Amberside Dance Studio in Kent, but moved to Bristol at the age of ten and continued training with the Bristol School Of Dancing. During this time I took the opportunity to do as many exams in Ballet, Modern and Tap as the school could offer me.

In 2002, I started assisting with children's dance classes at the Bristol School and started gaining some teaching experience, which confirmed that when I left school I just had to keep dancing a major feature in my life, although this was never really in doubt. So having passed my A levels, I went on to study at the Bristol College of Dancing. The full time teaching and performance course included studying all dance genres, singing and teaching. I studied one year full time and then three years on a part time basis because I loved it so much I didn't want to leave! It was here that I was able to complete my Advanced 2 in both ISTD Modern and Tap, my Advanced 1 in both RAD and ISTD Classical Ballet and furthermore obtain high marks in both the RAD Ballet Teaching Certificate and the ISTD Modern and Tap teaching qualifications - the Diploma in Dance Instruction (DDI) and the Diploma in Dance Education (DDE). Our annual end of year showcase provided the opportunity to put our training into practise and show off our song and dance talents on stage.



I have appeared in several local shows over the years and I love to perform. I think it's important that teachers still get the opportunity to perform on stage and enjoy it because it is a key element of dance training that we can share with our pupils.

Additionally, I worked for five years as a Teaching Assistant in a local Junior School which I feel greatly enhanced my knowledge of the cognitive and emotional development of junior aged children which is something I can draw on whilst teaching. I also have taught dance clubs in Primary Schools and annually choreographed dances for the North Somerset Dance Festival at the Weston Playhouse and the Music Across Woodspring Schools (MAWS) Concert at Bristol's Colston Hall. I like to sing and am a member of Bristol Show Choir which gives me regular performance opportunities.

I have been part of this school since 2006 and I really enjoy teaching all age ranges and genres, passing on the joy of dance, which will hopefully stay with the students throughout their lives.