Louise Benson School of Dance

The Principal

Miss Louise Benson (DDE ISTD)

Louise began her professional training at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts at the age of 11. Alongside her training, she worked as a child performer in television and theatre, before graduating at 18 with professional ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap and Modern.

Her performing career has included appearances at London venues such as The Dominion, The Palladium and The Bloomsbury Theatre, as well as music videos for major artists. Louise has also worked across television, commercials and modelling in the UK and internationally.

Teaching has always been at the heart of Louise’s career. After co-founding Lucie Benson School of Dance in 2005, she began developing its West Wickham branch in 2010. Louise took full ownership of the West Wickham school in 2014, establishing Louise Benson School of Dance and growing it from a small number of pupils into the welcoming dance community it is today.

Louise believes that high-quality training and a kind, supportive environment should always go hand in hand. Pupils are encouraged to develop strong technique, confidence, resilience and a genuine love of performing, whether they attend for enjoyment, work towards examinations or hope to progress into vocational training. She is especially proud that many pupils grow up with LBSD and later return as classroom helpers and teachers.

Louise is fully qualified to teach Ballet, Tap and Modern through the ISTD and Acrobatics through Acrobatic Arts. She is DBS checked, first aid trained and a registered chaperone, and serves as LBSD’s Safeguarding Lead. Louise also holds appropriate public liability insurance.

Our Teachers:

Miss Clara Burnie Dip TCL (Professional Dance and Musical Theatre)

Miss Liv Nordwind Dip TCL (Professional Dance and Musical Theatre)

Liv graduated from Laine Theatre Arts with a Level 6 Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre. She is highly skilled in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, commercial and musical theatre, as well as singing and acting.

Her performance credits include professional pantomimes and numerous Laine Theatre Arts productions. Liv was also crowned CYD Dancer of the Year in 2019 at the Can You Dance? Super Convention.

Liv is a passionate and creative teacher who loves watching her pupils’ confidence, excitement and individuality grow each week. She especially enjoys bringing stories to life through choreography and helping every dancer feel proud, inspired and happy in their achievements.

Miss Rachel Kelly (MA Musical Theatre LRAM)

Originally from Glasgow, Rachel trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and later gained a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music.

As a performer she has worked in various theatre and musicals in London and on tour working with companies such as The National Theatre, The Old Vic and The National Theatre of Scotland. Rachel has over ten years performing arts teaching experience working at various schools in London. As well as this she has a Licence to Teach Music from the Royal Academy and privately coaches singing and drama school preparation. Rachel is extremely excited to be joining the team at Louise Benson School of Dance.

Kate Mellor V.P.A to Louise Benson

Kate has over 20 years’ experience in providing high level administration and business support across many industries and for the last four years has been supporting various companies and individuals as a freelancer through her VA business. Her background is in the financial and luxury sectors, although she now has a varied client base tailoring her support to their needs.

Her good attention to detail and proactive attitude really helps with the planning that goes into our shows and her extensive knowledge makes our day to day admin much easier to manage.

Kate really enjoys working with the team. She holds a DBS and Chaperone Licence so can always be found backstage at our performances with the children, helping to ensure things run smoothly.