Lauren Matthews, BA (HONS), LRAD, ARAD, DDE
Lauren graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) with the BA (Hons) Ballet Education degree where she achieved first class honours in her teaching and choreography modules. She also graduated with the Licentiate Award and RAD Advance 2 Classical Ballet. Lauren achieved 95% in her Tap and Modern Dance teaching qualification. <br
Lauren is a passionate dance educator, working across many different sectors. She is an RAD Examiner. Lauren is also an Approved Tutor for the RAD’s Undergraduate Programmes such as the Licentiate Award, Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies, and the Certificate In Ballet Teaching Studies where she teaches and assesses student-teachers in pedagogy and children’s development. In 2024, Lauren was invited to sit on the judging panel of the international Pamela Howard Examination Bursary.
Lauren has taught dance to children and young people in a range of settings, including the RAD’s community programme Step into Dance, where she successfully led groups of SEND students to audition and perform at Sadler’s Wells for several years. Lauren tutors at several private sector dance schools across London and Hampshire, entering over a thousand candidates for examinations. In addition, Lauren has taught at several state and independent schools and, also at the Urdang Academy. Lauren’s past pupils include those who are now studying at full-time vocational dance schools such as Central School of Ballet and London Studio Centre.
Léa Hamilton, BSc MSc RAD RTS.
Léa is Franco-British and spent her early years in France where she studied ballet and tap from a young age. She moved to London and began studying at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). She has studied the RAD ballet syllabus at all levels, both Graded and Vocational, and also took up jazz and contemporary dancing as well as cheerleading. After studying for a degree in Psychology at Durham University, she then completed an MSc in Sports Psychology where she specialised in the coaching of classical ballet dancers and the psychology of performance. During this time, she also worked with a company of dancers, as a choreographer.
Before qualifying as a teacher, Léa worked in a number of different settings focusing primarily on Early Years development. Whilst obtaining her RAD teacher status, Léa worked at the RAD Headquarters both within the Dance School and the Step into Dance organisation. Since qualifying, Léa has prioritised professional development with the aim to discover new techniques to enhance the learning environment for her students. Taking an all-encompassing approach to classes allows Léa to both instil a love for ballet and nurture the students as individuals. As such, Léa is now a Level 3 qualified PBT trainer. Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is a unique training programme which uses ballet-technique specific exercises to train skill acquisition and conditioning for dance.
Léa is currently working in several private dance and local schools. She teaches all age groups, including delivering classes for adults. The highlight of Léa’s academic year is choreographing the numerous shows that take place.
Emily Matthews, BA (Hons)
Emily has a passion and talent for creativity and performing arts. She began dancing at the age of three and achieved Distinction at RAD Grade 8 Ballet (the highest RAD graded examination). She studied and achieved all her graded and vocational examinations up to ISTD Advance 1 Modern and Intermediate Tap. Emily has a particular aptitude for the stage and enjoyed performing genres such as musical theatre, and modern, winning many local competitions in her home town. She also studied national dance and singing and enjoyed performing and recording vocals in the music studio.
Emily’s talents extend much further than the performing arts studios, and she is a talented artist with experience in art and graphic design. She achieved and graduated with the BA (Hons) Photography degree from the specialist, University of Creative Arts. Emily has worked in the fashion industry for the prestigious Ralph Lauren firm for several years. Prior to this, she was a children’s footwear specialist.
Emily is a fully trained first aider, has an up to date DBS certificate and experience of mentoring young people. She enjoys assisting our Pre-School dance classes, and supporting our dancers in their preparations for performance and training.
Customer Reviews
“I just wanted to say thank you to you and motion arts for yesterday’s show. I thought the dancers, the costumes and the music was all great!…’
“Thank you so much for the show on Sunday. We loved it!…’
“Lovely Lauren, today was absolutely amazing! Thank you to all the team for all your time and effort. I know all of our girls are growing up with you and your team, giving the girls the most amazing experience and confidence. Couldn’t ask for more! It was a beautiful show to watch!…’
“It was an amazing show! You did an amazing job, so many dances and the children all loved it…’
“Incredible! Incredible! Incredible! What an amazing show! Thank you so much Lauren and team. You did an amazing job and all the dancers clearly had a fantastic time! Such a wonderful performance!…’
“An amazing show – so slick and professional. The costumes were amazing, the dancers were exceptional…what a massive accomplishment by all. I am so proud of my daughter…’
“Thank you for an amazing show on Sunday!…’
“Brilliant Brilliant Show! Was emotional to watch them all knowing how little they are but how amazing they did. How did you get them to do all that??!! ..’
