Dance History:
I have danced from the age of 4 years old, where I attended the Ken Park School of Dance at Gateshead, as part of my training I was entered for Exams and competed in Dance Competitions from as far back as I can remember. Unfortunately Ken passed away when I was 14, this had a great affect on my dancing life and regrettably decided to stop dancing. It wasn't till I had my 3rd child when I started taking her to dance classes, I realised how much I had missed my dancing so enroled myself at a local Dance School, it was here that I decided to pick up where I left off and completed my Amateur Exams and Grades, I also entered competitions and competed throughout the North East, often gaining 1st place in the Ballroom and Latin American Sections, In April 2005, I achieved Northern Counties Medallist of the Year.
In 2005, I decided not only did I want dancing to be a hobby, but a career. I attended the Newcastle Dance Centre to study for my Professional Training with Linden Bruce and qualified in 2006.
In February 2006 I started my first Salsa/Latino class at the Whitehouse Social Club, Washington, when 68 Adults turned up I had no option but to split the class into 2 sessions, many of whom are still with me today, I soon realised there was a demand for dancing in the Washington Area. I regularly start new beginner classes not only in Washington but throughout the North East, as they are still proving to be very popular.
The success of the classes has enabled me to achieve my dreams and establish the Washington Dance Academy! Formerly (Susan Pluse School of Dance)

Dance Training:
I have trained with the Northern Counties Dance Teachers Association and the International Dance Teachers Association, studying many different dance styles such as - Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Classical & Modern Sequence, Rock n Roll, Freestyle Disco, Ballet Tap & Cheerleading.

Qualifications:
Associate Member (Latin Branch Hons with Distinction) NCDTA
First Aider
Health & Safety
Fully Insured
CRB Checked & Cleared

Dance History:
Since a young age Rachel has studied many different Dance styles, however Tap Dancing was the main area in which she progressed and in 2002 achieved her Assoc Tap Qualification (NCDTA). On leaving school, she performed with a number of Professional Dance Companies, locally and Internationally as well as featuring in the original X-Factor Tour as a dancer. Rachel has also gained her B.A Hons in dance, and QTS, she has vast experience working with children of all ages, teaching various styles of Dance such as Contemporary Jazz, Ballet & Hip Hop Currently she is working as a Freelance Dance Teacher.

Qualifications:
B.A Hons Dance
Qualified Teaching Status
Associate Member (Tap Branch) N.C.D.T.A
CRB Checked and Cleared
First Aider
Full Insured.

Claire Hall Student Ballroom Class Assistant

I have danced since the age of 4 years old and I am trained to a high standard in Ballet, Tap, Stage, Ballroom, Latin American and Classical Sequence. I have also performed salsa, freestyle and hip hop and have taken part in many shows over the years. I have recently passed my Students Exam in Ballet and currently studying for my Associate Exam, I am also studying for my Students Qualification in Ballroom After achieving these qualifications I intend to study for my students exam in Latin American and Associates award for Ballroom and Ballet.

Samantha has been dancing since the age of 4 years old, and is trained in many different dance styles such as Ballroom, Latin American, Salsa, Classical and Modern Sequence, Ballet, Tap, Stage, Drama, Disco, Cheerleading & Rock & Roll.

Samantha has a wealth of stage experience and has performed at many different theatres, Sunderland Empire, Peoples Theatre, Newcastle, Gala Theatre, Durham, Sadlers Wells in London and even at the Fantasy Land Theatre in Disneyland, Paris! She has also competed in various competitions throughout the North East.

Samantha is currently still training and studying her Grade work with the NCDTA as well as studying GCSE dance at school, she is already proving to be a great asset to the Washington Dance Academy and contributes with much of the Choreography for the Infant Classes.

Leanne helps with the day to day running of the Academy, she is an excellent peoples person and is here to advise and help you with all your enquiries.

Training:
Leanne is currently training with Susan, learning the Man's steps in Ballroom, Latin American and Sequence, she currently helps with the Adult Classes

Qualifications:

Health & Safety
CRB Checked and Cleared