Mulberry School of Dance is run by Julia Lieberman RAD RTS
Julia teaches the RAD syllabus from early stages through to vocational level and her aim is to instil a love of dance in every student – whether they want to attend once a week ‘just for fun’ or if they want to progress to vocational school and pursue a career in dance. She also teaches two popular Adult Ballet classes which are not based on syllabus. These classes are focused on the participants and what they want to achieve within dance.
Julia recognises the importance of continuing her professional development for the benefit of her students and so she regularly attends courses and workshops to enhance and develop her knowledge of ballet technique and her teaching skills and practices. She is certified to teach the innovative Progressing Ballet Technique system and she recommends that all of her senior students (and any adult students who wish) attend a weekly class in this in addition to their regular syllabus classes.
Julia has both valid Emergency First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid certifications as well as a DBS Disclosure (replacing the former CRB check) and all appropriate insurances. In addition to her work within her school, Julia is a keen supporter of The London Ballet Company and is a trustee of The London Ballet Foundation.
Jennifer Gainey, ISTD Associate Ballet, Tap & Modern (currently on maternity leave)
Jennifer is originally from Chester. She trained at the Hammond Dance School on a full scholarship where she received a Diploma in Performing Arts and her ISTD Teaching qualifications. Jennifer has 13 years experience of dancing professionally and touring internationally. Jennifer has been teaching at her Mum’s school in Chester since she was 19 years old. Every time she was back from touring she would head back up North to teach. Jennifer also teaches syllabus work, show dances and competition dances for all ages at three other dance schools in London. Jennifer has recently assisted the Director and Producers of The Illusionist in auditions for the West End, rehearsals, on tour in technical & media calls. Jennifer has also assisted the Casting Director of Spirit Productions in many auditions and castings.
Until she went on maternity leave, Jennifer was teaching ballet on a Saturday morning and was also responsible for the popular tap classes on a Wednesday evening for both kids and adults.
Michelle Harrison BA (Hons), LRAD, ARAD, RTS
Michelle is a classically trained ballet dancer and RAD teacher who started taking ballet classes in South Wales at the age of 4. She was a Junior and Mid-Associate with The Royal Ballet for five years, London Junior Ballet for two years and attended several renowned ballet and contemporary summer schools. Michelle moved to London at the age of 16 to attend Central School of Ballet, graduating with a Foundation Degree in Professional Dance. She soon realised her passion was teaching and completed the Bachelor of the Arts Degree in ‘Ballet Education’ with Honours. She has achieved the Licentiate qualification and Advanced 2 vocational ballet examination, going on to teach in Canada for two years winning awards at top North American dance competitions and also staging theatre shows. Since moving back to the UK Michelle and has been teaching, entering students for exams and competitions, running summer schools and staging shows in both England and Wales.
Silvia Birro
Originally from Italy, Silvia decided to move from home at the age of 14 to join a professional ballet dance school and be part of the Il Balletto Junior Company. During her 5 years in the Junior Company she had the opportunity to perform as a soloist and with her group all over Italy as well as in Brussels, Barcelona, New York and Paris. As her interest in contemporary dance grew, Silvia decided to join Rambert School in London where she had the opportunity to investigate both contemporary and ballet technique in depth performing pieces by Mark Baldwin, Darren Ellis and Jenna Lee, as well as being a choreographer herself. Silvia is now a freelance teacher and performer and will soon be starting the RAD’s CBTS teacher training programme to formalise the teaching experience she has already gained. We are thrilled to have her with us on Saturdays as part of the Mulberry School of Dance team.
Jordan Grigg
Jordan has been a passionate and devoted dancer for over twenty years. She furthered her training at the leading conservatoire Northern School of Contemporary Dance where she developed her skills in ballet and contemporary dance, alongside choreography and theatre studies.
In the early stages of her career Jordan danced alongside artists such as Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and Rita Ora to name a few, as well as directing and producing her own show at a London theatre.
Jordan has continued to teach dance and theatre studies throughout her career with styles ranging from ballet, tap and street dance to contemporary and musical theatre and has recently begun her Masters Degree in Theatre Studies.
We are excited to welcome Jordan to our team as a tap and ballet teacher on Wednesdays.
Jayne Bennett BA(Hons), LRAD, ARAD, RTS, DDE
Jayne began dancing in her hometown Preston where she performed in Limelights Theatre company and Preston Opera productions. She then took a full-time place at the Royal Academy of Dance where she achieved a first class degree in Ballet Education as well as being awarded the Iris Truscott scholarship. Jayne is a Registered Teacher and was awarded Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance, as well as Associate status. Following her degree she went on to complete further teacher training with the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dance (ISTD) gaining DDE qualifications in Imperial Ballet and Modern Theatre. She is also an Arts Award Advisor, a scheme run by Trinity College, and is a member of The RAD London & Middlesex regional committee. Jayne currently mentors students on their placement module as part of the RAD degree programme. Upon graduating Jayne performed with VIBE gallery resident dance company before moving onto perform with Carpe Diem Dance Company and Co.Motion Dance. Jayne currently teaches in a selection of dance schools and organisations across London. She has a wealth of experience in entering students for RAD examinations, auditions and national competitions. Recent teaching highlights include the BBC Patron’s Lunch performance, choreography for the Pride of Sport Awards, Pineapple Community Dance classes and Tring Park Associates.
Jayne is passionate about dance education, teaches with great enthusiasm and loves to see students enjoying and succeeding in their classes.
