Principal Mrs Lisa Norris (Nee Knowles)
BA Dance Education, RAD RTS, DDE Modern Theatre, Tap, National
Lisa began dancing at the age of three; she studied Ballet, Tap and Modern at a local school. After being successful in all her dancing examinations Lisa decided to take her love of dance further.
At the age of sixteen Lisa began a three year full time performing arts course specialising in the teaching of dance at the Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre. She studied a wide range of subjects including music, anatomy and physiology and history of dance. After being successful in all her professional dancing examinations Lisa went on to pass her teaching certificates with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in National, Modern Theatre and Tap, and the Royal Academy of Dance teaching certificate in Classical Ballet.
Lisa graduated with distinction in 1995. Lisa completed a BA in Dance Education in 2005.
Alongside teaching at the Academy, Lisa has taught at several schools and colleges including: South Trafford College, Manchester Metropolitan University and Glossopdale Community College.
Lisa is a moderator and examiner for GCSE Dance, she also teaches dance at Northwest Theatre College.
In 2006 Lisa was appointed as a Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy Of Dance.
When Lisa is not teaching dance she is busy being a mum to her 2 children, her favourite job yet!
Trainee Teacher: Laura Male.
Laura started dancing at the academy when she was 3. She has completed many exams successfully and passed her GCSE Dance exam aged 11. Laura teaches alongside Lisa on a Saturday morning. Laura has performed in many shows and won the role of Dodger in Oliver in the Academy's production in 2004. In 2011 Laura successfuly passed her Intermediate Ballet exam with the Royal Academy of Dance at her first attempt. Laura is now working towards her Advanced 1 Modern and Advanced 2 tap. Laura was awarded the Jason Knowles Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement at "Lets Get LOUD" 2009.
Trainee Teacher: Olivia Griffiths
Olivia started dancing at the Academy when she was 5. She has completed many exams successfully and passed her GCSE Dance exam aged 11. Olivia teaches alongside Lisa on a Saturday morning. Olivia is currently completing a 3 year full time course in dance at Merseyside Dance and Drama centre. She is currently working towards her Advanced 1 Ballet, Modern and Tap. Olivia passed her GCSE Dance at the Academy aged 11.
Class Assistants
Joshua Harbut
Blue Harbut
Lucy Smith
