Meet The Team

Principal (MBATD, AIDTA)

Mandy Farrell

Mandy is our principal teacher at the Island Dance Academy. She trained at Bird College, and holds a Life Membership with the British Association of Teachers of Dance. She is an Associate Member of the International Dance Teachers Association and has danced professionally on cruise ships and many other shows around the world. Mandy is the founder of Island Dance Academy and has run the school for over 20 years. 

Teacher (BA Hons, PGCE)

Lauren Ellis

Lauren joined Island Dance Academy in 2022. She completed her Theatre Arts degree at Brighton University. Since graduating, Lauren has worked as a performing Arts Coach, Choreographer and Dance Teacher for the past 10 years. Lauren teaches all Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Street classes.
 

Teacher (BBO, AIDTA)

Chloe Beany

​​Chloe is an experienced dance teacher of 16 years. She started her dance journey as a young child, and decided to follow her passion for dance into teaching. For many years she owned her own dance school and took students through exams, shows and competitions with great results. Chloe believes there is nothing better than seeing students progress and develop their passion for dance! 

Student Teacher

Alyssa Stock

Alyssa has danced with Island Dance Academy since she was two years old. Since performing as a mermaid in her first show, she has advanced into a beautiful dancer over the years and was promoted to Head Girl from 2021-2024. Alyssa is now working towards her teaching qualifications with the IDTA, and we are so excited for her to take on some more teaching roles with Island Dance Academy this year. 
 

Head Girl 2024-2025

Mia

Mia was promoted to Head Girl in 2024. She was previously a Class Assistant providing invaluable help to our younger classes.  Mia was proud to perform in a professional pantomime of Snow White in 2023 as one of the Seven Vikings. As a Head Girl, Mia is available to help with parent queries on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and students are encouraged to speak to our Head Girls if they have any worries or concerns at classes. 

Head Girl 2024-2025

Emily

Emily was promoted to Head Girl in 2024. She was previously a Class Assistant providing invaluable help to our younger classes.  Emily will be starting professional dance training in September, but will be continuing to help on Saturdays with Tap and Jazz lessons. As a Head Girl, Emily is available to help with parent queries, and students are encouraged to speak to our Head Girls if they have any worries or concerns at classes. 

Class Assistant

Zara

Zara has been a wonderful help with our younger students for a number of years, assisting on stage during performances and preparing students for exam sessions. 



 

Class Assistant

Freya

Freya has provided invaluable help with our Tiny Tots and Rosette classes for the past year. She performed on stage with our Rosette's in our most recent show and will continue to help us in September. 
 

Class Assistant

Mia

Mia is one of our newest class assistants and we are so excited to have her help with our younger classes from September 2024.
 

Class Assistant

Taylia

Taylia is one of our newest class assistants and we are so excited to have her help with our younger classes from September 2024.