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 25 years. 

Teacher (BA Hons, PGCE)

Lauren Ellis

Lauren joined Island Dance Academy in 2022. She holds a PGCE and BA (Hons) in Theatre Arts. Since graduating, she has spent the last 10 years working as a performing Arts Coach, Choreographer and Dance Teacher. Lauren teaches all Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Street classes, working on technique and choreographing routines for performances. 
 

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 has successfully completed Unit 1 and now teaches many of our Ballet classes whilst continuing to work towards her level 4 teaching qualification with the IDTA. 
 

Head Girl 2024-2027

Mia C

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 2026-2027

Zara

Zara was promoted to Head Girl in 2026. She was previously a Class Assistant, providing invaluable help to our younger classes for a number of years. Zara has previously assisted students on stage during performances and preparing students for exam sessions. As a Head Girl, Zara 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. 

Head Girl 2026-2027

Mia H

Mia was promoted to Head Girl in 2026. She was previously a Class Assistant, providing invaluable help to our younger classes for a number of years. Mia has previously assisted students on stage during performances and preparing students for exam sessions. As a Head Girl, Mia 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

Taylia

Taylia provides invaluable help with some of our younger classes. She performed on stage with our Primary Tap in our most recent show and will continue to help us in September. 
 

Class Assistant

Amelie

Amelie provides invaluable help with some of our younger classes. She performed on stage with our Mini Street in our most recent show and will continue to help us in September. 
 

Class Assistant

Meroni

Meroni is one of our newest class assistants in 2026 and we are so excited to have her helping with our younger classes.
 

Class Assistant

Ava

Ava is one of our newest class assistants in 2026 and we are so excited to have her help with our younger classes.