Our Team
Raquel dos Santos
'Miss Raquel' - Creative Director | Contemporary Dance Teacher
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Raquel is an award-winning, full-time dance artist, physical theatre performer, choreographer, and dance teacher based in the South West of England. As Director of Bath School of Dance, Raquel brings her experience as a working professional in the dance industry to inspire and guide the next generation of dancers.
Born in Porto, Portugal, Raquel began her training in Classical Ballet before attending Balleteatro Escola Profissional, where she completed a three-year course in physical theatre and contemporary dance. After a year traveling, performing, teaching, and choreographing across various projects, Raquel moved to England and graduated with a first-class BA (Hons) Degree in Dance from Bath Spa University.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Raquel has worked with students of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, in settings ranging from community classes to professional workshops. She teaches and choreographs in a variety of styles, including Contemporary, Flamenco, Salsa, and Commercial. Her versatile and playful performance work has taken her across the globe, where she continues to create and collaborate on new projects.
Vision for Bath School of Dance
Raquel’s vision for Bath School of Dance is to build on the foundation of inclusivity, creativity, and excellence, fostering a supportive environment where students feel empowered and inspired at every stage of their dance journey. Whether a child is taking their first steps in dance or an adult is preparing for a career in the industry, our team are committed to offering a holistic dance education that nurtures both physical and mental well-being whilst creating opportunities for students to grow as individuals, contribute to choreography, and shine in the School’s end-of-year shows.
As a professional dancer, Raquel offers invaluable insight into the realities of the dance industry, equipping students with the tools and inspiration to pursue their own dreams of working in the field. Her dedication to dance education and creating new opportunities ensures that Bath School of Dance remains a vibrant and inclusive space where every student can thrive.
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Photo credit: Stewart McPherson
Laura Andrews RAD CBTS RTS
'Miss Laura' - Head of Ballet & Examinations | RAD Ballet Teacher
Laura started dancing aged 3 at the Parkewood School of Dance in Southampton and trained for 15 years under the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, reaching vocational grade Advanced. One of Laura’s proudest achievements was
securing a place at the Central School of Ballet in London. Despite choosing an academic path and completing a Business degree at the University of Bath, followed by a 17-year career in event management, Laura has continued to dance
recreationally throughout adulthood.
The move from dancer to dance teacher was a natural progression for Laura who is passionate about dance education and the benefits that dance gives to both physical and mental wellbeing for students of all ages and abilities. Laura completed her teacher training with the RAD through their Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) and is now a Registered Teacher with the RAD. She ran Bath School of Dance as School Principal for 5 years, between 2019 and 2024 and is immensely proud of how the School has grown, to a welcoming and supportive community of dancers and teachers. Laura is pleased to continue her work with the School as its Head of Ballet and Examinations.
Laura is an RAD Silver Swans licensee and enjoys working with mature dancers for the wisdom and enthusiasm they bring to classes. She is also a Certified Teacher in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), a revolutionary programme that uses fit balls and resistance bands to help train muscle memory and support ballet training.
Kat McMillan
Operations Manager
Kat McMillan has been supporting the day-to-day running and growth of the school for several years, working closely with director Raquel to bring structure, organisation, and calm to the creative chaos behind the scenes. With a background in finance, sales, management, and administration, she helps ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Alongside her work with the school, Kat is a freelance writer, producer, and director. She holds a degree in Creative Writing and a Master’s in Scriptwriting from Bath Spa University, and her multi-award-winning short film Where Was I has received international recognition, including three awards at the 2024 Jane Austen International Film Festival in Bath.
Kat is BSL Level 2 qualified and works part-time supporting within the deaf community. With a strong corporate foundation and a love for creative roles, she thrives where people, ideas, and organisation come together.
Our Teachers
Charlotte Pearce RAD CBTS RTS
'Miss Charlotte' - RAD Ballet Teacher
Charlotte started dancing aged 3 and has since studied and completed all RAD Classical Ballet and Imperial Society of Teachers in Dancing (ISTD) Modern grades to Advanced 2. Competing in Eisteddfod competitions for 11 years, Charlotte successfully performed and placed with many solo and group dances.
Charlotte became a Registered Teacher with the RAD by completing the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS). Following the completion of this in 2015 Charlotte has been teaching ballet in Bristol to pupils of all ages, from Baby Ballet classes through to Vocational classes. In 2018 Charlotte travelled to Pennsylvania, USA to work as Head of Dance at an American summer programme.
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Charlotte is also a Certified Teacher in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and a children's yoga teacher with Wellbeing Bees yoga.
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Aside from her teaching, Charlotte modelled for the Bristol Old Vic Costume department for several years, dancing in custom made tutus for filmed production videos. Charlotte also performed in an ITV Fixers music video, where she choreographed and performed her own ballet solo.
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Her passion for dance, in particular Classical Ballet, is something she wishes to continue to share with others.
Zahabiya Adamaly
'Miss Zahabiya' - Contemporary, Jazz & Ballet Teacher
Born in Sri Lanka, Zahabiya began her dance journey at the age of 8 with classical ballet and jazz at Danceworld School (DWS). Over the years, she expanded her training to include modern,
African jazz, lyrical ballet, Kandyan dance, and contemporary dance, deepening her understanding of various movement styles and traditions.
Her genuine love for dance naturally led her to teaching, where she has shared her knowledge with students from beginner to advanced levels. In her classes, Zahabiya combines technical
proficiency with a deep appreciation for the art form, fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Committed to continuous education, Zahabiya completed a 12-Week Adult Ballet course and a 6-Week Butter Ballet course with Australian ballet teacher Georgia Dostal, which refined her technique and enhanced her understanding of ballet pedagogy. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes building a strong technical foundation while encouraging students to express their individuality and creativity.
Beyond dance, Zahabiya is a certified yoga instructor, having completed her 200-hour teaching training at Vinyasa Yogashala in India. Her interest in yoga stemmed from a desire to explore
the connection between movement and mindfulness, which informs her approach to dance. The training equipped her with tools to integrate yoga principles into her dance teaching,
promoting both physical and mental wellbeing among her students. Zahabiya is dedicated to helping her students grow as dancers, inspiring them to reach new levels of skill and expression.
Rebecca Howes
'Miss Becky' - RAD Ballet Teacher
Becky began dancing at a young age, finding a love for ballet after trying out various other dance styles. As a student she completed exams with the IDTA, ISTD and the RAD. She was
awarded a place on the Royal Ballet’s prestigious Junior Associate programme, and continued her studies as a Mid- Associate of the Royal Ballet.
After a break from ballet to attend university and pursue a career in TV and Radio, she rediscovered ballet as an adult and hasn't stopped dancing since! She completed her teacher training through the RAD in 2024 and since has taught students of all ages in Bath and Bristol. She began her teaching career teaching classes for adult dancers and company class at amateur ballet company Ballet Bristol, and is extremely passionate about sharing her love for classical ballet with her students and loves seeing them progress and achieve their goals.
Alongside teaching Becky continues to work in the broadcasting industry, providing administration and logistical support to teams making radio and local news.
Becky is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, having completed her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies Course (CBTS). She is also qualified a qualifed Progressing Ballet Technique teacher and is studying a Benesh Movement Notation course through the RAD and Benesh International.
Lucy Payne
'Miss Lucy' - Heels Dance Teacher
Lucy began dancing at a young age, and her passion for the art has grown with her ever since. She trained in performing arts from an early age at a number of schools, before going on to graduate with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. During her time at university, Lucy further developed her skills by training for a month at the renowned Broadway Dance Center in New York City.
Following graduation, Lucy secured her first professional contract in Sugar: The Musical and worked as a choreographer for the award-winning scare park FEAR. Alongside her love for performing, Lucy has developed a strong passion for teaching, with a focus on creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where dancers can learn, grow, and thrive.
Lucy has extensive experience teaching students of all ages and abilities across a wide range of styles, including street dance, commercial, contemporary, jazz, heels and ballet. Her versatility as a performer strongly informs her teaching, allowing her to adapt her approach and help each student reach their full potential.
Lucy’s passion for creativity also shines through in her choreography. She has choreographed for numerous productions, including Six Jr., Matilda Jr., and SpongeBob the Musical. Most recently, she has choreographed brand-new stage shows for the award-winning scare park FEAR.
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Charlotte Finnimore
'Miss Charlotte' - Ballet Teacher
Charlotte started ballet at the age of 3, and now, 20 years later she is thrilled to be making a living from performing, choreographing, and passing on her love of dance to the next generation. Despite putting on her dancing shoes at such a young age, she always knew she wanted to dance for the rest of her life and went on to train full time at Bath Dance College, before undertaking a degree in Musical Theatre at PPA in Guildford, which she has just graduated from.
Whilst living her dream at drama school, she discovered her love for teaching along the way, and she decided to pursue this career path after graduating. Although ballet has always been a huge part of her life, Charlotte has trained in a number of different dance styles as well as singing and acting, and she loves to see the joy that she has always felt from performing, whilst teaching her students.
Whilst in training Charlotte was lucky enough to have had a number of amazing performance opportunities including dancing on the main stage at Move It, being choreographer on a number of projects, and playing the title role of Charity in her third year production of Sweet Charity. And outside of training, she fell into the wonderful world of teaching, gaining experience with ages from 2 years old all the way to adults. She is incredibly passionate about creating a safe and encouraging space for her students to learn and grow, and she is so excited to be teaching at Bath School of Dance.​
Our Teaching Assistants
Harriet
Teaching Assistant
Harriet started dancing at the age of 3 and attends weekly classes in RAD Ballet. Her favourite exercise in class is jetes. She also loves gymnastics. Harriet's says that teaching is really fun, she loves helping and watching dancers improve. The younger children give her joy because they are always happy to see her!
Florence
Teaching Assistant
Florence started dancing at the age of 3 and attends weekly dance classes in RAD Ballet. She also loves gymnastics, art, singing and is interested in contemporary dance. Florence enjoys helping the younger children to learn and also learns new things herself in every lesson!
Esmé
Teaching Assistant
Esmé started dancing at the age of 3 and attends weekly dance classes in RAD Ballet. Her favourite dance is the Cane Dance from the Grade 4 syllabus. Esmé also enjoys art and crafts and swimming. Her favourite thing about being a teaching assistant is the enjoyment she gets from helping our youngest dancers to learn their dances. It is the highlight of her week!
Freyja
Teaching Assistant
Freyja started dancing at the age of 5 and attends weekly dance classes in RAD Ballet, where she particularly enjoys jumping (sautés)! Aside from dance, Freyja enjoys art and crafting, reading and writing her own stories. Freyja's favourite thing about being a teaching assistant is seeing the little ones learn and progress, as she did when she was younger.
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