Our Team
Raquel dos Santos
'Miss Raquel' - Creative Director | Contemporary Dance Teacher
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.
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
Head of Administration
Kat McMillan has an incredibly skilled background in finance, sales, management and administration and thrives in supporting growth and development in all she does.
Kat gained a degree in creative writing and a Master in Scriptwriting at Bath Spa University, going on to write the Multi-Award winning short film 'Where was I' which recently won three awards at the Jane Austen International Film Festival held in Bath in September 2024 including Best UK Drama.
Kat has been working with the school for the last year and absolutely loves being a part of the wonderful dance family we are creating. As well as supporting the school, Kat also works within the deaf community, learning BSL, produces an entertainment podcast and is always working on future creative projects.
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.
Charlotte is also a Certified Teacher in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and a children's yoga teacher with Wellbeing Bees yoga.
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.
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 to attend university, she rediscovered ballet as an adult. She is a company dancer with amateur ballet company Ballet Bristol, where she has performed in two Galas, dancing
group and solo pieces. It was at Ballet Bristol where she started her teaching career teaching company class, alongside classes for adult dancers.
Becky has experience teaching all ages of students. She is also qualified to teach Progressing Ballet Technique and an RAD Registered Teacher.
Melissa Bowles
'Miss Melissa' - Guest RAD Ballet Teacher & Exam Coaching
Melissa began dancing at the age of 11. After passing exams in Modern and Ballet with the British Ballet Organisation (BBO) she was awarded a scholarship to attend monthly classes at BBO headquarters in London. At 13 Melissa joined the Youth Talent Program in Swindon and at 16 began full time Dance Training, gaining a Diploma in Dance from Liberatus College in Swindon.
Melissa went on to train at Bird College, London and gained a BA (Hons) in Dance and Performing Arts. She gained her Level 5 teaching Diploma with the BBO and is currently taking her master’s in arts education (Dance Teaching) with the Royal Academy of Dance. She is also qualified to teach Progressing Ballet Technique, Silver Swans and RAD Ballet.
Melissa has been teaching for the last 7 years in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and most recently in Singapore. Her students have won numerous awards for group pieces and Contemporary and Classical Ballet solos across Asia. She was also awarded the choreographers award from the “short and sweet” competition in Malaysia.
Emily Brown
'Miss Emily' - Guest Contemporary Dance Teacher
Emily is a choreographer and dancer based in Bath. Emily initially trained in ballet, and discovered contemporary dance in her teens. She instantly connected with the freedom and expression of this style, and has loved it ever since.
After 5 years in a Youth Dance Company based at Birmingham's DanceXchange, Emily gained a 1st class degree in contemporary dance at the University of Chester, followed by a year performing with 'Mapdance' postgraduate company at the University of Chichester.
Emily created her own dance company, Emily Brown Dance, in 2017, and has toured and performed her work across the UK. Emily is also a community dance teacher, working with Yama Dance Company and 3rd Stage Dance Company. She's passionate about dance performance and teaching being collaborative, accessible and inclusive for all levels and ages.
Our Teaching Assistants
Nicole
Teaching Assistant
Nicole started dancing with Bath School of Dance at the age of 4 and attends weekly dance classes in RAD Ballet, Contemporary Dance and Ballet Fitness. Nicole’s favourite dances are the RAD Grade 3 Character Dance and the Grade 4 ‘Cane’ Dance. Nicole’s talents beyond dance revolve around music. She has reached Grade 4 in violin, Grade 3 in music and previously sang with Bath Abbey Children’s Choir. Nicole has fond memories of her own teaching assistant when she was little.
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!
Ava
Teaching Assistant
Ava started dancing at the age of 5 and attends weekly dance classes in RAD Ballet, Ballet Fitness and Contemporary Dance. Her favourite exercises in class are high kicks and turns. She also loves gymnastics and baking. Ava's favourite thing about being a teaching assistant is that she gets to practice what she wants to do when she's older, which is to be a dance teacher.
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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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!