Teacher

 

Kathryn Pearce AISTD (CDE)

ISTD Full Active Member Level 4 Certificate in Dance Education

ISTD Faculties:

* Imperial Classical Ballet

* Tap

* Modern Theatre

* National Dance

Kathryn has been passionate about dance from a young age, beginning her training at the Bristol College of Dance before continuing at the Judith Hockaday College of Dance and Drama. She holds ISTD Advanced Vocational qualifications and the Certificate in Dance Education (CDE) in Imperial Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap Dance and National Dance.

With many years of teaching experience, Kathryn loves sharing her passion for dance with the next generation. She particularly enjoys choreography and performance and has been fortunate to have her work recognised at the All-England Dance Finals, Eisteddfods and Festivals across the UK.

For Kathryn, teaching is about much more than learning steps. She loves nurturing each child, building their confidence and creating a happy, supportive environment where they can enjoy dancing, make memories and be proud of their achievements.

One of her greatest joys is seeing students she has taught go on to pursue careers as professional dancers and teachers around the world.

Teacher

Carly Hall Approved Tutor, LISTD(IB, MT, TD)

Carly began her training here at First Steps then went on to study at The Bristol College of Dancing and graduated to The Judith Hockaday School of Dance and Drama.

 

Carly has gained her ISTD Advanced Vocational Examinations in Imperial Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance, and holds the highly regarded Licentiate status of the ISTD in Imperial Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance.

Carly has a passion for performance and choreography which has been recognised and awarded at The ISTD awards, All England Dance Competitions and many more  Eisteddfods, Festivals and Competitions. 

Carly is a qualified and recognised Tutor delivering the ISTD DDE teacher training course in all genres. Carly teaches and tutors students at The Bristol College of Dancing and also though private lessons.

Carly encourages and nurtures all her students to achieve their full potential in all areas possible.  Many of Carly’s students have gone on to professional Performing Arts, Musical Theatre and Ballet Schools, with many dancing professionally or now teaching. 

Teacher

 

Ellie Garwood (DDE)

ISTD Full Active Member Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education ISTD Faculties -Imperial Classical Ballet -Modern Theatre -Tap

 

Ellie began dancing at First Steps and the Carly Elizabeth School of Dance at the age of two and a half. During her time there, she studied ISTD Modern, Tap and Ballet, successfully completing both graded and vocational examinations across all three genres.

Throughout her training, Ellie competed in numerous dance festivals, gaining valuable performance experience and achieving some fantastic results. One of her proudest achievements was qualifying for the All England National Finals, where she was placed first in the Classical Trio section.

Ellie continued to develop her training and experience at the Judith Hockaday College of Dance & Drama in Swindon, as well as at the Bristol College of Dancing with Miss Carly.

In 2025, Ellie successfully completed her Diploma in Dance Education, qualifying to teach Imperial Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance. She graduated in early 2026 at Harrow School and is also qualified to teach the ISTD Contemporary syllabus, further broadening her knowledge and expertise across a range of dance styles.

Ellie has developed a real passion for choreography, creating routines for numerous festivals and eisteddfods across the UK, including the All England Dance Regional and National Finals. She particularly enjoys the creative process of developing pieces that showcase each dancer's individual strengths, personality and performance ability.

Teaching has always been a genuine passion for Ellie, and she loves sharing the joy of dance with others. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch her students grow in confidence, develop their technique and achieve goals they may once have thought were beyond their reach.