Meet the Team of NDA
Natasha Wade
Principal
Natasha trained at the prestigious professional dance school, The Hammond in Chester where she gained her level 6 Diploma in Musical Theatre. She then worked multiple contracts as a professional singer and dancer, this then led her to settle down in Newark.
Natasha still enjoys performing with Newark Amateur Operatic Society where she has played many leading roles such as Bombalurina in Cats the Musical, Molly in Ghost the Musical and most recently, Morticia in The Addams Family.
In 2017, Natasha felt it was time to create Newark Dance Academy to share her love for performing to the children of Newark. Starting at Millgate Community Centre with just three students, she now runs various classes around Newark, including after-school clubs.
With over 20 years of dance training and 10 years of professional performance experience, Natasha is here to offer professional, fun and creative classes with her fabulous team.
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Katy Stafford
Dance teacher
Katy has been dancing for over 14 years. She started her training at a local dance school where she studied Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Lyrical and Acrobatics, appearing in a range of performances and competitions as well as taking over 37 IDTA examinations. Katy also attended associate training at Chantry School of Contemporary and Balletic Arts for 3 years, where she took monthly classes in ballet and musical theatre and was also a member of their youth performance company 'Origins'.
During this time, Katy completed her level 3 extended diploma in dance and became a fully qualified dance teacher with the IDTA, now holding two level 4 Diplomas in Ballet and Tap teaching as well as an Anatomy and Physiology diploma. She has also found a love for Pilates and is now a fully qualified fitness Pilates instructor.
Besides her love for teaching, Katy also enjoys performing in shows with Newark Amateur Operatic Society alongside Natasha.
She feels so lucky to be passing on her knowledge and passion of all things dance to the future generation.
Bekka McAndrew
Singing teacher
Bekka has always been passionate about music and started instrument lessons at the age of 8. She went on to focus on piano whilst keeping a passion for singing.
She continued to achieve her GCSE and A Level Music which led her to study at Nottingham Trent University for a Music Performance degree.
During her time at university, her chosen studied instrument was the voice. She played in venues across Nottingham, released self-produced music and also had regular airplay on BBC Nottingham.
After achieving a First Class Honours in her degree, Bekka went on to set up her own teaching studio where she teaches private lessons for piano and singing. Last year, Bekka began as the singing teacher at Newark Dance Academy’s Stage School. Here, she loves to help the students make the most of their voices and be confident whilst they perform!
