LBA Studios — Where Passion meets Creativity
At LBA, we believe dance is a joyful, empowering journey that allows you to express who you are no matter where you're starting from. Our mission is to create a welcoming, fun and inspiring space where dancers of all ages and abilities can explore their passion, build confidence, and enjoy every step of the adventure.
Our talented and caring team is here to support and guide each student on their unique path, celebrating every milestone along the way and nurturing a lifelong love for movement. Together, we’re not just learning steps; we’re creating a community where every dancer is encouraged to shine.
Inspire | Create | Nurture | Perform
Our Incredible Team
Our team is the heartbeat of LBA and each member brings something truly special to the table. From our passionate teachers to our dedicated support team, we are a family united by a love for dance and a commitment to helping our students reach their fullest potential.
Christie — Director
What inspires you?
I’m constantly inspired by our amazing LBA stars. The energy, the friendship and the supportive environment we’ve cultivated as an LBA family has become my greatest source of motivation and inspiration. It’s a vision I always aspired to create and seeing it come to life is nothing short of magical.
Teaching Philosophy
I firmly believe that the dance studio has an extraordinary power to be a space where individuals can, not only grow, but truly flourish, discovering their potential, individuality and ultimately create a deeper connection to themselves. I strive to create that space for every young person that comes to our studios whether they come to dance for fun with their friends, or want to pursue dance as a future career.
Favourite dance style?
At my core, I’m a theatre girl — there's nothing like the magic of Musical Theatre and classical Theatre Jazz. Give me Fosse any day! I love the strength, poise and body awareness ballet instills in the dancer and lyrical / contemporary dance never fails to make me cry! I love all forms of dance, especially when the performer’s passion and love for their craft shines through every movement.
Fun Fact?
I choreographed the musical ‘Oliver’ at the Edinburgh Playhouse with Stage Experience! One of the young performers was our one and only Miss Beth - who went on to be on of my very first students, an assistant and now a much loved LBA teacher!
Favourite Quote?
We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it!
Hannah — Assistant Director
What inspires you?
Dance has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Every day, my students remind me of the pure joy and limitless possibilities that dance offers. Their growth, creativity, and dedication serve as powerful reminders of the impact dance can have. They have become my biggest source of inspiration. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with them and be a part of the special dance family that LBA has become.
Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, I believe in creating a positive, safe space where dancers can confidently express themselves and feel supported throughout their journey. By creating an environment where students feel comfortable to take risks, make mistakes, and celebrate their progress, I aim to help them build confidence and develop a true love for dance - and ensuring we have fun along the way.
Favourite dance style?
I truly do love all styles of dance but my all time favourite has to be lyrical and contemporary. The combination of fluid movement, storytelling and the connection to music is what I am drawn to. It's a style that encourages vulnerability and creativity, and I enjoy sharing that sense of emotional depth and expression with my students, helping them connect not only with the dance but with themselves
Fun Fact?
My dance journey started with classes in Latin and Rock n Roll. My favourite was the Jive and Salsa.
Favourite Quote?
Anything can happen if you let it
Gemma — Teacher
What inspires you?
Being a dance teacher is not only about teaching someone to dance but also about building a trusting relationship with every person and creating a safe space for everyone to learn and enjoy. I’m inspired each day to create this environment in every class and to help create a path for each student to progress.
Teaching Philosophy
I always try to adapt my teaching styles as I believe everyone learns in different ways. By doing this I hope my students always feel there is a way for them to grasp choreography, exercises and syllabus work and most importantly they have fun doing it!
Favourite Dance Style/Genre
I teach lots of different styles but my favourites have to be ballet, tap and jazz. Teaching a syllabus lead class creates a clear structure and progression for each student and the exam opportunities is a great way for students to be awarded for their progress. With all these styles technique plays a massive part of the class but also the creation that can be done within these styles is amazing!
Fun Fact
I love to bake when I get spare time! A few years ago I made Easter treat boxes to sell and raise money for Marie Curie where I raised £700 and I would love to do again in the future!
Favourite Quote
Never let anyone dull your sparkle!
Eleanor — Teacher
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the role models that shaped my dance journey. I had many positive role models at school, college and university who supported my ambitions and provided me with the skills to achieve anything within the dance industry. I often think back to those lecturers and mentors who guided me to where I am today. What I learnt from them has shaped my practice and inspired my journey into teaching the next generation.
Teaching Philosophy
I ensure every child feels safe, included and supported within all my dance classes; this provides each student the space to build positive relationships, develop their dance skills and inspire creativity. I love supporting the pre-school students take their first steps into the dance studio and see their confidence grow week by week. I aim to provide each student with the techniques to become successful dancers but also successful human beings.
Fave style/genre
I love them all but if I had to pick it would have to be Contemporary and Ballet.
Before leaving high school, I went to see Netherlands Dans Theater and was really inspired with how each dancer communicated the meaning of each piece.
It was so impressive to witness highly technical dancers perform with such emotion and feeling. I also love teaching ballet because I enjoy the set technical steps and strong foundation it provides to young dancers.
Fun Fact
In 2013 I completed an internship at the Martha Graham Dance.
Company and School in New York City. It was amazing to take class with the school and learn how a professional company functions.
Fave Quote
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique they are great because of their passion.”
Leah — Teacher
What inspires you?
The want and fire I see in students eager to learn, progress and level up themselves always inspires me to give them the best training and push them to excel. Seeing the love they have for dance keeps me motivated to keep that fire in them lit.
Teaching Philosophy
I pride myself on making all of my classes accessible, open and supportive with a focus on building well rounded dancers with extensive knowledge of their foundations, confidence within themselves as well as their dance skills, technique and ability to perform - no matter what.
Favourite Dance Style/Genre
I love quite a few different dance styles for different reasons. A lot of my own dance foundations come from Jazz and I absolutely love a powerful technical jazz routine. Specialising in Hip-Hop & Commercial too I love introducing the many different styles, disciplines and history behind these styles and seeing students find themselves and their personal style of performance in the style whether it’s a super funky hip-hop piece or an upbeat commercial piece.
Fun Fact
I love to travel and see the world whenever I can to experience different cultures. My favourite place I’ve been is Sri Lanka a few years ago where I got the privilege of volunteering at a girls orphanage where I taught them Dance & English language.
I think I learnt the most however about myself.
Favourite Quote
Life is too short to be anything other than unapologetically yourself.
Kira — Teacher
What inspires you?
Dance has been a huge part of my life from a young age and has shaped my confidence and sense of self. I've been inspired by the amazing people who have taught me. The impact they have had on my life motivates me to help others find their own confidence and joy through movement
Teaching Philosophy
I believe in creating a supportive nurturing environment where each child feels safe and valued. My classes are designed to be fun, while also focusing on individual development. No matter the age or ability, I aim to make every lesson personal and tailored to help each student reach their maximum potential.
Favourite Dance Style/Genre
Acro has always been my passion because of the endless possibilities it offers. There’s so much room for creativity and it’s thrilling to watch on stage. It uses a mix of strength, flexibility and artistic expression and I love creating new unique acro variations for my students.
Fun Fact
I love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit 28 countries so far. Some of my favourites have been Indonesia and Iceland. I’m also in my fourth year at Edinburgh University for PE teaching.
Favourite Quote
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." — Steve Jobs
Analise — Teacher
What inspires you?
Seeing young children nurture their love for movement & music inspires me to pass on what I learnt growing up. Offering time and space allowing them to be who they want to be, gain confidence, build strength, working hard and having fun.
Dance has always been part of my life. I trained in classical ballet & did my teacher DDI training whilst studying to become a nurse. After a year of full time work, I resigned and went back to university for a BA in dance studies with a focus on contemporary dance. Going back to teaching after having children of my own has been amazing & being a mum has given me more confidence to communicate & understand the littlest of dancers.
Your Teaching Philosophy
I aim for each individual dancer to recognise their own achievement & have fun in class. Technique is hard work but everything is possible with consistency & fun.
Favourite Dance Style/Genre
Ballet will always be my second language. But I also love teaching mini acro & baby belles!
Fun Fact
I’m a mum of 2 girls and I love coffee & chocolate.
Favourite Quote
“It’s about the journey not the destination”
Beth — Teacher
What inspires you?
Dance has always been a constant for me, especially during difficult times. It gave me a sense of control and expression when I needed it most, helping me rebuild both physically and mentally. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating a space where students feel supported, can grow in confidence and develop their love for dance—whether they’re training seriously or just dancing for the joy of it! I was lucky to have incredible teachers, like Miss Christie, who encouraged me throughout my own journey and I hope to do the same for my students.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe dance should be both challenging and enjoyable. My goal is to create a positive and encouraging environment where students feel safe to push themselves, try new things and have fun! Whether it’s refining technique, building confidence, or simply enjoying movement, I want every dancer to leave class feeling accomplished and inspired.
Favourite Dance Style
Tap and musical theatre are my favourites! I love the rhythm and precision of tap—it’s such a unique way to create music through movement. Musical theatre combines everything I love about performing: storytelling, expression and of course, singing!
Fun Fact
I’m currently studying for a BSc in Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) at university and I’m especially interested in fungi—I’d love to study mushrooms when I graduate!
Favourite Quote
"The body says what words cannot." – Martha Graham
Emma — Teacher
What inspires you?
Sharing and nurturing a love of dance and movement in young kids. Babybelles gives me the opportunity to introduce the magical world of dance to preschool age kids and their parents and watch them shine and grow in confidence which is truly wonderful.
Teaching Philosophy
I like to adopt a caring teaching style that helps to nurture young kids and promote a growing confidence and love of movement and music in them from a young age.
Favourite Dance Style
I love all dance but if I had to choose it would have to be ballet and commercial. One of the best things about getting to teach Babybelles is that we cover them all and get to introduce our little movers to all styles of dance which is so much fun!
Fun Fact
My daughter started dancing at LBA when it first opened as a Babybelle and she is still dancing and performing here now almost 8 years on (and loving every minute!)
Favourite Quote
Dance like no one’s watching
LBA Core Values
At LBA, we’re driven by a set of core values that are the foundation of everything we do. These values shape the supportive and vibrant community we’ve created.
Passion
Our hearts are full of love for dance and the arts. It fuels everything we do and inspires our students to pour their passion into every move.
Inclusivity
We believe in creating a space where everyone belongs. No matter your background or ability, you’re welcome here and we celebrate the unique energy each person brings.
Community
More than just a dance school, we’re a close-knit family where everyone lifts each other up. Together, we create an environment that’s supportive, encouraging and filled with a sense of belonging.
Creativity
Dance is a canvas and we encourage our students to think outside the box. We inspire them to explore new ideas, take risks and express themselves in their own unique way.
Growth
We’re committed to helping students flourish both as a dancer and as an individual. Whether it’s a tiny step or a giant leap, we celebrate every part of their journey and cheer them on every step of the way.
