ABOUT USWhat we do and Who we are
At Louise Nelson Dancers we offer fully qualified UKAdance professional training in Ballet, Tap,
Jazz and Musical Theatre and have been established since 1997. We are a community based Dance Studio delivering classes, workshops and performances in Inverness.
Dance is for all ages and with regular participation there are many health benefits both mental and physical. These include: improved condition of your heart and lungs, increased muscle strength, stronger bones, better co-ordination, flexibility and balance, greater confidence and self esteem... what's not to like!
Who We Are .....
Louise Nelson -
Principal Teacher
Fellow & Examiner UKA
Associate SDTA TSSM
Louise has 30 years experience of teaching dance to pupils of all ages. Qualified in many different styles, she now specialises in teaching Ballet, Tap and Jazz via the UKAdance syllabus - an awarding organisation validated by the CDMT - from Beginner level through to Professional standard.
Alongside her teaching commitments, Louise examines,
adjudicates and lectures, and is regularly asked to conduct workshops for teachers and pupils. She has lectured for The Highland Council, UKAdance (Aberdeen and Elgin Conferences), Girl Guiding UK, MS Therapy Centre and the Charleston Community Foundation. She attends many recognised courses to ensure continuous professional development with all syllabi requirements.
In addition to preparing students for examinations and displays, Louise has also trained pupils for the International Festival of Dancing and the Arts Stage Competition where they have achieved medal placings.
Several of Louise's students have gone on to study dance/performing arts full-time and some have performed professionally for television and in the West End. Others have opted to continue their training with her, studying part-time, and have successfully qualified as UKAdance teachers.
In Spring 2011 Louise created the 'Judith Armstrong Memorial Scholarships'. A prize fund of £200 worth of tuition is awarded annually to a pupil/pupils who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to their dance studies.
Louise is committed to 'bringing out the best' in all students whether they dance purely for fun or aspire to a career in dance.
Serena Hallam -
Assistant Principal Teacher
Licentiate UKA
Serena began dancing with Louise Nelson Dancers from the age of 9 years. She quickly progressed through her Grade and Medal Exams and from 2010 went on to gain Professional Teaching Qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre Dance.
She is a highly skilled Teacher, Choreographer and Performer and has taught all levels from Pre-School through to Adults. Serena leads our Early Years Program and has lectured for the UKA Aberdeen Conference on dance for this age group. Enjoying all forms of Theatre Dance, Serena excels in Tap.
In addition to her dance experience, Serena is qualified in all aspects of child care (SVQ3 CCLD) and is a fully qualified and registered Healthcare Play Specialist with the Society of Health Play Specialists.
Joanna Mackenzie -
Teacher
Associate UKA
Joanna has had a lifelong interest in Dance, Gymnastics and Fitness. She has extensive on-stage experience which includes appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, Glasgow Garden Festival, Brodie Castle and Eden Court Theatre.
A fully qualified teacher in both Ballet and Tap and with over 20 years experience as a Class Assistant - in a voluntary and professional capacity - she is highly experienced in leading and supporting pupils/students of all age groups with their dance studies.