THE SILHOUETTE DANCE CLUB FACULTY
Marie Smith
Principal
Marie began her Ballroom and Latin training at 10 years old in Old Field Road, Liverpool. She went on to compete across Europe in; Germany, Switzerland, Holland and Czechoslovakia. She also performed as at Butlins and Warner Holiday camps.
Mem. IDTA Ballroom, Mem. IDTA Latin, Lecturer and Championship, Adjudicator in Ballroom, Latin American, Free Style, Rock & Roll, Latin in Line Salsa and Cheerleading.
Marie is a former World Cabaret Challenge Winner, former North East of England Professional Ballroom and Latin Champion, finalists in the United Kingdom Open Professional Ten Dance Championships and finalists in United Kingdom closed Professional Ballroom and Latin Championships.
Tina Thomas
Teacher in Ballroom, Latin & Musical Theatre
Tina's love for Dance started at an early age here at the Silhouette Dance Club.
Completing IDTA exams and competitions in Ballroom, Latin, Cheer and Freestyle
She later attended Cowley High school were my love for Contemporary dance developed. I then completed GCSE and A level Dance and went on to John Moores University to gain a BA Hons in Dance.
In my early career I worked for an Educational Dance company and spent a number of seasons working as an entertainer for Thomson. She then became a qualified primary teacher completing a PGCE and worked for many years in primary schools, as both a teacher and P.E/ Dance/Gym specialist.
Currently in my day job I am Managing Director of Upbeat Academy, a cultural arts organisation delivering Dance, Music and Drama in schools and community settings to people of all ages across the North West.
Sophie Owen
Teacher in Contemporary, Street and Commercial
Sophie is a Dance Educator and Choreographer working across the UK. Growing up, dance remained an integral part of Sophie's life completing examinations in Ballet, Tap and Modern whilst regularly performing and participating in competitions in a wide range of dance styles. At 17, Sophie began her professional training at Centre Pointe Vocational College where she completed her A-Levels and ISTD examinations. Upon completion Sophie later moved to London to complete her degree at Middlesex University graduating with BA (Honours) Dance Studies (Choreography). Whilst studying she interned at B-Hybrid Dance where she was later promoted to project assistant where she assisted in the development of Masc 4 Marginalisation performed at Resolution 2018 and The Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Upon moving back to the North West Sophie continued to develop her company SMG Dance Collective who have performed at various events across Merseyside including; Light Night Liverpool, The Walker Art Gallery, Constellations and more.
In 2020, Sophie completed her MA Creative Dance Education at the University of Salford and continues to deliver dance classes, workshops and private tuition to dancers. At Silhouette Sophie directs our Contemporary and Commercial training teams, whilst preparing our Street dancers for their IDTA medal test examinations.
Megan Clarke
Teacher in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Cheer
Megan graduated from Edge Hill University in 2019 with a BA (hons) in Professional Dance. She has been working professionally as a choreographer and performer both in the UK and internationally for 5 years.
Her credits include ‘The Storm’ with the James Wilton Dance Company at the Blackpool Grand Theatre; Show choreographer and performer at Gulliver’s World; Choreographer at the Earlstown Christmas Light Switch On; Event Performer in Zakynthos; and Senior dancer for the Sleeping Beauty Pantomime at the Theatre Royal.
Ruby Wilson
Teacher in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Street
Ruby trained for her Dance Theatre degree at London Studio Centre where she completed three years of intense professional dance training! Post graduation, Miss Ruby has completed her Masters in Dance Practices at Liverpool John Moores and her Postgraduate Diploma in Education at Edge Hill University! Ruby has been teaching dance across Merseyside for the past three years and has a huge passion for dance teaching!
Olivia Eden
Teacher in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Pole
Olivia trained at the prestigious Bird Dance College & SLP College where she graduated in 2018. Since graduating Olivia went off to Miami as a professional dancer onboard the Celebrity Cruise Liners. Since returning home Olivia has taught at various dance schools across the North West as well as becoming a recognised Personal Trainer & Fitness Instructor.
Susie Richmond
Teacher in Fitsteps
Susie has over 20 years dance experience and is a qualified member of the IDTA. She hase competed in Ballroom and Latin competitions before deciding to follow her love of dance teaching. She is an experienced teacher in various forms of dance including freestyle, ballroom, Latin American, sequence, bellydancing, Latin in line and sumbasize.
She has choreographed many routines over the years including performances on the theatre and dances for wedding couples for their first dance.
At Silhouette, Susie is our Footsteps teacher, for further information regarding her Fitsteps classes you can contact Susie directly at 07769581625 or click here to find out more.
Danielle Ward
Danielle began her training at the age of 8 at The Elizabeth Hill school of Dance and Drama where she gained distinctions in all RAD and IDTA exams taken. Throughout her time at Elizabeth’s she competed in many shows and competitions all over the UK and at the age of 14 she became the North West of England junior ballet champion.
In 2009 Danielle gained her place at Paul McCartney’s Performing Arts University (LIPA) where she gained a 2:1 honours degree after completing the 3 years. Danielle has many years experience performing and teaching dance. She also has great understanding working with children of all ages and abilities and continues to love helping out here at Silhouette.
Throughout the week Danielle currently works as a foster carer as well as working at The Walton Centre hospital. Danielle was previously employed throughout the evenings and weekends teaching all styles of dance here at Silhouette for many years. Unfortunately, due to Danielle's family commitments she had to stand down as one of the main teachers and now does cover work, occasional classes and helps out with shows etc.
Lyndsey May
Starry Eyed Belly Dancing
With a deep passion for dancing, Lyndsey has always danced since being a young girl starting with Tap, Ballet, Modern and Jazz. She has competed in Ballroom and Latin and is a recently qualified dance teacher with the DBM School.
"I have always loved belly dance. It reminds me of what an amazing woman I am, it allows me to move freely and creatively as well as challenging me to move my body in ways I never thought I could. With my work as a well-being therapist it brings a new element to my healing sessions as I can bring together chakra healing with dance".
