About Us

Rachel is an ex-professional ballet dancer who has enjoyed a varied and exciting career in dance. Rachel danced with ‘Ballet Creations of London ‘directors Ursula Hageli (formally principal dancer with the Royal Ballet now Ballet Mistress to the Company) and Richard Slaughter (principal dancer with the Royal Ballet company and Stuttgart Ballet). Rachel also danced with ‘London City Ballet’ before embarking on a successful career in commercial theatre.

Rachel holds Fellowship teaching status with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and gained the Enrico Cecchetti Diploma in 2003. She holds a Certificate in Education from Chester University. Rachel has lectured at John Moores University and writes and delivers educational courses that enable children and young people with special needs to access and enjoy dance.

Rachel is the founder and has been the director of the ‘Hayward Performing Arts’ since its opening in 2000 and prides her school with happy, confident students who possess an excellent level of technique and performance quality.

Rachel has frequent engagements as a guest teacher at many prestigious academic and vocational schools and colleges throughout the North West and teaches on both the Cecchetti and the British Ballet Organisation Scholars and Associate courses which further the tuition of talented, young dancers.

In 2016 Rachel was appointed as an examiner for the Cecchetti branch of the ISTD and travels throughout UK and Europe in her role as an examiner.

Alix trained at KS Dance studying ballet; tap; modern theatre dance; flamenco; jazz; contemporary and musical theatre and was tutored by Miss Hayward during her three years at college. Alix performed in all of the annual performances and toured with the school’s `Allegrodance’ company. Upon graduation, Miss Sutch gained Advanced two certificates in ISTD Tap, Modern Theatre Dance and Ballet (Cecchetti method).

Miss Sutch has taught extensively in the North West area and has continued to develop her teaching qualifications gaining Licentiate teaching status in Ballet. Miss Sutch enjoys the Flamenco styles of dance and makes frequent visits to courses both in the UK and Spain expanding her knowledge and developing her passion for this style of dance.

Miss Sutch has been a member of the ISTD since 2009.

I began dance training in ballet, tap and modern at KS Dance LTD. This is where I also completed my teaching qualifications and Advanced 2 in Cecchetti Ballet.

I then completed my 3 years undergraduate training at London Contemporary Dance school, gaining a first in my BA Hons in Contemporary dance. (2014-2017). Following my studies, I worked professionally with Theatre St Gallen, Switzerland (2017-2018) performing roles in operas, musicals, original contemporary pieces, and on site specific locations. I also had the opportunity to assist choreographers, in creating text/dialogue and dance material for specific pieces.

In 2019, I completed my MA in Contemporary Dance gaining a first. Since leaving Switzerland, I have been working in Germany and the UK as a Free Lance Dance Artist, teaching, choreographing, creating, performing, and working on small projects. Some of these have included music videos and projects I have created myself.

Freya is an accomplished musician and vocalist and is so looking forward to sharing her knowledge and skills with our Junior Stage School students. Freya performs regularly with her band and has an extensive knowledge and background in musical theatre. A former student here at HPA, Freya has since gone on to study at LIPA and gain a First class honours degree.

Kelsey, a seasoned professional dancer, dazzled as a backing dancer alongside Rita Ora at Euro Vision 23. Her talent extends beyond this grand stage, as she regularly graces numerous professional performances across the UK while also dedicating herself to extensive teaching endeavours. With roots in Hayward Performing Arts and a degree from the esteemed Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts in Dance and Performance, Kelsey’s expertise shines through in her vibrant and spirited Commercial classes. She delights in imparting her knowledge and infectious passion for Commercial dance to her students.

Holly is a Primary School teacher with over 20 years experience. Holly has incredible organisational abilities and her customer service skills are fantastic. Always on hand to deal with any queries you may have. Holly is available every Saturday.