'Dance for pleasure, Love it forever'
The Polka School of Dance
Our Teachers
The Polka School of Dance was established in January 2009 by Principal Stephanie Matthews. Stephanie trained from the age of 2 with the Elwick Academy of Dance in Hartlepool under the instruction of Miss Freda Compton. At the age of 14 Stephanie began to work as a student teacher within the school and took her first associate teaching certificate with The British Association of Teachers of Dancing at the age of 17 in Ballet. She went on to gain teaching qualifications in Tap and Jazz and later took all of her teaching qualifications to membership level.
Stephanie is now also an associate member of Northern Counties Dance Teachers Association so the school is able to offer examination in both British Association and Northern Counties and therefore offering a broader selection of class work.
Stephanie Matthews B.A.T.D/N.C.D.T.A
Hannah Stamp B.A.T.D
With over 10 years teaching experience, Hannah is a fantastic asset to the Polka team. Hannah also trained with the Elwick Academy of Dance from the age of 9 and went on to take her teaching qualification in Ballet. She enjoys performing herself taking on roles such as Maria in The Sound of Music.
Fiona Walker (Student Teacher)
Fiona has been a pupil of the Polka School of Dance from the very beginning. She is a keen performer and regularly performs in local productions. Fiona works alongside Miss Stef and Miss Hannah and is currently undergoing teacher training.
