Crystal Academy: Aerial Arts and Dance CIC, Hednesford

Kirsty is the creative force behind Crystal Academy’s success - a multi-award-winning choreographer and coach whose students include World Champions as well as numerous County, National, and World titleholders. Her dance choreography has empowered dancers to achieve accolades across both team and solo categories, with trophies proudly showcased in homes throughout our community. Additionally, she is a finalist in the UK Small Business Awards for Best Creative Arts Business. A lifelong dancer, Kirsty began competing at the age of three and has excelled in various dance disciplines. Alongside her competitive journey, she has heavily invested in professional development, holding qualifications including: Extended BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance & Theatre), Extended BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports & Exercise Sciences (Sports & Fitness Biomechanics), BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Sport (Physiology), Certificate in Fitness Instruction (Gym Instructor), Dance Movement Psychotherapy Diploma, and Acrotrix Level 1 Theory Modules. Under Kirsty’s leadership, Crystal Academy has performed on ITV (Saracens vs Harlequins), represented the UK at Disneyland Paris as part of the Performing Arts Program, and delivered countless community showcases. Her choreography has led teams to Regional and National Championships, with several qualifying for Team England World Finals and earning placements on the world stage. Kirsty holds full insurance, safeguarding certification, first aid training, an enhanced DBS, and is a registered chaperone. With years of experience as a dance teacher in Cannock, she has taught children of all abilities and, as a devoted mum, brings warmth, expertise, and high standards to every class. As a teacher, choreographer, and mentor in youth leadership dance, Kirsty continues to inspire the next generation of champions.

With a background spanning the military, education, and fitness, Jase brings a rare mix of discipline, pedagogy, and wellbeing expertise to Crystal Academy. Working alongside Kirsty, he helps shape and deliver our unique curriculum, embedding positivity, resilience, and high standards in every session, including our engaging choreography. A committed health and fitness enthusiast, Jase is passionate about creating an environment where young people and the team who support them, such as our dedicated dance teacher in Cannock, can thrive. He leads staff development and upskilling, ensuring training stays current and best practices are applied consistently across the Academy. As a qualified teacher, he specializes in Physical Fitness and Education, Business Studies, and Computer Science, supporting learners through GCSE and A-Level pathways, while fostering youth leadership in dance. Jase’s blend of experience and empathy helps uphold the highest standards across the Academy, fostering a culture of growth, support, and excellence for students and staff alike.

Passionate and dedicated, Michigan specializes in Acrobatics, Aerial Hoop, and Pole Fitness, having trained in Aerial Arts since 2017 across hoop and lollipop apparatus. Their warm, empathetic teaching style fosters confidence and enjoyment in movement for children and young people, including those with SEN. Skilled in delivering safe, engaging, and inclusive sessions, Michigan’s approach is informed by a solid foundation in safeguarding and first-aid knowledge. As a former freestyle, ballroom, and Latin dancer, they incorporate musicality and performance awareness into aerial and acro contexts, enhancing the choreography they offer. Qualifications include Acrotrix Qualified instructor, Aerial Hoop & Pole Fitness practitioner, and Specialist in youth leadership dance. In addition, Michigan holds a Qualified Swimming Instructor certification (Safeguarding Level 2), is First Aid trained via lifeguard certification, and has NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care. They possess an Enhanced DBS and are registered chaperones. Michigan supports Beginner and Novice members in Acrobatics and Aerial Hoop, including our competitive aerialists, through both group classes and one-to-one coaching.

A trusted family liaison and event lead, Gemma heads chaperoning and the PTFA, supports Kirsty in competitions and events delivery, and creates photo/video content for marketing related to dance. As a qualified dance teacher in Cannock, she is an approved council chaperone and a certified first aider. You will likely see Gemma backstage with Kirsty and other parents, who work together to support Kirsty in the preparations necessary for the choreography classes, ensuring your child sparkles on stage and develops their youth leadership dance skills!