CRYSTAL ACADEMY: DANCE SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Kirsty is the creative force behind Crystal Academy’s success - a multi-award-winning choreographer and coach whose students include World Champions and a host of County, National and World titleholders.

Her dancers’ achievements span team and solo categories, with trophies proudly displayed in homes across our community.

She is also a finalist in the UK Small Business Awards for Best Creative Arts Business.

A lifelong dancer, Kirsty began competing at age three and has excelled across multiple disciplines. Alongside her competitive career, she has invested heavily in professional development, holding:

Qualifications

• 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
   
• 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 taken 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 teaching children of all abilities - alongside her role as a devoted mum - she brings warmth, expertise and high standards to every class.

Teacher, choreographer and mentor, 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.

A committed health and fitness enthusiast, Jase is passionate about creating an environment where young people and the team who support them can thrive. He leads staff development and upskilling, ensuring training stays current and best practice is applied consistently across the Academy.

As a qualified teacher, he specialises in Physical Fitness and Education, Business Studies and Computer Science, and supports learners through GCSE and A-Level pathways.

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) Education with QTS
   
• Youth Strength and Conditioning Coach
   
• Hatton Fitness Level 1 Instructor
   
• SEN Teaching Level 4 (Advanced)
   

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 specialises in Acrobatics, Aerial Hoop and Pole Fitness, and has trained in Aerial Arts since 2017 across hoop and lollipop apparatus. Their warm, empathetic teaching style helps children and young people -including those with SEN - to build confidence, progress safely and enjoy movement.

Skilled in delivering safe, engaging and inclusive sessions, Michigan’s practice is underpinned by strong safeguarding and first-aid knowledge. A former freestyle, ballroom and Latin dancer, they bring musicality and performance awareness into aerial and acro contexts.

Qualifications

• In-house Acrobatics Instructor; currently completing the Acrotrix Instructor Certification
   
• Aerial Hoop & Pole Fitness practitioner
   
• Qualified Swimming Instructor (Safeguarding Level 2)
   
• First Aid trained via lifeguard certification
   
• NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care
   
• Enhanced DBS and registered chaperone
   

Role at Crystal Academy
Michigan supports Beginner and Novice members in Acrobatics and Aerial Hoop, including our competitive aerialists, through both group classes and one-to-one coaching.

Helena is a vital member of Crystal Academy, bringing warmth, professionalism and dedication to every role she undertakes. As one of our main chaperones and a key presence at the front desk, she’s a calm, friendly point of contact for parents and students, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported.

Helena has recently completed Level 1 CPD in Children’s Mental Health and is currently studying for Level 2, strengthening her ability to support students’ emotional wellbeing and contribute to their overall welfare. Alongside her chaperone and reception duties, she assists in classes and helps keep day-to-day operations running smoothly.

Credentials & focus

• Certified chaperone
   
• Children’s Mental Health CPD Level 1 (in progress: Level 2)
   
• Active role in safeguarding across the Academy
   
• Class assistance and frontline parent/student support
   

Helena’s commitment shines through in everything she does, making her an invaluable part of the team and a trusted advocate for our young people.

At Crystal Academy, we are proud to cultivate a forward-thinking and empowering environment for our under-16 support staff, offering opportunities that go far beyond the traditional school setting.

These talented young individuals are enrolled in our Youth Leadership courses, working towards their Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 qualifications - each carrying valuable UCAS points that set them apart academically and professionally.

As part of their training, these young leaders complete volunteer hours under direct supervision, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, and personal development. By supporting classes, events, and day-to-day operations, they develop critical skills such as communication, responsibility, and initiative.

Our commitment is to ensure that these young people are equipped not only with certifications but also with confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic that places them ahead of their peers. We are passionate about fostering an environment that inspires ambition, nurtures potential, and prepares our youth for a bright and successful future.

Through this program, Crystal Academy is shaping future leaders - young individuals who are confident, capable, and ready to excel in any endeavour they pursue.

Crystal Academy are empowering the leaders of tomorrow.

 A trusted family liaison and event lead, Gemma heads chaperoning and PTFA, supports Kirsty in competitions and events delivery, and creates photo/video content for marketing. 

She is an approved council chaperone, and certified first aider. You will likely see Gemma backstage with Kirsty, amongst other parents, who support Kirsty with the preparations required to ensure your child sparkles on stage!