ABOUT US

The Joanne Ward Dance Academy is a dance school serving the local community of Hersham and Walton on Thames, Surrey, based at St Peters Church Hall in Hersham. It was established by Joanne Ward in 2004 and has over 100 pupils.

JWDA offers a high quality of training and classes in a safe, happy and structured environment. JWDA caters for children’s ballet classes from RAD Pre-School through to Intermediate Foundation, RAD Syllabus classes, adult ballet classes and Jazz & Musical Theatre and Tap Classes.

We value the well being of each and every student and aim to nuture, support and encourage them. Through this method students will gain grace, strength, creativity and confidence as well as developing self-discipline, musicality and a joy of dance.

RAD examinations are taken by the pupils with 100% pass rate at Merit and Distinction.

Open classes are held at the end of each term for parents and families of the children so that they can share and enjoy their child’s progress.

Principal - Joanne Ward ARAD, Dip PDTC

Jo has enjoyed a varied professional career in ballet, musical theatre and television. She trained at the Arts Educational School, going on to perform principle roles with the Dublin City Ballet Company. On her return to the UK she played Cinderella alongside Jim Davidson before joining the original West End tap musical 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. True to the story she started in the chorus and went on to play the roles of both Phyllis Dale and the juvenile lead Peggy. Jo then played Peggy on the first national tour and a return season at the Dominion Theatre in the West End. Other theatre credits include both choreography and performing principle roles in pantomime.

Jo has appeared on television in the Royal Variety Performances 85/86, A Night of 100 Stars, Casualty and House of Elliott to name a few. She also had a role in the film The Hawk and was the double for Natalya, the lead in the James Bond movie Goldeneye.

Following her performing career Jo studied at the Royal Academy of Dance, graduating with Distinction from the PDTC course in June 1995.

The Joanne Ward Dance Academy was established in 2004 and is a thriving school of which Jo is very proud. Jo has taught for RAD ACE classes and various RAD Summer/Easter Schools both in the UK and abroad.

Teacher - Madelaine Price BA(Hons), RAD RTS

Madelaine trained for 9 years at Elmhurst School for Dance graduating with a Diploma in Dance. She went on to continue her dance training and education at the University of Surrey, Roehampton graduating with a BA Hons in Dance Studies.

Madelaine then embarked on her teaching qualifications with the Royal Academy of Dance graduating with a Certificate in Dance Teaching Studies. Further training has included the Ballet Education Practice course with Royal Ballet School and Royal Opera House.

Madelaine has enjoyed a career in dance teaching with the Joanne Ward Dance Academy. She also teaches for the Royal Opera House Education Department on their Chance to Dance Programme, Dance Dynamic and Family Performances. Madelaine also works for the Northern Ballet Company on their Children’s Ballet Workshops.

Guest Coach - Glyn Kerslake

Glyn Kerslake trained as an actor at Arts Educational Schools, London. Glyn is also an accomplished composer and has written a children's musical called Haunted.

Glyn made his West End debut in the company of Les Miserables at the Palace Theatre in 1988. His credits include Miss Saigon, Sunset Boulevard, the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, The Three Phantoms to name but a few!

In 2012 he appeared in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of Merrily We Roll Along by Stephen Sondheim which then transferred to the Harold Pinter Theatre in 2013. It was released in cinemas world wide by Digital Theatre.

Recently Glyn is performing in London Calling at Salisbury Playhouse.

Glyn joins JWDA for the Summer Workshops to coach the students in vocals, acting and performance.