30 June 2026
Ella-Louise has been dancing since she was three years old. With a background as a professional ballet dancer who has performed soloist roles for companies around the world, she is grateful to still be performing alongside running her own school.
"Whilst I was at vocational ballet school I initially thought it would be sensible to gain a teaching qualification so that I could pick up occasional teaching work in between performing jobs, so I completed my DDE. As my studies progressed, I started to develop a real passion for educating the next generation of dancers. I found that I really enjoyed working with them and watching them improve week by week made me feel proud of their achievements, which was really rewarding."
Performing whilst teaching is a combination that the ISTD is here to support. As a Trainee Teacher, you will gain access to support from the beginning, giving you the tools, guidance and community you need to build a rewarding career in dance education. Including access to professional resources, CPD discounts and exclusive partner offers.
Studying alongside performing
Ella successfully balanced an active performance schedule with study for her Licentiate in Cecchetti Classical Ballet. Monthly online sessions with her mentor, in-person syllabus days, and daily revision in the weeks leading up to her exam all had to fit around teaching commitments, and a dance show that finished just 10 days before she sat her qualification! She thanks her mentor, Gillian Hurst.
"The level of support, encouragement and motivation from Miss Hurst was instrumental in helping me believe in myself. She is an inspiration to so many and I feel incredibly lucky that she helped me through every part of the process, no query was too big and no question too silly. By the time it got to my exam day, I felt so prepared I was almost excited to go in!"
That sense of ISTD community extended beyond her mentor too. Ella-Louise regularly video called her friend Mariella, who had passed her own Licentiate the previous summer.
"We would talk things through and dance and count exercises together, usually every single men’s adage!"
Seeing ballet through a teacher's eyes
For Ella, the most significant shift throughout the process was gaining an entirely new perspective on her art form.
"If I had to choose one thing, it would be learning how to see ballet through a teacher's eyes rather than only a dancer's. Studying for the Licentiate gave me a much deeper understanding of the Cecchetti Method and the thought behind its progression. It showed me that great teaching isn't just about knowledge, it's about communication, observation, and helping each student reach their potential."
Next steps
With her Licentiate achieved, Ella-Louise is already looking ahead: "I would really love to keep studying Cecchetti and eventually gain my Fellowship one day. And maybe even become an examiner, watch out!"
Her advice to anyone considering taking that first step is characteristically straightforward.
"What are you waiting for? Just do it! There is so much support available and always someone around to answer any questions and queries you may have."
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