ABOUT US
ALL ABOUT HEDA
Helena launched Helena Elizabeth Dance Academy in September 2024, after years of teaching in schools and dance schools in North West London and back in her home town of Hull, Yorkshire. HEDA aims to mix together the best of traditional and new methods to create a one-stop shop for budding dancers. HEDA is a place where dancers gain all the tools they need to succeed, whilst maintaining a warm and welcoming place where they can feel secure, valued and seen as their authentic self.
We offer technical dance classes, where students are learning dance foundations and history, and can develop their craft with secure and innovative training.
We also want to build up our students physical competence and confidence, teaching them the joy of movement and hoping them to grow more in tune with their body.
Most importantly, we want to create a hub of dance, where young people can enjoy their passion, make friends and escape an overwhelming and busy world outside the studio.
We believe in a holistic approach to dance education, and we want to take advantage of all dance can offer our students!
CLASSES
BALLET
We work on our ballet technique and foundations using fun and engaging methods, bringing a modern and creative approach to ballet classes.
Developing co-ordination, strength, posture and musicality, this class is a great starting block for any budding dancers.
TAP
We pride ourselves on our tap classes and tap is a HEDA favourite!
We work on rhythm and pattern, coordination, musicality and style to a wide variety of engaging music.
A challenging style but so satisfying to execute, this class is perfect for those who love music… and making lots of noise, of course!
MODERN JAZZ
For our prep-junior dancers, we use the umbrella term ‘modern-jazz’ to explore many styles including:
- Jazz
- Contemporary
- Modern
- Street dance.
Dancers gain a wide range of techniques and skills in this fun, high energy and inspiring class!
MINI MOVES
A blend of styles to introduce young children to dance and creative movement.
Inspired by ballet, contemporary and street dance, this free-flow, imaginative and light-hearted class is perfect for little ones who are curious about dance and love to move!
OUR TEAM
HELENA
Helena is the owner and principal teacher at HEDA. Helena holds a degree in Dance Performance, 5 (and counting!) teaching qualifications with the IDTA, plus a wealth of experience teaching dance. Helena created HEDA to provide a place where everyone can thrive as their authentic self. Helena is a firm believer that dance is vital for children to learn and grow, developing important life skills, and she wants to nurture that through fun, community and inspiration.
EVE
Eve is our assistant teacher who looks after our students on Saturdays. Eve has recently graduated from London Studio Centre, and grew up in the dance studio. Eve loves hip hop and jazz and is enjoying teaching the children and watching them grow and progress each week!
LAUREN
Lauren is our assistant teacher who looks after our students on Mondays and Wednesdays. Lauren has graduated from both Emil Dale and LAMDA, holding a Musical Theatre Diploma and Acting Foundation. Lauren loves to dance and tell stories, and is enjoying using her acting experience to develop her teaching practice.
HELENA
EVE
LAUREN
Helena is the owner and principal teacher at HEDA. Helena holds a degree in Dance Performance, 5 (and counting!) teaching qualifications with the IDTA, plus a wealth of experience teaching dance. Helena created HEDA to provide a place where everyone can thrive as their authentic self. Helena is a firm believer that dance is vital for children to learn and grow, developing important life skills, and she wants to nurture that through fun, community and inspiration.
Eve is our assistant teacher who looks after our students on Saturdays. Eve has recently graduated from London Studio Centre, and grew up in the dance studio. Eve loves hip hop and jazz and is pursuing her dream of performing on stage, screen and on cruise ships.
Lauren is our assistant teacher who looks after our students on Mondays and Wednesdays. Lauren has graduated from both Emil Dale and LAMDA, holding a Musical Theatre Diploma and Acting Foundation. Lauren loves to dance and tell stories, and is enjoying using her acting experience to develop her teaching practice.
DANCE EXAMS
We structure our dancers’ training with exams, using the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) syllabus.
HEDA uses exams to further our dancers’ education, enhance their training and boost their confidence. IDTA offers such a variety of exams that we can tailor the exam to best suit our dancers, making it a positive experience that motivates them and teaches them valuable life skills.
Exams are optional at HEDA, but our students thoroughly enjoy them and they really do thrive.
“Thanks so much for the effort getting them ready for the exam. Azaria really enjoyed it and came out buzzing which is a testament to you (and the lessons- which she also loves!)”