Rachael Mellins
Principal
Principal F.I.D.T.A Bt, MJ, T & TC (Dist.)
Miss Rachael started dancing at the age of 5 years at the Nellie Stagles School of Theatre Dance in Doncaster and then the Skelton Hooper School of Dance in Hull from 7 years of age.
Her professional dancing career began in the year 2000 when she danced within a Riverdance Tribute Show in Mallorca for a Summer Season. She then went on to work within the ‘Grand’ hotel chain of seaside hotels as an entertainer/dancer/singer. Rachael also danced numerous winter seasons for Rita Proctor & Pantoni Pantomimes between the ages of 15-21 years.
Rachael trained professionally at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks in Blackpool from September 2001. It was here that she realised she had a passion for teaching.
In January 2005 Rachael opened Miss Rachael’s School of Dance in Beverley, with a further branch opening in Hornsea in May 2006.
Rachael is well known in the local area for her family orientated approach and for her inclusive attitude towards teaching children of all ages and abilities.
Alongside Miss Rachael’s School of Dance Rachael is on the Ballet Faculty at Triplestar College of Performing Arts and teaches IDTA syllabus work at Ambition Academy Dance & Performimg Arts.
She also works as a Community Sports Coach, delivering short dance projects to local Infant & Junior schools.
Chris Holmes
Guest Teacher
Chris is a well known and established musical theatre actor, teacher, choreographer and director and is certainly no stranger to the stage. After recently graduating with a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre at Liverpool John Moores University he is currently touring and developing his own solo cabaret work.
He runs dance and musical theatre masterclasses nationally and has been a key note speaker and lecturer at universities and colleges in Theatre Craft, Acting through Dance, Storytelling and Choreography.
Chris has delivered Drama and Musical Theatre classes as a Guest Teacher at Miss Rachael’s School of Dance over the years and is extremely popular with the younger children where his passion and love for Primary teaching is evident.
Stephanie Blackbourn
Guest Teacher
Stephanie trained with Miss Rachael from a young age, studying the IDTA syllabus in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz and Theatre Craft. Stephanie received various commendations for The IDTA theatre awards, as well as partaking in local and national festivals & competitions.
Stephanie excelled within Ballet, Tap & Modern Jazz but has also trained within the Commercial sector and is a qualified Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer.
After graduating from Miss Rachael’s School of Dance, Steph completed her Foundation studies in Dance and Musical Theatre at the Urdang Academy in London and 2023 sees her entering her final year at Performers College in Essex. Steph is always excited to be back in the studio as a guest teacher during her weekends and holidays back home.
Abigail Garth
Teaching Assistant
Abigail is 17 years old and has been dancing at Miss Rachael’s School of Dance for over 10 years. Abbie attends Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz & Theatrecraft classes and is currently working at IDTA Intermediate level in all 4 genres.
Abbie has been helping out at classes within the school for 6 years and is particularly popular with our First Steps and Pre-school children. In July 2023 Abbie passed her IDTA Level 3 Diploma in Ballet with Distinction and is currently working towards her IDTA Musical Theatre Diploma.
Here is what Abbie has to say about her time at Miss Rachael’s School of Dance:
I love each and every lesson I attend and have made lots of new friends of all ages. My favourite is our bi-annual dance show – a weekend of fun and laughter with a great opportunity to dress up in some spectacular costumes whilst showcasing all of our hard work.
Izzy Jude
Teaching Assistant
Izzy is 13 years old and has been dancing at Miss Rachael’s School of Dance for 10 years. Izzy attends Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz & Theatrecraft classes and is currently working at IDTA Grade 3-4. Izzy is also a keen member of our Musical Theatre team and through these classes gained a place at the prestigious IDTA Musical Theatre Awards in Blackpool in 2023. Izzy also takes part in our weekly Street Dance classes.
Izzy started helping out at classes within the school in September 2023 where she assists with the First Steps and Preparatory children on a Saturday morning.
Here is what Izzy has to say about her time at Miss Rachael’s School of Dance:
I love Miss Rachael’s School of Dance. All of the lessons are amazing. I have made lots of great friends through dance and I have also had several brilliant experiences, for example, dancing at Viva in Blackpool for the IDTA Musical Theatre Awards. I also love performing in the bi-annual Dance Shows Let’s Dance at The Middleton Hall. The annual trip to the IDTA Miss Dance and Dancemaster competition at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool is great and I hope I can dance there one day!
Lily-Mae Evans
Teaching Assistant
Lily-Mae is 12 years old and has been dancing at Miss Rachael’s School of Dance for just 3 years. During this short period of time Lily-Mae has gained success in her IDTA exams in Ballet, Tap and Theatrecraft and taken part in 2 Dance School shows with us. Lily-Mae also takes part in our Musical Theatre and Street Dance classes. Lily-Mae has represented Miss Rachael’s School of Dance at the IDTA Musical Theatre Awards in Blackpool for 2 consecutive years, most recently gaining runner-up with her group performance.
Lily-Mae became a Teaching Assistant within the school in September 2024 where she assists with the Pre-school, First Steps and Preparatory children on a Saturday morning.
Here is what Lily-Mae has to say about her time at Miss Rachael’s School of Dance:
I love dancing at Miss Rachael’s School of Dance. Each and every lesson I attend, I try to dance to my best ability. I have met lots of new friends throughout my time of dancing here. My favourite classes to do are the IDTA syllabus lessons because I love doing all the different genres of dance. All the experiences Miss Rachael has brought me, and my class have been absolutely amazing. My favourite was watching The IDTA Miss Dance and Dancemaster at the Winter Gardens , Blackpool, I loved it. I hope to one day become a dance teacher as great as Miss Rachael!