The People . . . . .
Mellin Theatre Arts is dedicated to provide
you with the right personel
Miss Louise Mellin Dance Principal
F.I.S.T.D. (MT)
F.I.S.T.D. (TD)
RAD (RTS)
RAD Mentor fro CBTS
A.I.D.T.A
ACROBATIC ARTS CERTIFIED
PROGRESSING BALLET TECHNIQUE CERTIFIED
PILATES PLEXSUS CERTIFIED (MAT BASED)
DIP IN PROFESSIONAL DANCE (TRINITY LEVEL 6 - DISTINCTION)
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN PROFESSIONAL CLASSICAL BALLET (TRINITY LEVEL 4)
DBS & CERTIFIED CHAPERONE
FIRST AIDER
Louise grew up in Swansea, South Wales, where she attended the Grand Theatre School of Dance from a young age. She was accepted as a Junior Associate of the Royal Ballet and became a member of the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain where she performed all over the country. Louise also performed in many professional pantomimes and various shows at the Grand Theatre Swansea, including her first professional job as senior dancer at the age of 15yrs for Qdos Pantomimes Ltd. At the age of 16yrs Louise was awarded scholarships for London Studio Centre, Laine Theatre Arts and Tring Park School of Performing Arts.
Louise trained at Tring Park for three years, gaining ‘A’ levels, DDI teaching qualifications with ISTD in tap and modern theatre. Louise also obtained a National Certificate in ballet and a National Diploma in dance where she graduated the highest in her year group. Louise was ‘Dance Captain’ whilst at Tring Park, and was given the opportunity to teach and cover dance classes in her final year.
After graduating, Louise was successful in gaining employment with ‘Christopher Biggins ‘ private pantomime company in Nottingham Theatre Royal. Louise was offered various other contracts, but decided to focus on her passion for teaching. Louise set up her own dance school 'Mellin Theatre Arts' based in Swansea's Grand Theatre taking over originally 'The Grand Theatre School of Dance' where she had grown up. She has continued studying for higher teaching qualifications with the’ ISTD ‘ gaining her Diploma in Dance Education in tap and modern theatre attending part time at the Bristol College of Dancing. Louise holds her Fellowship Teaching Qualification with the 'ISTD" in both Modern Theatre and Tap Dance. This is one of the most prestigious and highest qualficiations in the country. Miss Louise is one of the only teachers in Wales to hold this qualification with the society.
Louise has also choreographed for various companies touring at Swansea Grand Theatre and is assistant choreographer for Qdos Pantomimes LTD. Mellin Theatre Arts currently holds a 100% pass rate in exams in Ballet, Tap and Modern including vocational grades up to Advanced Two in all three genres. Louise also taught, choreographed and performed for ‘Kent Youth Dance ‘ in Herne Bay. Due to her exceptional work ethic and enthusiasm for dance, Louise was delighted to be nominated and shortlisted for ‘Teacher/Mentor of the Year 2015’ receiving a ‘highly commended ‘at the Swansea Pride awards judged by Gary Monk, Max Boyce and many others.
Miss Louise is also a qualified Pilates teacher with Pilates Plexus allowing her to teach Pilates on a weekly basis as well as incorporating exercises into dance classes and training to a very high level including anatomical corrections as well as working with physios to help improve students physique and decrease risk of injury. With this as a huge background knowledge Miss Louise became a Silver Swans Licensee with the Royal Academy of Dancing in February 2019 which allows her to hold ballet classes aimed at the over 55yrs+. Louise has also taught for Gamta Performing Arts Centre in Cardiff, she is a qualified first aider and licensed chaperone.
Miss Louise - never one to stay stagnant - has recently become a qualified Contemporary teacher with the ISTD and achieved her Progressing Ballet Technique qualification whilst in lockdown as well as training for her Fellowship Tap Teaching Status with the ISTD with the legendary Heather Rees after achieving 95% in her Advanced 2 Tap Exam which she took aged 32yrs in November 2019 - one of her proudest achievements!
Miss Emma Harris MODERN, HIP HOP & ACRO TEACHER
Emma Harris trained from a young age at the Grand Theatre School of Dance under principal Wendy Weaver and assistant Andrea Jones and later at Mellin Theatre Arts. Emma was involved in many local pantomimes and also gained her first professional job as a senior dancer for UK Productions at Swansea Grand Theatre.
To date Emma has been attending the Bristol College of Dancing where she working towards her ISTD teaching qualification in dance as well as being a licensed chaperones. Emma is also a qualified personal trainer and has also set up and developed a new fitness class ‘Barre Workout Swansea’ based on a ballet barre class involving Pilates, Yoga, cardio and weight training.
Emma has choreographed and assisted in many dances for ‘Mellin Theatre Arts’ as well as assist many choreographic pantomime productions that tour at the Theatre.
Miss Laura Mellin BALLET & HIP HOP TEACHER
Laura trained from a young age at the Grand Theatre School of Dance under principal Wendy Weaver and assistant Andrea Jones. Laura was involved in many local pantomimes and was a part of ‘The National Youth Ballet of Great Britain’. Laura trained at ‘Laine’s Theatre Arts’ for three years, graduating in 2011. Whilst at ‘Laine’s’ she was offered her first professional employment, working as a dancer for Celebrity Cruises. Laura has completed a number of contracts with Celebrity Cruises, performing globally in many different styles of dance to audiences worldwide.. Due to her high level of dance disciplines, Laura was given the prestigious role of Dance Captain on her most recent cruise. Her dancing career has given her the opportunity to travel the world, visiting places in the Caribbean, Asia and the Mediterranean. Last summer Laura studied intensely in LA at the prestigious ‘Millennium Dance Complex” and ‘Edge Performing Arts Center’. Since returning to the UK Laura has also been a successful dancer for Qdos Pantomimes at her home town in Swansea in Aladdin, Cinderella and Peter Pan. Laura has taught for ‘Mellin Theatre Arts’ over the past 7 years, as well as choreographing , assisting and now teaching many classes to an extremely high standard.
Ms Lizzie Jones SINGING TEACHER (LAMDA SINGING)
Lizzie began training and performing from a young age in her hometown of Swansea. At age 16, she gained three scholarships to study at professional performing arts colleges. She went on to train professionally at ‘The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts,’ where she graduated with Honours. Upon graduating Lizzie immediately began performing professionally, sometimes traveling the world in many different productions such as; ‘Mamma Mia’ in London’s West end, Snow White in ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ performing alongside Warick Davies and Priscilla Presley in ‘The New Wimbledon Theatre’ and another highlight, being directed by the incredible Baayork Lee in ’A Chorus Line’ with theTel Aviv company. Lizzie has also made many TV appearances, as a backing vocalist on 'Britain's got talent' and dancing for such artists as Ceelo Greene, Paloma Faith, Ollie Murs, Take That and Muse. Lizzie has always had a passion for teaching. In all genes, especially sharing her love for musical theatre she has taught at many prestigious schools in both London and Swansea. She loves working with young people, passing on her knowledge and experience, helping them to grow in confidence and develop their talent.
Miss Kristen Hyett TAP TEACHER
Kristen began dancing at the age of 3 at the grand theatre school of dance under the tutelage of dance principals Wendy Weaver and Andrea Jones. She then did the transition to Mellin Theatre Arts where her training continued with Louise Mellin. Kristen has attained qualifications in Ballet and Tap, recently attaining a Distinction in Advanced 1 Tap with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Along with a high standard in Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern and Acro. Kristen has been awarded a 2:1 for a BA Hons in Counseling and Psychology at University of Wales Trinity St David’s. She is also working towards her Diploma in Dance Education qualification with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing under the watchful eye of Miss Louise.
Miss Emily Sleeman COVER TEACHER
Emily began training at the age of three at the Swansea Grand Theatre School of Dance with Wendy Weaver, Andrea Jones and Jennifer King before continuing with Louise Mellin at MTA where she gained her Intermediate Ballet (RAD) Intermediate Tap & Intermediate Modern (ISTD).
Emily went on to train at Liberatus School of Performing Arts, before continuing her training at the prestigious Performers College - graduation in 2019 with a Diploma in Professional Dance. Upon graduating, Emily secured a contract with Myriad Co, performing in 'The Little Merelf' as featured ensemble/on stage swing.
She has performed at corporate events around the UK as a dancer/singer. Emily also spent the start of 2021 on set for a film coming out in 2022, and more recently performed with Lighthouse Theatre in a site specific play 'Those Were The Days, My Friend'. Emily finished off 2021 appearing as 'Sparkle Twinkletoes' at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees.
Emily has taught in Summer Schools, Workshops and has choreographed for different schools around the UK but we are thrilled to have her back as part of the teaching team at MTA.
Miss Yasmin Annie HIP HOP TEACHER
Yasmin - a fellow member of the Grand Theatre School of Dance Graduated from Liverpool Institue for Performing Arts (LIPA) and Shockout Arts Manchester with a PGCE (M).
Yas has six years performing and teaching experience in and around the UK. With teaching experience in grade 1 Ofsted speacialized performing arts college, to a range of ages and abilities. Yasmins teaching ethos consists of promoting positive thinking and building confidence throughout dance movement, “it’s about having fun, and believing in yourself, if you believe you will achieve!” Which is the reason Yas set up her own dance company “Percaya Dance” a safe place for adults to dance and get their groove on!
Some of her performing credits include BBC, Strictly, SKY Sports, SKY ARTS, Netflix, Back Street Boys, Bob Sinclair, Glitter Box Ibiza, Defected Records, Simply Be Clothing and Very.co.uk
We are thrilled to welcome Yasmin to the MTA team and back to the Grand!
