Meet the SBSD Team
Come dance with us at Samantha Boyd School of Dance! Our team of teachers are dedicated to teaching you the moves and techniques you need to take your dancing to the next level. Whether you’re here for recreation or for professional training, we can help you reach your goals.
Estela Merlos
Patron
Born in Barcelona 1983, Estela is an independent dance artist based in London. She collaborates with a wide variety of international artists, dance companies and organisations as a performer, choreographer, teacher, assistant choreographer and rehearsal director. She trained at her local school Escola de Dansa Madó and at Central School of Ballet in London. Upon graduation she danced for companies Cannes Jeune Ballet (2004-2006, France) and IT Dansa (2006-2008, Spain) before joining Rambert Dance Company in 2008 where she toured nationally and
internationally for six years.
Estela is a certified Awareness Through Movement
Feldenkrais® Practitioner
Helen Gulston
Guest Teacher
Helen trained in Essex and since made her professional debut in The Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Thursford Enterprises). Most recently she has been performing in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER UK/International Tour as Doreen, 1st Cover Anette and 1st cover Linda Monero (Bill Kenwright). Other Theatre Credits include; CATS the Musical as Tantomile, 1st cover Demeter/1st cover Rumpleteazer (Really useful Group and RCCL), Roy Hudd’s Mother Goose Ensemble/1st Cover Fairy Virtue (Wiltons Music Hall, London), Cinderella (QDOS, Swansea), Beauty and the Beast (Disney, motion picture) The BeeGees Story (The Orchard Theatre, Dartford) and A Night Of Dirty Dancing, Ensemble (UK Tour).
Mr Henry
RAD Ballet and Character Teacher
Mr Henry is a classically trained dancer who recently graduated from Ballet West Scotland with multiple qualifications
including a BA(Hons) in Ballet.
His experience includes winning numerous awards at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, including the title of International Champions.
More recently, Mr Henry has performed in three national ballet tours of Giselle, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake throughout Scotland.
With a passion for mentoring and aiding dancers, Mr Henry is excited to see teaching take a stronger role in his career, and is looking forward to working with the next generation of dancers who will break even more boundaries with their abilities.
Miss Carlie
Musical Theatre and Gymnastics Teacher
Miss Carlie graduated from Elmhurst Ballet School in 2006. She went on to perform in various ballets including Swan Lake (Royal Albert Hall, London) and The Nutcracker (UK and Ireland Tour). Hanging up her ballet shoes, she travelled the world on the famous Queen Mary 2 Ocean Liner, working as Dance Captain for Belinda King Creative Productions on the Cunard line. Back home in the U.K. she has continued a diverse career, performing on screen and in theatre. Shows include Thursford’s ‘Christmas Spectacular’ and most recently as ‘Penny Johnson’ and Dance Captain on the U.K. and West End tour of Dirty Dancing.
Mr Connor
Street Dance and Breakdance Teacher
Mr Connor trained at Masters Performing Arts College. Mr Connor then continued his training with BirdGang Dance Company. Since Masters Mr Connor went on to work for the BBC 3, NETFLIX and corporate gigs all over Europe. Mr Connor has also worked out in Dubai on a six month contract dancing for Global Village performing in front of 200,000 people including the Sheikh of Dubai whilst there!
Miss Ellena
Cover Teacher
Miss Ellena has been dancing since a very young age and has been a pupil at Samantha Boyd School of Dance for many years and has made lifelong friendships. Miss Ellena is dedicated to dance and training at RAD Advanced 1 Vocational Level and has completed an Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) at South Essex College and presently studying at Norwich University of the Arts studying Fashion, Communication and Promotion. Miss Ellena enjoys all aspects of dance and loves working with all the pupils at SBSD and seeing them achieve their dreams which is why SBSD are lucky to have her return from time to time as our Cover Teacher.
Miss Karen
Dance School Secretary and Data Protection Officer
Miss Karen devotes her time to being a wife, proud mother of three children and nana of two grandchildren. Miss Karen has been part of the team at Samantha Boyd School of Dance since opening in 2011 and is responsible for the majority of the day-to-day running of the Dance School.
Miss Olivia
Assistant Teacher
Miss Olivia’s love of dance began when she was very young. Miss Olivia joined Samantha Boyd School of Dance in the summer of 2016 and is now training at RAD Intermediate Level. Miss Olivia says “I am now an aspiring dance teacher and love to spend time helping and developing the skills of young dancers. I work within the classes as an Assistant Teacher and also on Reception and love my time spent at the Dance School”. Miss Olivia is currently working towards completing her Level 3 CACHE Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) Diploma.
Alexa, Skye & Trinity
Studio Assistants
Alexa
I love helping so much because I am able to create connections with those who I help and share the gift of dance with others.
Skye
I’ve loved dancing since I started so long ago. It’s so fun being taught by one of the best teachers ever! I love learning new steps and watching the little ballerina’s dance their hearts out.
Trinity
I absolutely love being involved with SBSD. I have danced here since I was 3 years old and learnt so much in the past 8 years and I want to share my love for dance with others at SBSD.
