Danceworx Teachers

Mandy Tomassi

Mandy Davies (aka Mandy Tomassi) F.D.I., C.D.E. – Licentiate in Disco Freestyle, Associate in Rock and Roll with I.S.T.D., Associate in Disco Freestyle and Rock and Roll with I.D.T.A.

Having trained in Ballroom and Latin dancing from the age of three with many different teachers, I soon discovered that there are many different ways to teach.  I learned my preferred method from a man who re-inspired me after I had fallen out of love with dance.  His cheeky wit and energy was a breath of fresh air.  You might know him – it was Len Goodman of Strictly Come Dancing fame, or Uncle Len as we all used to know him! 

After learning Ballroom and Latin Dancing for 8 years I then wanted to expand my dancing skill and went on to study disco freestyle, rock and roll and street jazz.  I enjoyed the energy and creativity I could express in these styles and it gradually became my preferred style of dancing.

As I child I enjoyed taking part in dance competitions, and I loved winning! (those that know me won’t be surprised at that last comment!)  This is where I learned to continually strive to be better and better.  Even now as a dance teacher with 23 years experience I don’t rest on my laurels; I still believe I can be a better dancer and teacher and I keep a watchful eye out for new dance styles, ideas and techniques.  I like to push the boundaries, and my dancers.

I started teaching dance to the children of Essex back in 1986 and established Danceworx in 1993. The school has had numerous successes, winning a number of prestigious competitions and performing in many shows including appearing at Wembley Arena and Sadlers Wells Theatre.  We have also had national champions in Disco and Rock and Roll, but, more importantly, we had a great time.

In 2002, I relocated from my native Essex to Cornwall. Initially I thought I would let my family settle in to their new environment, plus I was committed to commuting to Essex on a regular basis as I continued to run my school there.  However, when friends in Newquay found out my dark secret, I was continually asked to start dance classes in Cornwall too. They wanted to have a choice of dance schools and not have only one choice of dance school in Newquay to send their children to. 

The rest, they say, is history!

Lucy Chadwick

Student teacher I.S.T.D.

Lucy started dancing when she was 5 years old at he Henwood School of Dance in the West Midlands, learning ballet and tap.  She went on to later learn and perform cheerleading and modern dance which led to her auditioning for the Urdang Academy of Performing Arts in Covent Garden, London.  She gained a full scholarship and trained at the Urdang for 3 years learning ballet, tap, contempory, modern, jazz and street dance, musical theatre, drama and singing at a professional level. Lucy graduated with a Diploma in Performing Arts and her teaching qualifications with the I.S.T.D. Lucy has experience of appyling for and auditioning for theatre and commercial work and knows what the producers and directors are looking for. On moving to Cornwall 3 years ago, Lucy has turned her attention to teaching her speciality - Street Dance and Salsa.

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