AJ Team
Victoria Heathcote - Principal, NATD Teacher & Examiner.
FNATD (Dist.) Examiner Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary Dipl. Gymnastic Dance Dipl. Musical Theatre Dipl. Examiner of Musical Theatre. DBS. Public Liability Ins.
Victoria began her dance training as a student at AJ School of Dance at the age of 5. She progressed through NATD ballet, tap and modern examinations, as well as taking part in performance opportunities alongside companies such as English Youth Ballet, New English Contemporary Ballet, Yorkshire Ballet Seminars & National Ballet Theatre.
After achieving an Associate with the NATD, Victoria began teaching at AJ School of Dance whilst also training professionally at The Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama, graduating with Distinction in 2010. Upon graduation, Victoria went on to work as a professional dancer and has worked on a variety of projects from music videos to television, film & stage.
In 2015, after 10 years of teaching at AJ School of Dance, Victoria succeeded founder Annette Pearson as Principal, having reached Licentiate and Fellowship levels in ballet, tap & modern enabling her to train teachers as well as students. Victoria constantly aspires to enhance her skills and qualifications in dance and performance, and hopes to inspire the pupils of AJ School of Dance.
Victoria has worked alongside the NATD as a member of the Musical Theatre board creating and publishing a Musical Theatre syllabus. She has recently receiving examiner status throughout lockdown!
Katie Eastwood - NATD Teacher
Katie has been teaching for over 7 years at various dance schools and feels very blessed to have started her training with AJ School of Dance. Her teaching qualifications include NATD Licentiate Ballet, Associate Stage Branch Tap, Contemporary Dipl. and IDTA Associate Freestyle.
When Katie is not teaching she works as a professional singer, performing nationally with popular tribute band Abba Fever. She trained in Musical Theatre before beginning her professional work and loves to pass on her knowledge to all the students she teaches.
She is very excited for the future with AJ School of Dance and working with a great team of teachers and students!
Megan Hill - NATD Teacher
Megan started dance at the age of 3, taking exams in ballet, tap and modern.
Megan was a member of the corps de ballet for the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony, aged 16. It was around this time that she began assisting with dance lessons at her local school.
After achieving her A Level qualification in dance, she went on to study Dance and Mathematics at University of Derby. Whilst studying, Megan was actively involved with the university’s dance team and was a committee member for two years.
Megan has spent the last two years training for her Associate Ballet qualification with AJ and the NATD, and now looks to achieve the same in tap, modern, contemporary and musical theatre.
AJ School of Dance is proud to have a multitude of assistant teachers, some of whom are currently training to become fully qualified teachers themselves. We strive to give our students a view into potential career choices that may not be accessible elsewhere, in a safe and productive environment.