Dance and Musical Theatre classes in Cumbernauld - join us in our 25th anniversary year !!
Fun, friendly, inclusive, supportive
At The Dance Academy, Cumbernauld Branch, all our classes are taught by professionals and guest teachers. You can be assured that your child will be trained to the highest standards. Get in touch
with us for more details.
Come and join us in our 25th anniversary year !
JENNY DOUGANISTD DDI AND DDE, RAD DDTS, RAD RTSDIP. ED LSC
Principal
Jenny trained at Scottish Ballet Junior Associates, The Dance School of Scotland, Knightswood and London Studio Centre.
After graduating with a Diploma in Musical Theatre, Jenny worked as a professional dancer. Her performing credits include
Dance Overture (Hackney Empire, London and Peacock Theatre, London), Babes in Arms (LSC Seedtime tour), Messin' Round Midnight (Edinburgh Fringe), Half a Sixpence (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Cinderella (Theatre Royal Newcastle) Pinocchio, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan and Cinderella (Glasgow Pavilion Theatre) and Fred and Ginger (Arts Club London). Jenny also performed as a soloist on many UK tours with Dance Company Jazz Art UK, gaining critical acclaim for her solo in the "Cuttin' a Line" tour
Since becoming a teacher in 2002, Jenny has taught at various schools and colleges around the country including London Studio Centre, Bodyworks College Cambridge, Italia Conti Associates London, GAMTA, Royal Conservatoire Scotland and the Jazz Art UK College of Performing Arts.
As a choreographer, Jenny has worked on many shows with Scottish Youth Theatre, including "Wee MacGreegor" at The Citizens ,Glasgow, "Oh What a Lovely War" at The Tron ,Glasgow and "How to Create an Avatar" at The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow. Jenny was the Movement Director for "A Midsummer Night`s Dream " which was performed as an interactive outdoor performance at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. Jenny was the choreographer for "Half Moon Investigations" for CBBC. Jenny was also Movement Director and choreographer for a special project with National Theatre Scotland (NTS), and many young talented perfomers as part of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, 2014. Jenny has also choreographed for Lickity Spit Theatre Company and The European Chamber Opera. She began teaching at The Dance Academy Cumbernauld in 2009 and became Principal in 2016.
Seeing the students enjoying their classes, making new friends and progressing each year is the reason Jenny loves The Dance Academy.
Progress over Perfection - always !!
CAITLIN FINNIGANISTD DDE, RAD CBTS, RAD RTS, MBATD
Head of ISTD Tap and ModernHead of BATD Ballet, Jazz and Cheerleading Teacher
Caitlin trained in ISTD tap, ballet and modern at Forefront Stage School. She studied HND in professional photography at Carnegie College before deciding to embark on her professional ISTD teaching diploma (DDE) and RAD teaching diploma (CBTS). Caitlin is also a teacher tutor for the BATD and studying towards becoming an examiner.
Caitlin also owns and runs her own dance school in Alloa - Fusion Dance and Cheer Academy.
Caitlin loves teaching at The Dance Academy and is determined to pass on her love of tap dance to all the students.
JUDE MCCAFFERTY
Head of Admin and RetailPA to the PrincipalMajorettes Teacher
Jude attended dance and musical theatre classes from age 2 till 18, specialising in Majorettes.
Jude graduated university with a BA Honours in History and Global Politics and also works for a children`s charity.
Jude loves being a part of The Dance Academy team, especially hectic Saturdays and show time!!
MEGAN WHITE
Contemporary and Jazz teacher & tap, ballet, modern teacher
Megan began her dance training at The Dance Academy when she was three-years-old. Megan and her class were the first students in the school to take a professional level dance exam. Megan gained a distinction (the highest grade) for her ISTD Intermediate Foundation Modern Theatre Dance exam.
We are delighted to keep Megan on board with us as a teacher and choreographer. Megan was a class assistant at The Dance Academy for many years as a teenager.
Megan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation. Megan is also a full time lab technician.
Megan loves seeing the students confidence develop, especially with tricky floor work during contemporary.
RACHEL HAY
Teaching Assistant
Rachel trained at The Dance Academy from age 2 and a half, taking many RAD ballet exams and ISTD tap and modern exams during her time as a student.
Rachel was a class assistant for many years as a youngster at The Dance Academy before she became a teaching assistant.
Rachel is also a fully qualified Primary School teacher.
Rachel loves seeing the students having fun with their friends at The Dance Academy and especially loves teaching in tap classes, her favourite genre of dance.
JESS MCCAFFERTY
Majorettes teacher
Admin and Retail assistant
Jess trained in dance and musical theatre until she was 16, specialising in Majorettes.
Jess is currently studying French and Spanish at university.
Jess loves working at The Dance Academy, especially seeing the younger students master their majorettes technique.
AINSLEY STENHOUSE Head of Musical theatreActing TutorStreet Dance, Stretch, Jazz, and Cheerleading teacher
Ainsley trained at Jazzart UK, college of performing arts, graduating in Musical Theatre before moving straight into professional performance.
Her theatre credits include playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (UK Tour) and Alice in Alice in Wonderland (UK Tour). She has also appeared as a dancer/first cover Aurora in the Sleeping Beauty pantomime (UK & Ireland Tour) and worked as Lead Vocalist and Assistant Choreographer with Siblu Productions in France. Ainsley also appeared as a featured dancer in the show "A Night of Dirty Dancing".
Alongside her stage career, Ainsley gained valuable experience working in Theatre in Education with M&M Theatrical, using performance as a powerful tool to engage and inspire young audiences.
Her screen credits include appearances in Holby City (BBC), EastEnders (BBC), Giri/Haji (Netflix), and the film Baby Done (Piki Films). Additional performance credits include Ensemble/Dancer in La Bonne Auberge Anniversary and Dancer/Ensemble in Cameron Crosbie Retirement Production and many more.
Ainsley has also worked as a choreographer, including Aladdin Pantomime in Maryhill.
Before returning to Scotland, Ainsley taught and choreographed in London, working alongside one of the city’s leading children’s performing arts schools, Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools, affiliated with Kids West End. She has also taught and delivered workshops for Jazzart UK, GAMTA, and many others.
Ainsley’s journey has now come full circle. Having trained under Principal Miss Dougan during her college years, she is now proud to be part of the teaching team at The Dance Academy. The Dance Academy truly feels like home, and Ainsley loves passing on her knowledge of the industry and her passion for performing to the next generation.
EMILY BURNS
Teaching Assistant
Emily trained at The Dance Academy from age 2 and a half, taking many RAD ballet exams and ISTD tap and modern exams during her time as a student. Emily was a class assistant for many years as a teenager at The Dance Academy before becoming a teaching assistant.
Emily is also a fully qualified P.E. teacher.
Emily loves welcoming new students to The Dance Academy and especially loves her cuddles from the younger students.
