Gillian Jones
Gillian has been teaching Dance for the past 30 years. Alongside her teaching Gillian has choreographed most of the musical theatre repertoire in Ireland and has also worked as a professional choreographer for BBC NI television on a variety of entertainment programmes. She has won the “Best Choreographer” award on many occasions and in addition to judging dance competitions in NI and regularly travels to mainland Britain to lecture at dance teacher conferences. Gillian holds a Fellowship with the UKA Dance, and is senior a member of the International Dance Teacher Association.
With over 250 pupils in her 4 dance schools, Gillian has dedicated herself to teaching her pupils to the highest standard in an enjoyable environment whilst providing them with an increased level of self-confidence in performance. Gillian also provides dance teacher training for her pupils who have chosen Dance as a career with a number of her students progressing to some of the top Musical Theatre schools in the UK for full time study.
Her school was chosen to perform with the European Ballet Tour for 3 years and her pupils have appeared on television in a variety of entertainment programmes.
Demi Walker
Demi Walker has benefited from over 12 years of extensive dance training at The Gillian Jones Dance Academy where she currently teaches Ballet, Jazz and Tap. Demi currently holds a UKA Dance teaching qualifications in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, National and Highland.
Demi graduated from Belfast Met in 2015 with a Distinction in HND Performing Arts (Dance) which was awarded for outstanding achievement in areas including, Choreography for group and solo performances, Classical Ballet Technique, Contemporary Dance Technique, Commercial Dance, Dance for Camera and Leadership skills.
Demi has performed at many high profile events across NI including performing with the European Ballet on tour in Ireland, The Belfast Tattoo, The Walled City Tattoo, Burns’ Night at the Waterfront, Miss Northern Ireland and Channel 4's Come Dine With Me. In addition, over a number of years, she has enjoyed many successes at the Ulster Highland Dance Championships.
Naomi Ferris
Naomi first started dancing from the age of 7 and joined the Gillian Jones Dance Academy aged 11, attending classes in Jazz and Tap with her esteemed teacher Gillian Jones. She quickly progressed to Grade 8 in Jazz and Tap with Distinctions at each grade. Naomi achieved her dream goal of becoming a qualified teacher in both Jazz and Tap and currently teaches in the school.
Naomi’s passion for dance is evident in her teaching. She hopes to pass on the same self confidence that she was taught. She currently teaches up to grade 8 in both Jazz and Tap.
Donna Todd
Donna started ballet at the age of 3 at the Adele Sloan school of ballet . She studied the RAD syllabus for exams until the age of 18. In her teens, her love of dance led to her involvement with local amateur operatic societies including the Ulster operatic, St Agnes choral society, First Act , Fortwilliam and many more. Her performing career lasted over 25 years and a natural progression was work as a choreographer for the musical companies. In 2005, she returned to her first love , ballet , completed her teaching qualification and opened her own ballet school and continues to teach today.