Biographies

Abigail Cova – RBS DDT, RAD (RTS)

Abigail Cova is the Principal and founder of Marble Hill Dance Studio. She is an RAD Registered teacher of Classical ballet with a Diploma in Classical Ballet & Related Subjects.

Abigail started dancing in Glasgow at the age of 7 with Bernadette Sloane. She successfully auditioned for the Scottish Ballet’s Junior Associate programme and went on to full time training at Scotland’s premier dance school, The Dance School of Scotland,where she performed in many shows. In 1992 Abigail became one of the first students to attend The Royal Ballet’s new senior associate programme in Birmingham.

Abigail furthered her dance training in London from the age of 16 where she attended Central School of Ballet. During her time here Abigail won scholarships to the Vaganova Summer School and Gloucester Seminars and danced in many choreographies by Christopher Gable, Michael Barret Pink and Didi Veldman and performed with the touring company British Gas Ballet Central.

Abigail went on to dance with The Ben Love Dance Company, The Scottish Ballet performing La Fille Mal Gardee and in Aida with Harvey Goldsmith at Earls court. She completed her teacher training with the Royal Academy of Dance in 2005 and continues her professional development with the Royal Ballet School and the Royal Academy of Dance teacher training courses.

Angela Terence – BA Hons Acting

Angela trained on the Foundation Acting course at Arts Ed London and then the BA Hons Acting course at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

She works as a professional actor on stage and screen. She has had the opportunity to work at theatres such as The Royal Court, The Gate & The Hampstead Theatre. And television programmes such as Wallander (UK version with Kenneth Branagh), Endeavour, Doc Martin and The Suspicions of Mr Whitcher. Prior to her professional training Angela attended the BRIT School for 4 years. And belonged to many amateur theatre companies in Surrey and South London from age 9.

She believes the fun and confidence that performing gives you serves you well in all professions and areas of your life not just for those who wish to pursue performing careers. Having an awareness of the voice, your breathing & the body and how to use it properly can greatly increase your confidence and the way you deal with social situations.

Aisha Takao – Royal Ballet School DDT & BA in Ballet Mastery

Aisha began her classical ballet training at the age of 3 in her local dance school in Tokyo, Japan. She studied with the American Ballet Theatre summer programs beginning at the age of 15 followed by the Princess Grace Academy. At the age 18 she moved to continue her work at the Paliashvili Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Professional State Theatre; Corps De Ballet in Tbilisi, Georgia under the direction of Prima Ballerina and Director, Nina Ananiashvili; during which she placed overall 3rd in the Professional Group at the 2018 Rigas Pavasaris Competition.

Her work in Georgia landed her a position in the Corps De Ballet at Buryat State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre in Russia and the opportunity to tour in the 2019 national tour performing in: Vladivostok (The Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre), Khabarovsk, and Chita. Performed soloist roles: La Esmeralda Tambourine (variation), Big Swans (Swan Lake 2nd act) along with numerous performances in the Corps de Ballet including the world premiere of Talisman choreographed by Director Alexander Mishutin – nominated for the 2020 Golden Mask Award for Best Ballet Production (Moscow).

Aisha speaks English, Japanese and Russian and recently moved to London to earn her a Diploma of Dance Teaching with the Royal Ballet School while continuing her online course under a full scholarship with the prestigious St. Petersburg State Conservatory. Aisha loves the stage but also enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience to younger students particularly the musicality, story background and significance behind each variation.

Muireann Ní Churnáin

Muireann began her career in dance in Corrib Dance Academy in Galway, Ireland aged 7. From a young age, her passion for dance was undeniable. She became a teaching assistant at the age of 15 where she discovered her desire to share her love for dance with others. Throughout her teenage years, she travelled to London, Cork and Dublin to take part in summer intensive courses to gain further insight into the world of dance and challenge her technique in other disciplines such as hip-hop, contemporary and musical theatre.

Muireann joined the dance company Youth Ballet West (YBW) in 2018. She performed in productions of Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Paquita and helped choregraph original contemporary pieces for the company. Whilst in YBW, she toured with internationally acclaimed Irish theatre company Macnas.

She is currently studying the BA (Hons) Ballet Education course in the Royal Academy of Dance. She is also completing a Licentiate of the RAD alongside her studies.

Ballet is Muireann’s passion in life and her goal is to share the strength, determination and discipline she gained from the art with others. Her dance classes are a fun and motivational learning environment with focus on building self-assured and independent young dancers.

Nikki Mullins – BA Hons Musical Theatre

Nikki has trained in all aspects of dance from just 4 yrs old, with I.D.T.A. Nikki, then successfully got offered a place at the prestige Laines theatre arts in London where she completed a 3 year BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre.

Nikki has performed literally non-stop all around the world. Credits include Fashion Shows, Pop Videos, U.K. tours, USA tours, Japan, Afghan Tours, West-end and lots more.

Her favourite styles to dance and choreograph are Jazz and Commercial.

Megan Nair – Bachelor of Dance Education

Megan started dancing at a young age and quickly developed a deep passion. Her love for teaching emerged during her secondary school years, where she actively trained and competed. Megan pursued her passion further by attaining a Bachelor of Dance Education from the Australian College of Physical Education.

Megan has achieved notable success in her dance choreography, including winning 1st place at the Showcase Nationals Dance Championships in Brisbane, Australia. She also secured 1st and 2nd place at the AASCF Nationals in Gold Coast, Australia, for both Cheerleading and Dance. Megan has always had the drive to extend her knowledge by completing her Module One certification in Acrobatic Arts and Level 1 Cheer and Dance credentials. In Australia, Megan gained valuable experience teaching Dance and Physical Education to primary and secondary school students, working with a diverse range of age groups. Her expertise extends across various dance studios, where she successfully managed multiple roles simultaneously, sharing her skills and developing students to improve and succeed in Dance.

Driven to broaden her horizons, Megan relocated to London in 2023, embracing new challenges and opportunities. During non-term time, she travels to train and gather inspiration from dance professionals around the world. Megan is excited to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to Marble Hill Dance Studio, with a focus on enhancing students’ Acrobatics skills and helping them reach their full potential in a safe and supportive environment.

Aria Tilah – BA (Hons) Dance Education, RAD RTS, LRAD

Aria began dancing at the age of three at her local dance school, undertaking Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams from Pre-Primary to Advanced 1 and ISTD Modern up to Intermediate. Aria was also an active member of her dance school’s competition team, performing in lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and jazz styles.

In 2015 Aria gained a place on the associate programme with Chantry Dance Company and trained with them weekly until 2018. This education broadened her knowledge of Contemporary Dance techniques and Contemporary/Neoclassical Ballet. Aria is grateful to have been offered performance opportunities with the company, such as performing on the main stage at MOVE it dance convention.

As a teen, Aria began assisting dance classes at her local dance school and fell in love with the profession. She consequently applied to the Royal Academy of Dance to train to teach.

In 2022, Aria graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance with a first-class degree (BA) in Ballet Education and a distinction in the RAD Licentiate (LRAD). Aria also undertook the Karsavina Heritage Award and received commendation for the Rachel Cameron Prize. Aria obtains active RAD RTS (registered teacher’s status).

Aria is also a qualified PBT (Progressive Ballet Technique) instructor and Acro Dance Instructor (Acrobatic Arts). Aria is passionate about utilising dance for physical and mental-well-being and strives to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Christopher Bruce Sánchez-Gillham BA (Hons) Ballet Education

Christopher Bruce began his ballet journey at a very young age, receiving his earliest lessons from his grandmother, an ex-soloist with the National Ballet of Mexico. Her guidance laid the foundation for his love of ballet. However, it wasn’t until around the age of 12 or 13 that Christopher decided to take his training seriously. From that point on, he committed to formal ballet training, dedicating seven hours a week to ballet alone until the age of 18. During his time at school, Christopher had numerous opportunities as a competitive dancer, performing across the Southeast and London and obtaining multiple awards under the tutelage of his ballet teacher who instilled him with professionalism and perseverance. Christopher’s passion for ballet led him to audition successfully for intensive courses at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, as well as for full time vocational training at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Academy of Dance. He ultimately chose to pursue his studies at the RAD, where he was drawn to both the teaching and performance aspects of ballet. During his time at the academy, he performed a range of classical and neo-classical repertoire, completed the RAD vocational grades, and studied the Advanced 2 and Solo Seal syllabi.

Since graduating, Christopher has continued his ballet training in London, taking part in professional company classes, repertoire classes and performance opportunities with institutions such as the London City Ballet and the Royal Ballet and Opera. Immersed in London’s vibrant ballet community, he has had the chance to work with and learn from many remarkable teachers and artists. In addition to his ongoing personal development as a dancer, Christopher is deeply committed to teaching and sharing his knowledge with the next generation of dancers, passing on the same passion and discipline that has fuelled his own path.

Maggie Trepanier Masters of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre

Maggie was born and raised in Canada, where she trained and competed in many styles of dance from a young age. She moved to the UK in 2018 to continue her performing arts training. Maggie now holds a Master’s of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from The Guildford School of Acting and works professionally as a performer in addition to her teaching work. She has worked as a Dance Captain, Ensemble member, and Lead Actor across stages in both the UK and Canada. She is currently a proud member of the House of Jazz Company here in London, led by Christie Lee Manning. Most recently, she had the privilege of participating in a Rehearsal and Development workshop exploring Jack Cole Technique with Camden Loeser (Cole Jazz Company, New York). Maggie has been a part of the Marble Hill team since 2022, and also teaches dance in a school for Special Educational Needs.

Maggie believes that dance education contributes so much to our growth as people and is a big advocate for the positive effects of creative expression on both our mental and physical health. She strives to create a safe and positive environment for everyone and loves to see passion and confidence building in students throughout their dance studies.

Lucy Reese

Lucy Reese was born in the United States. She started dancing at the age of two. Lucy was accepted into the Kinder High School for Performing and Visual Arts as a dance major in 2020. While training pre-professionally she had the opportunity to study with guest choreographers and perform works by Jess Hendricks, Norbert De La Cruz III, and Ayman Harper. Lucy Is fortunate to have been featured in Concerts and Performances all across her city. She has also attended summer intensives at BalletX, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, United Ballet Theatre, and Houston Ballet. Lucy is currently continuing her dance education as a student at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Upon graduating from Rambert Lucy aspires to dance professionally She has always been captivated by contemporary ballet. She is intrigued by the exploration of unconstrained movement within the technical vocabulary of classical ballet. She loves the innovation and creative breakthroughs that happen when you push the boundaries of classical ballet. Additionally, She is interested in pursuing a career in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. She wants to help rehabilitate athletes to increase the longevity of their careers.

Azerley Heeks – Diploma in Professional Dance

Azerley is a dancer, acrobat and aerialist. She trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts on a full-scholarship, where she received a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance. She has taught a variety of dance styles, all over the country, including for the likes of: Pineapple Dance Studios, Base Dance Studios, Mountview College, The British Ballet Organisation, Cecchetti Ballet Associates and Wired Aerial Theatre. Additionally, Azerley has a qualification in counselling skills, special educational needs, nutrition and is currently studying a gym instructing qualification.