Lisa Tierney
Principal

I.S.T.D. D.D.E – A.I.D.T.A
Ballet, Modern, Tap, Lyrical, Jazz & Drama

Lisa started dancing at the age of 7 at her local dance school where she took part in choreographic competitions, performances in local theatres and professional pantomimes.

At 18 Lisa was awarded a scholarship to the Margaret Howard Theatre College, where she studied Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, National, Drama and Musical Theatre. After gaining her I.S.T.D. teaching qualifications Lisa graduated and went on to work for the Margaret Howard Organisation as their Administration Manager, whilst also following her dream to teach.

She has taught  in schools across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and London where she was part the faculty at the Italia Conti Junior Associate School.

Lisa gave up working full time to raise her family but always continued to teach part time at Chiltern Academy. Once Lisa’s children started full time school she  began to volunteer and soon realised she had a interest in working and helping children with Special Educational Needs, she studied various courses and for the past 8 years has also been working in education supporting children with additional needs such as Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, DCD and Speech and Language Difficulties.

What started off as a teacher training placement back in 1995 has lead to Lisa being part of the Chiltern Academy Team ever since and in September 2021, when Miss Jane decided to take a step back Lisa took over as Principal of the school.

Jane Anderson
Head of Adult’s Classes
L.I.S.T.D., C.D.E.- A.I.D.T.A
Modern & Tap

On completing a 3 year course at London Studio Centre, Jane danced professionally throughout Europe and America. After 5 years as a performer and on gaining her full teaching qualifications, she founded the Chiltern Academy Prestwood, which soon became one of Buckinghamshire’s foremost dance schools. In September 2021 Jane decided to take a step back and handed the reins over to Miss Lisa to take the school forward for another 45 years.

Jane also took on the challenge of running a hugely successful retail dancewear business. She was director and choreographer of the Bucks Youth Jazz Dance Company for a number of years and continues to enjoy working as a professional choreographer.  

Jane spent several years teaching at Mountview Theatre School, the Arts Educational School, London and Bucks New University in High Wycombe.  Her teaching experience has enabled her to travel widely, guest teaching at workshops and summer schools throughout the U.K & U.S

Heather Blakeborough- I.S.T.D. D.D.E
Modern, Tap, Jazz, Acro & Musical Theatre

Heather graduated from Performers College in 2003 where she gained her Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance. Since then she has had a busy career as both a professional dancer and teacher. Her TV credits include “Top Of The Pops”, “GMTV Live” and “Children in Need”.

Heather’s passion lies in musical theatre where she has been lucky enough to be given some great opportunities. She was given the part of Sally in the original cast of “The Biz” and has played the principal role of Aladdin at the Madinat Theatre in Dubai. Heather spent a busy six months dancing in various productions at Londons Madame Tussauds and also performed regularly in various summer and christmas productions around the country.

Heather has enjoyed extensive cabaret and corporate work at some of London’s top venues. She also has a keen interest in excercise and fitness and has recently started her own fitness business in Chesham. Heather teaches at various dance schools in Buckinghamshire and finds the students and teachers at Chiltern Academy a pleasure to work with.

Molly Marie Walsh- BFA(hons) Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre, Drama & Vocal Coach

Molly is an American Performing Arts professional, who has lived and worked in the UK for the past 8 years. Molly has had a passion for music, dance, and theatre from a young age, and even attended Santa Susana Magnet High School of Performing Arts and Technology in her native California. She studied dance and theatre at Moorpark College in California from 2001-2003, then received a BFA (hons) in Musical Theatre from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2006.

Over the past 15 years, she has worked professionally across the US and UK, living in Philadelphia, New York City, London, and now High Wycombe. Her experience includes Musical Theatre and Jazz performance, classical crossover, Performance Coaching (singing and acting), Assistant Director and Creative Consultant to West End performers/writers, as well teaching Singing and Acting for a Youth Theatre in Hillingdon. She also teaches private voice lessons. She is thrilled to be working with the Chiltern Academy team this and looks forward to sharing her passion with new students.

Fran Camier – BA(hons) in Professional Dance & Musical Theatre
Street -Commercial Jazz Dance & Lyrical

Fran started dancing from age 3, beginning her journey with Jackie Palmer Stage School.  She then went on to graduate from Bird College in 2019 with a First-Class Honours Degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.  Since graduating, Fran has been lucky enough to appear in a world-renowned immersive show with Secret Cinema, Guys and Dolls The musical and various commercial jobs.  She has worked with choreographers such as David Leighton, Gary Lloyd, Matt Flint and Simeon Qsyea.  She’s hoping to share her passion with others and inspire the next generation.

Lynsey Horton – I.S.T.D D.D.E – L.A.M.D.A Gold
Ballet, Modern & Tap Cover Teacher

Lynsey trained at the Margaret Howard Theatre College, where she gained her ISTD Associates in Ballet, Modern, Tap, National and also her LAMDA Gold Verse and Prose and Acting.  After graduating Lynsey taught at a number of schools across Herts and Middlesex before taking over and becoming Principal at Spotlight School of Dance. Lynsey expanded the school and after 6 successful years decided to step back and spend more time with her family and enjoy the best of both worlds by cover teaching.  We are so pleased to have Lynsey as part of our team as she brings with her a wealth of dance knowledge but also holds dear family values which is an important part of our school.