Topaz Teachers
Ann Atherton - Principal
Trained at Liverpool Theatre School on a full time 3 year performing arts and teaching course. She left with all four Associates Ballet, Tap, Modern & Theatrecraft along with Dance Exercise Diploma. Since then she has also completed NVQ in performing Arts, D32,D33 assesors award, Line Dance teaching Diploma & IDTA's AQA Educational Professional's & Licentiate Tap.
After leaving college Ann performed Worldwide, travelling to Paris, Milan, Greece, Korea, Japan and the UK performing in Top Class Cabaret Venues.
In 1995, Ann started Topaz Theatre Branch, teaching all Theatre Dance subjects alongside the Ballroom, Latin & Disco Classes that were already established at Topaz. The theatre branch has consistently grown from strength to strength to what it is today, a brilliant place to learn to dance, with pupils and students to be proud of! Many of the Tinies of 1995, are now senior pupils.
Ann also served as secretary for the North West branch of International Dance Teacher's Association for six years, and is now an active committee member.
In 2009, Ann took over the running of Topaz, after Brenda Hague, one of founding members of the school, retired. Her main aim now, is to keep Topaz running into the future, maintaining a happy approachible school, with excellent teaching and learning standards.
Kate Smith
Kate has danced from the age of 3, joining Topaz when she was 15. She has a degree in Dance from John Moores University and Pre-Associate's 1 & 2 in Ballet teaching, and Pre-Associate 1 in Modern.
Recently she has perfomed at Liverpool Empire in BOST's production of the Gershwin musical 'Crazy for You', and also has taken part in a Nationwide tour of an Evening of musicals & Song.
Amy Sanderson
Amy had a passion for dance from an early age. She studied at dance schools including Topaz, were she has been for ten years, and also at performing arts colleges. After study, Miss Amy went straight into a performing career, performing in countries such as Cyprus and Greece, toured with a travelling circus, and worked as a resident dancer in venues such as an award-winning theme park. Throughout performing, Miss Amy kept up teaching and always knew she would pursue this later on. Miss Amy is currently working to enhance her teaching qualifications and is studying a part-time degree in dance teaching. She is thrilled to be a part of the Topaz teaching team.
Michael Morrisey
Michael Trained at The Royal Ballet School, White Lodge and has performed with The Royal Ballet Company in productions Such as The Nutcracker starring Darcy Bussell and Sleeping Beauty starring Viviane Durante.
Michael having a interest for Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Commercial decide to Finish his training at Performers College Gaining his Teaching Quailifications and Experience in Television on shows such as The Ian Wright show and The Hidden Talents of the rich and famous were Michael danced for the likes of Lionel Richie and Barbra Windsor.Michael was also chosen for a Documentary in which he was part of a pop Group for Meridian Television.
After Graduating College Michael worked as a vocalist and Dancer in Theatre and Television taking The Lead understudy and Dancer/Vocalist for the Award Winning Musical 'What a Feeling' U.K Tour as his First Professional Role. Michael has also Performed as a soloist Dancer and Vocalist in productions of a wide Varity and has performed in theatres such as The London Palladium, The Royal Opera House and The West Ends Piccadilly Theatre, some of Michaels Tv Credits Include Lilly Live ITV and The Amsterdam Television Awards IBC.
Michael's main focus is now Chorography and Teaching and has choreographed for Channel 4's Production of 'Lillies' as well as numerous Varity and Trade Shows across the U.K. Michael now teaches for The Italia Conti Ruislip and The Bear foot Group as well as Directing his own Dance/Performance Company. Michael is excited to be working with the Talented pupils of Topaz and is looking Forward to the New Term, Michael hopes to Improve the Standard and dynamic of the Pupils at Topaz and above all else build The Students Confidence.
Amy Gackowska
Amy started dancing when she was two years old, and never stopped, qualifying with the IDTA at 17. Having enjoyed the challenge of teaching in German and French, she is now ISTD qualified and focusing on Ballroom and Latin, although in the meantime she discovered the surprise love of Belly Dance. Line Dance is the guilty pleasure...