Our Principal
Ann Atherton FIDTA
Ann joined Topaz in 1995, becoming the head of the Theatre Branch, before taking over the running of the entire school in 2009.
Trained in Liverpool Theatre School, Ann undertook a career as a performing cabaret dancer, working across the globe, from South Korea to Milan, Japan to Skegness! She also took on many walk on TV parts, featuring in Brookside, The Name of the Father, The Beat Goes On and D Mob.
After hanging up her performers' hat, she settled back home in Liverpool and established the Topaz Theatre Branch in her native Garston, as well as working with Liverpool Education Authority in Adult Education. Over the years Ann has developed Topaz into one of the best part-time dance schools in Merseyside, and has even received awards such as Best Club/Class for age 4-7 from Family Go Live magazine!
Ann is proud that she has trained a large number of her students from a young dancer through to becoming performers and teachers in their own right. Our very own Miss Kate, Miss Amy and Miss Hayley are just a few of these, and are still with us here at Topaz as well as setting up schools of their own.
Always keen to extend her own professional development, Miss Ann became a fully qualified Acrobatic Arts teacher, and recently was appointed a Fellow of the IDTA; the highest qualification that they offer!
Meet the Team
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Street Dance and Ballet
Miss Hayley
Miss Hayley first joined the Topaz family as a Tiny herself, and now teaches one of our Tinies classes!
Hayley achieved a HND in Dance at City of Liverpool College, and undertook teaching qualifications with Miss Ann here at Topaz. Hayley also teaches with Miss Kate at her dance school.
In addition to her teaching role, Hayley is our Administrative Clerk. In addition to our day to day admin, Hayley is also responsible for the enormous amount of work that goes into planning our performances and Big Shows!
Ballet, Tap, and Lyrical
Miss Kate
Miss Kate has studied dance both academically and vocationally. Joining Topaz in 2002 as a student and Saturday helper, she then pursued a degree from Liverpool John Moores University in Dance Studies.
Kate completed her IDTA teaching qualifications under Miss Ann, achieving an incredible 94% in her Ballet Associate Examination. As a student Kate received no fewer than 4 IDTA Nominations, a high honour for excellence in Grade examinations.
As a performer, Kate appeared in the UK tour of 'A Gala Evening of Song', and was a long standing member of the Birkenhead Operatic Society, performing in Liverpool Emprire Theatre and New Brighton Floral Pavillion in a variety of musical theatre roles.
In addition to classes at Topaz she has founded her own school, Kathryn Smith School of Dance, in Helsby, Cheshire.
Ballet, Tap, Acro and Musical Theatre
Miss Olivia
Miss Olivia started with us as a Topaz Tiny aged 3, and trained with us until she was 16.
She then pursued a full time dance education with Nazene Danielle's Dance Dynamix, completing her training as a performer and a teacher. She even participated in the Dance World Cup!
We are delighted that Olivia has chosen to come home to Topaz and is now well established as part of our teaching team.
Olivia, who never sits still, also works as a performer and has appeared as a dancer at Reminisce festival and Bongos Bingo to name a few!
Ballet and Tap
Miss Amy
My name is Miss Amy, I've danced since a very young age and never stopped!
After studying dance at college, I went on to perform as a professional dancer both abroad and in the UK. This included in Cyprus and Greece, in a travelling Circus, at Haven and at an award winning Theme Park. I taught dance in between performing and started teaching full time over 15 years ago, teaching all styles and all ages from 6 months up to 80 years+. I have teaching qualifications in dance and fitness as well as a BA (Hons) degree in Professional Dance Development.
My biggest achievement in life is being a mum to my two gorgeous boys, Henry and Elliot, who definitely keep me on my toes.
I can't wait to dance with you soon in one of my classes.
Ballroom & Latin
Colette
A late-comer to dance, Colette started dancing Ballroom and Latin in her early 30s. She achieved her medal tests with the Allied Dancing Association (ADA) as both follower and leader. She became an Associate member of the ADA (Ballroom/Latin branch) in 2017, but didn’t start teaching straight away because of work commitments. It wasn’t until she retired from working as a computer software analyst/designer that she was able to pursue her teaching interests. Her first teaching role was here at Topaz in January 2024 with a brand-new Beginners class for adults, introducing an Improvers class in September 2024. She also teaches adults at other venues, fully enjoying this second career.