Staff

Helen Wallis BA (hons)

Company Director & Principal

Helen’s love for the stage and all things theatrical started at a very young age, but her career began in her teens when she was cast in a number of TV commercials, short films and feature films. She was also lucky enough to kick start her choreography career at just 18 when she choreographed a National Theatre Connections piece for the Nuffield Theatre. Throughout her teens and early twenties she could be seen in most local theatres treading the boards performing as a singer/dancer as well as backstage choreographing touring shows and in-house musicals. Helen went onto pursue a career in the industry from UK tours to singing and dancing abroad. In her late twenties Helen embarked on a career at sea joining cruise ships as a production singer and being promoted to assistant cruise director and finally cruise director. This wonderful role took her all over the world with lots of stories to share of her travels – and was where she met her husband! Her return to England was to start a family and she has been teaching ever since. As a professional choreographer, Helen’s work has been seen in many theatre’s across the South Coast in the last five years. Most recently she can be seen as the face of Port Solent advertising as well as a new Fuzzikins advert for a children’s toy on TV! Helen is thrilled to be the Principal and Company Director of TADAA – a school that provides the very best in drama, dance and musical theatre to the children of Hampshire. I love seeing TADAA go from strength to strength – I am so proud of the school and every person that attends our classes – we really are a family!

Ciara Ayre

DIPMusT

Ciara has shown her passion for theatre from a very young age. She was one of the first TADAA students in 2008, joining the company when she was 8 years old. She progressed into a student teacher at the age of 17, helping in Musical Theatre, Drama and Tots classes. Ciara became an integral part of TADAA by organising shows, guiding students through festivals and even co-writing, directing and producing TADAA’s first ever pantomime in 2018. She completed her BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Acting at South Downs College with a grade of Triple Distinction* (D*D*D*), covering a range of theatrical styles. As a teenager, Ciara was also involved with various amateur dramatic societies, performing in a range of genres including Shakespeare, Murder Mystery and Musical Theatre.

In 2019, Ciara left TADAA to complete an intensive acting course with The Year Out Drama Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon, working alongside the RSC and with various industry professionals. In Stratford, she developed her skills in acting, singing and dancing and was praised for her work ethic and commitment to projects. She gained valuable experience learning about the Arts Industry, rehearsal discipline and the importance of working as an ensemble, as well as developing her skills as an individual performer.

Ciara is eager to return to TADAA in September and can’t wait to support the company and it’s students as it continues to grow! She hopes to provide fun and interesting classes where students can learn new skills as well as gain confidence. She is passionate about providing a supportive and safe space for students to explore the different aspects of theatre and express themselves through performance.

Nikki Boast

Ballet tots and Popstars Dance Teacher (on Maternity Leave 2022 - 2023 )

Nikki trained as a classical dancer from the age of 11 in full time education, followed by a 3 year diploma in musical theatre at Bodywork Performing Arts.

After years performing or cruise ships, Nikki started her own family and shared her passion for dance by teaching Babyballet and her own pop/street dance classes for children ages 18 months to 18 years. Nikki is excited to be part of the TADAA family and can’t wait to meet you all.

Cara Redman

AISTD

Cara’s passion is for dance – from the age of 3, she attended local dance schools and has studied ISTD Grades in ballet, tap and modern up to Advanced 1 level. She has also performed at many prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Sadlers Wells in London and competed at National and International level including at Disneyland Paris. Selected to represent England at the IDF World Championships in 2016 and again in 2019, the squad won a number of medals in a variety of categories. Cara placed first in her age category for tap in 2016 and in 2019 placed first in the adult tap duet category. Having studied dance at Chichester College and the University of Chichester, Cara is now a qualified ISTD dance teacher after completing the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education which has laid the foundation to broaden her teaching horizons and develop her teaching into other dance styles. Cara is very much looking forward to joining the team at TADAA and passing on her passion and enthusiasm to younger students.

Natasha Caulfield

Natasha has been performing professionally and teaching for many years. She has her Tap DDI, Modern DDI and LCM Singing Diploma which brings so much experience into the room when she is teaching her classes. When she isn’t teaching, Natasha can be found gigging professionally as a singer around the Portsmouth area.

Weronika Ronowicz

Weronika is a hardworking and qualified Dance Teacher adept at leading classes in
different dance styles for all ages of students. She is familiar with organising
and planning for competitions and group performances, offering 7 years
experience in the dance field. Weronika holds a Level 3 NATD- National Association of Teachers of Dancing in Vocational Graded examination in Dance and a Level 4, Associate Freestyle Dance Teacher with IDTA-International Dance Teachers’ Association.

TADAA Assistants:

Austin Jones, Sophie Keefe, Brooke Pearce, Ruby Rayner, Molly Sharland, Lisa Hodgkins, Violet Farmer, Evie Nonclercq and Ella Burgos are the TADAA assistants.

Guest teachers are Nathalie Gunn, Emmie Rawlings and Katie Butteriss.

All TADAA Teachers have an enhanced DBS certificates, first aid certificates, safeguarding training and epipen training. TADAA holds public liability insurance, PAT certified equipment and PPL/PRS Music Licenses. All teachers are trained and qualified to teach in their field of expertise.