Meet Our Amazing Team
The Faces behind the Success
All our teachers are I.S.T.D. qualified and First Aid Trained and the whole team is DBS checked.
Miss Mandy
Head Teacher – Principle
Mandy started dancing at 3 years and has never stopped. Trained at The Jeannine Greville Dance Academy, Oxfordshire, she studied and gained her major exams in Modern, Tap, Drama and Ballet. From 1987 to 2001, Mandy continued to teach for Jeannine in 5 of the 8 branches in Berks, Bucks and Oxon. Moving to Devon in 2001, Mandy taught at the Gaynor Walter School of Dance in Newton Abbot and the Deborah Bond Dance Academy in Ivybridge, Plymouth and Saltash.
FOOTsteps was created in 2004 with 4 classes on a Tuesday night in Okehampton. The school now runs classes every night of the week with the help of 2 Fabulous teachers in Okehampton. Training never stops for a teacher and Mandy gained her Zumba licence in 2011 prior to handing over the batton to Miss April in 2022. She holds a Pirouette Studio Licence from 2017, qualified as an Acrobatic Arts Instructor in 2018 and recently added Dancing Memories to her portfolio. She also loves to regularly attend ISTD Courses, keeping her up to date with technique, new trends, fitness and colleagues.
FOOTsteps was created in 2004 with 4 classes on a Tuesday night in Okehampton. The school now runs classes every night of the week with the help of 2 Fabulous teachers in Okehampton. Training never stops for a teacher and Mandy gained her Zumba licence in 2011 prior to handing over the batton to Miss April in 2022. She holds a Pirouette Studio Licence from 2017, qualified as an Acrobatic Arts Instructor in 2018 and recently added Dancing Memories to her portfolio. She also loves to regularly attend ISTD Courses, keeping her up to date with technique, new trends, fitness and colleagues.
Miss Clare
Dance Teacher
Clare Saunders trained and qualified as a teacher at the Gaynor Walter School of Dance and holds her DDE in Ballet, Modern and Tap. After University, she started teaching in 2004 at the Deborah Bond Dance Academy based in Newton Abbot and also for Fox King Dance Academy until 2012.
Clare started with FOOTsteps in 2011 and is in charge of the Ballet syllabus but also teaches Modern, Tap and Jazz. She also brings her own 'Jumping Beans' to FOOTsteps. Created for 2-5 year olds and their parents, these are Fun and Expressive sessions, using imaginative adventures and props.
Clare has also run her own successful dance school in Moretonhampstead for 10 years, however when her second daughter came on the scene, she made the difficult decision to pass the school on.
As well as teaching, Clare has always had a passion for Arts Education. She has worked at Exeter City Council with RAMM, DAISI (Devon Arts in School Initiative) and at Exeter Phoenix as part of the Education Team. She continues to take an active part in local events and her own professional development (CPD).
Clare started with FOOTsteps in 2011 and is in charge of the Ballet syllabus but also teaches Modern, Tap and Jazz. She also brings her own 'Jumping Beans' to FOOTsteps. Created for 2-5 year olds and their parents, these are Fun and Expressive sessions, using imaginative adventures and props.
Clare has also run her own successful dance school in Moretonhampstead for 10 years, however when her second daughter came on the scene, she made the difficult decision to pass the school on.
As well as teaching, Clare has always had a passion for Arts Education. She has worked at Exeter City Council with RAMM, DAISI (Devon Arts in School Initiative) and at Exeter Phoenix as part of the Education Team. She continues to take an active part in local events and her own professional development (CPD).
Miss April
Dance Teacher
One of our very own alumni, April joined FOOTsteps in 2004 as a founding member. Over the years, April took classes in Modern, Jazz, Tap and Ballet, honing her technique and performing in many shows, festivals and carnivals. In 2012, April gained an A-level in dance and completed her vocational ISTD exams in Modern and Tap.
After going to university and becoming a qualified dietitian, April returned to FOOTsteps having never lost her love of dance. During the pandemic, April trained as a Zumba and Zumba Kids instructor and can't wait to continue sharing her passion.
After going to university and becoming a qualified dietitian, April returned to FOOTsteps having never lost her love of dance. During the pandemic, April trained as a Zumba and Zumba Kids instructor and can't wait to continue sharing her passion.
Miss Chrissie
Networking and Marketing Guru
One of the original adult students in 2004, Chrissie is integral in keeping FOOTsteps alive in the community. Her networking skills surpass anything Facebook or Instagram can muster.
mike
Prop designer and FOOTsteps Roadie
Always on hand to create props and sets for our performances throughout the year.
You will see him at Carnival time at the head of the parade, sound system in tow.
