Staff
Principal - Jackie Jones
Principal Jackie Jones brings over 37 years of exceptional experience in dance and theatre performance. Beginning her journey at the age of 2, Jackie has cultivated a diverse and impressive skill set, becoming fully trained in RAD Ballet and ISTD Tap. She holds teaching certifications in Freestyle, American Tap, Musical Theatre, and Drama, and in 2021, she earned her Module 1 certification in Acrobatic Arts, further solidifying her expertise.
Jackie has trained and performed at prestigious venues like the Prince Regent Theatre and taken her dance examinations at the renowned Sonia Talman’s School of Dance. Her stage presence is unmatched, having played leading roles in the West End, appeared in numerous variety shows, pantomimes, and television productions, and garnered a series of prestigious titles in national dance competitions.
With a wealth of experience, both on stage and in the classroom, Jackie’s passion for dance and performance continues to inspire and empower the next generation of artists.
Coach - Lorraine Willis
Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started teaching at 15, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working at seven dance schools, sharing my love for ballet, tap, modern, and festival work. My training took me to London, where I completed my major ballet exams with Ruth French, an experience that shaped my discipline and technique.
For 15 years, I danced with a cabaret group, where our specialty was the high-energy, crowd-pleasing cancan. Performing on stage gave me a deep appreciation for the joy that dance can bring—not just to the dancer, but to the audience as well.
One of my proudest moments was seeing one of my choreographed pieces win the Best National Award at the All England Dance Finals.
Now, my passion lies in passing on everything I’ve learned. I love helping dancers develop their technique, confidence, and artistry. My goal at Duo Dance Studios is to inspire the next generation, just as dance has inspired me throughout my life
Aborfield Principle & Coach- Ghislaine Ruhomutally
Ghislaine Ruhomutally, fondly known as "Miss Lainey," is a dedicated and highly qualified dance educator with a passion for nurturing talent. She is certified by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in Ballet (2014), Acrobatic Arts in Gymnastic Dance (2017), and Rambert Grades for Contemporary Dance (2024). With over 10 years of teaching experience, Miss Lainey has made her mark in local dance schools, private institutions, and some of London's most prestigious dance academies.
Notably, she has taught RAD vocational ballet grades at the Central School of Ballet, further cementing her expertise in training aspiring dancers at an advanced level. Miss Lainey’s deep understanding of multiple dance genres, along with her commitment to inspiring and empowering students, ensures that each dancer under her guidance reaches their full potential. Her enthusiasm for dance and her ability to connect with students make her an invaluable asset to the dance community.
Coach - Joshua Slater
With a lifelong passion for dance that began at the age of six and extensive experience in both performance and choreography, I am excited about the opportunity to inspire and cultivate the next generation of dancers.
My journey in dance began with a strong foundation, and by the age of nine, I was competing in various dance competitions. This led to multiple wins at the All-Ireland championships, as well as participation in the prestigious world competitions since I was twelve. These experiences have not only honed my technical abilities but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the art form.
Throughout my dance career, I have taken on the role of choreographer, helping various dance schools prepare their routines for competitions and events. I particularly enjoy focusing on styles such as wacking, locking, and afro, which allow me to express creativity while challenging my students to push their boundaries.
The most rewarding aspect of teaching dance, in my opinion, is witnessing the transformation in my students as they gain confidence and develop a genuine love for dance. My goal is to create a positive and educational environment where children can express themselves, take risks, and enjoy the process of learning and growing as dancers.
Coach - Josie Jones
Josie began her dance journey at the young age of 2 years old and has since developed into a well-rounded and accomplished dancer. She is fully trained in RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, Modern, and Acrobatic Arts, having completed all of her Intermediate Exams. Josie is currently advancing her expertise as she works towards her Diploma in Dance Education (Tap).
No stranger to the stage, Josie has competed at prestigious All England Dance Festivals and has performed in numerous professional shows and pantomimes since she was just 5 years old.
With over 4 years of experience as a teaching assistant, Josie is deeply passionate about making dance accessible to everyone. She volunteers for an inclusive dance class with the charity PAG, an opportunity she finds incredibly fulfilling.
In addition to her dance achievements, Josie is also pursuing her academic goals. She is currently attending college, where she is completing a Level 3 qualification in Health, balancing her studies with her love of dance and teaching.
Assistant Coach -
Amber-Lily Barhan
Amber-lily began dancing at the age of 2. At six years old Amber-Lily began competing all over the country at All England dance festivals winning many awards and she was an All England finalist. She trained at Briar Dance Academy where she has completed all her ISTD modern and tap exams with distinctions from primary to advanced one. Amber-Lily is classical ballet trained with the RAD and completed all her exams from primary yo advance one. For the last three years Amber-Lily has represented England for the Dance World Cup and has worked professionally onstage since 2017.
Assistant Coach -
Darcey Haldane
Darcey began her dance journey at the age of 2 years old and has blossomed into a skilled and passionate performer. She currently trains at Renton Dance Studios, where she is advancing in ISTD Modern and Tap, alongside her RAD Ballet training. Darcey has already achieved her Inter Foundation Ballet Exam and continues to pursue excellence in her craft.
A dedicated competitor, Darcey performs at All England Dance Festivals across the country and is still actively competing today. Her love for the stage shines through in her performances, including her current role in this year’s Harlington Theatre Pantomime, where she brings the magic of Christmas to life.
As our youngest but incredibly talented Teaching Assistant at Duo Dance Studios, Darcey has already displayed remarkable maturity and leadership in her teaching role. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and talent make her a wonderful asset to our team, and we are excited to see her continue to grow.