Carina Watson A.I.S.T.D.

Carina graduated from the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts in 2001 with a Musical Theatre Diploma with Honours. She also gained her teaching qualifications with the I.S.T.D. in Ballet, Tap dance and Modern Theatre, making her an associate of the I.S.T.D. Whilst training, Carina studied extensively in dance, singing and drama with the RAD, I.S.T.D. LAMDA and The Royal Academy of Music. She played roles such as Mrs Johnston in Blood Brothers, and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, and was awarded the Laine Theatre Arts Drama award and the Laine Theatre Arts Associate award. Carina received training from top choreographers and West End performers, which she then went on to work with some professionally.

Since graduating, Carina has performed all over the world as a professional dancer and singer. She has worked onboard Cruise Liners, performed in various UK Theatre Tours, many Pantomimes, and has performed in various shows in the UK and abroad. Carina has also appeared dancing on many TV shows including ITV1 Des and Mel, BBC’s The Saturday Show, ITV1 Ministry of Mayhem and The John Daley Show (Ireland). She has also appeared in various music videos, and has performed at many concerts including Wembley Arena. In between performing on the stage, Carina has also enjoyed working as a session singer for various artists.

Carina has always enjoyed teaching in between performing contracts, and eventually became a full time teacher in 2010. Carina taught in London and surrounding areas for a year, and also taught in prestigious schools such as Redroofs Theatre School where Kate Winslet trained. Carina has now moved back to her roots in Weston-super-Mare, and is very pleased to be back teaching near home. Carina finds teaching very rewarding, and loves being able to pass on her years of professional experience and knowledge in the industry onto the children. She loves watching them progress, improve and grow and is thrilled to be able to work so closely with her sister.

Leanne Watson FD.I.S.T.D. BA HONS

Leanne Clark trained professionally at Laine Theatre Arts where she was fortunate enough to be awarded a Betty Laine Scholarship. She graduated in 2007 with a three-year Musical Theatre Diploma, and as a qualified dance teacher of the I.S.T.D. Leanne then decided to extend her qualifications and has gained a BA Hons professional practice in Dance Teaching at Middlesex University. Since graduating, Leanne has worked as a professional dancer all over the world, and here are just some of the credits to her name:

Leanne recently decided to extend her qualifications, and has gained a BA Hons professional practice in Dance Teaching at Middlesex University.

Since graduating, Leanne has worked as a professional dancer all over the world, and here are just some of the credits to her name:

• Disney Camp Rock 2 UK Tour
• We Will Rock You, Saturday Night Fever, Mamma Mia – Sani Entertainment Europe
• MJ History – P&O Cruises
• M/V Ocean Village – MBP Productions
• UK Tour – JTP World Productions
• Various Pantomimes including Snow White, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, Robin Hood in which Leanne became a well known favourite at the Pomegranate Theatre and was Dance Captain.
• BBC TV Series Tess of the D’urbervilles
• Supporting act to Liberty X, Journey South and Chiko at the Bowood House Festival

Like her sister, Leanne has always enjoyed teaching in between performing contracts, and loves putting all of her efforts into teaching full time now.

Leanne has a vast amount of experience in the teaching world, primarily teaching junior classes at Laine Theatre Arts. She has gone on to deliver many dance workshops to primary schools throughout the UK, G.C.S.E. Dance at Wells Cathedral School, and currently teaches on the commercial dance degree course at Weston college.

Leanne is thrilled to be home teaching with her sister, and feels that with their joint expertise in choreography, teaching and performance work, they can together give their students tuition of an outstanding level.

Ellie Keele I.S.T.D.

Ellie has been dancing with Carlea Theatre Arts since the age of three. Having trained in every genre available, she went on to further her training at Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, where she gained a Scholarship.

Ellie is now a fully qualified dance teacher with the ISTD.

In her professional career, Ellie has worked in all parts of the industry; Dancing in Professional Shows, Pantomimes & Films, Modelling for JD Sports & Pure-gym, Acting for the BBC & Disney Plus, and being cast in various Music Videos. Ellie is extremely passionate about teaching our students and offering her knowledge and training to them. She thrives in her lessons and loves passing on her love for the arts to her students.

Ellie finds teaching very rewarding, she loves to see her students progress and excel in their development as dancers. Ellie is absolutely thrilled to be able to complete a full circle and return home, to become a Qualified Teacher for Carlea Theatre Arts. Working so closely with those who were the making for her success, is a privilege.

Cheryl Watson member UKA

Established Carlea Dance School 35 years ago after the birth of her two daughters Carina and Leanne. She first began her performing career with the famous Blackpool Children’s Ballet and went onto work professionally at home and abroad for many years, having experience as dance captain and in choreography.

After the birth of her first daughter she began teaching at two well-known dance schools in Blackpool, later moving to Weston with her professional drummer husband John.

Carlea Dance School was established, named after her two daughters, in Weston and Locking. In 1998 Chelis Theatre Co was created with Cheryl and Lisa to offer training in Dance, Drama and Singing. Pupils have performed in many dance shows, pantomimes, musicals at the Blakehay Theatre and also in Annie, Bugsy Malone and the Wizard of Oz at the Playhouse Theatre. Cheryl is delighted to have her daughters teaching and expanding the school.

Adam

Acro coach

Adam trained professionally at Masters Performing Arts College on a full scholarship.

Adam has worked extensively as a dancer & choreographer all over the world. Working alongside some top names such as Liberty X, McFly, George Sampson, Dannii Minogue and Stephen Mulhern to name a few!

Adam is also a qualified gymnastics coach and has coached gymnasts from the Artistic, Aerobic and Rhythmic national teams. He has also travelled abroad as a National Coach for Great Britain.

Performance Credits:
Eight pantomimes; Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk (Twice), Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Robin Hood, Beauty & The Beast.
Dancer – P &O Cruises Australia’s – Pacific Jewel.
Dancer & Vocalist – Thank you for the music & Songs from the shows.
Dancer for Black Eyed Peaz, Scissor Sisterz & Lady Goa Goa Tribute shows.
Dancer, UK Tour – Disco Legends.
Dancer- Loreal Hair Show in Paris.
Dancer- Clubbed Feature Film.
Dancer – Children In Need.
Dancer & Vocalist – Village People Tribute.
Choreography Credits:
Onstage – Weston College – The Playhouse Theatre
Snow White and the 7 dwarfs, Oakengates Theatre & Cinderella, Spotlight Theatre. A Night at the Movies, Puttin’ on the Ritz & Synergy – The Playhouse Theatre Zealous:8 – Bowood House.
Scissor SisterZ, Black Eyed Peaz, Lady Goa Goa Tribute Acts.
Thank you for the music – Summer Season, Weston-super-Mare.
The Beautiful Game- WOS.
Disco Legends – UK Tour.
British Gymnastics Gala – Echo Arena Liverpool.
Whittington Rocks – Butlins.