SmoothMoves Academy of Performing Arts Teachers

Lauren Cooke A.B.A.T.D., B.A.(Hons) - Principal

TEACHES: Street Dance, Cheerleading & Tap

Lauren started dancing when she was just 2 years old. She performed in her first professional show at just 6 years old. After this she went on to gain top grades in all exams for dance, drama and singing. Performing in show’s and T.V. commercials inspired Lauren to study performing arts at University, where she gained a Ba(Hons) Degree.

After graduating Lauren went on to dance professionally in many different aspects of the performing arts industry. She has worked in hotels abroard, on cruise ships around the world all of which she had the role of Dance Captain. She has danced at corporate events, T.V. Shows (including T4’s Pop beach), music videos and Lauren also choreographed a girl band.

Lauren started assisting in dance classes when she was just 12 years old. She became one of the youngest in Essex to qualify as a teacher when she was 17. Lauren has loved teaching and has always dreamed of running her own school. Lauren believes that the best education in performing arts is learnt through experience. Which is why she believes that those that have worked in the performing arts industry are better equipped to inspire and encourage their students.

Lauren is First aid qualified and Police checked (CRB). As well as running SMOOTHMOVES Academy of Performing Arts Lauren teaches at many other dance schools and secondary and primary schools. Lauren is often hired for other teaching jobs; Hen parties, workshops, wedding first dance.

Gemma Comerford

TEACHES: Ballet & Tap

Gemma has been dancing since the age of 2½. She enjoys all aspects of performing and has gained high marks in all exams she has taken.

After finishing school in 1996 she went on to train in childcare where she successfully gained her NVQ level 4 in childcare learning and development. After 5 years working in a mainstream pre-school she moved on to become a therapist in a special needs school where she is a one to one support for children with Autism, ranging from children aged 4 to 16. Gemma has had many opportunities with dancing including dancing at many prestigious London stages including the London Palladuim, Saddlers Wells and Her Majestys theatre’s, to name a few. She has also appeared twice in Disneyland, Paris performing in the main street carnival and on the main stage.

Gemma enjoy’s teaching and hopes she can pass on the experience, technique and inspiration she has for dance.

Lesley Hobbs, B.M.E

TEACHES: Singing

Lesley Hobbs is a school teacher from the U.S.A. She is starting her seventh year of teaching. Five of these years were spent teaching vocal music and piano in the public school system of Dexter, Missouri, U.S.A.

Lesley has also taught private piano lessons during the time she attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was a member of the university’s choir and performed in solo vocal and piano recitals during this time. This is where she received her Bachelors of Music Education degree.

Lesley has been an ajudicator for vocal events, and she has accompanied many vocal students in regional vocal competitions and performances. During her career she has had experience performing and teaching many genres of music; such as classical, blues, pop, rock, and musical theatre.

Currently, Lesley is teaching primary school in the Dagenham Borough of London. She is also the pianist there and helps lead the after school choir program.