Meet the Talented Team at West Peterborough Dance

Come and meet the dedicated team that brings every class at West Peterborough Dance to life. Discover the teachers who share not just their expertise, but their passion and joy for dance with every student.

Geena Hird

Principal
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Geena trained at Redroofs Theatre School where she graduated with distinction in Dance and Musical Theatre. She performed in many productions including Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cinderella, My Fair Lady and Charlotte’s Web before beginning her teacher training in Cecchetti Classical Ballet.

She worked as Lead Tutor of the Jack Hunt Theatre & Dance School for three years before taking over the business as West Peterborough Dance. Geena is a Licentiate of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and the London College of Music.

Geena's education journey in the performing arts began at Redroofs Theatre School, where she graduated with distinction in Dance and Musical Theatre. She then immersed herself in various productions, displaying her versatility. Geena later transitioned to teaching, becoming the Lead Tutor at the Jack Hunt Theatre & Dance School before taking over and rebranding it as West Peterborough Dance.

Her dedication is evident through her Licentiate titles from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and the London College of Music, showcasing her expertise in dance education.

Geena Hird, Principal of West Peterborough Dance, boasts a remarkable background in dance education. She graduated with distinction from Redroofs Theatre School, performed in various productions, and is a qualified teacher in Cecchetti Classical Ballet. Geena's three-year stint as Lead Tutor at the Jack Hunt Theatre & Dance School culminated in her taking over the business.

With Licentiate titles from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and the London College of Music, she not only fulfilled her own dreams on stage but also inspires her students to meet their favorite dancers through her dedicated teaching.

Poppy Mason

Principal
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Poppy first began her dance training with Mrs Garfield, which eventually became the Jack Hunt Dance and Theatre School, before returning to teach there. She was a Cecchetti Ballet Associate and also worked as the employed assistant within the dance school, helping the younger students in their ballet classes.

Poppy has worked as a professional dancer at Disneyland Paris, and the continued to work across Europe for Disney Special Events. After graduating from university with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Dance with Performing Arts, Poppy completed her teacher training and is currently working as a Primary School teacher as well as running West Peterborough Dance.

Poppy's dance journey began with Mrs. Garfield, leading her to the Jack Hunt Dance and Theatre School, where she eventually returned as a teacher. She became a Cecchetti Ballet Associate and assisted younger students. Poppy's professional dance career included roles at Disneyland Paris and Disney Special Events across Europe.

She holds a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Dance with Performing Arts and completed teacher training. Today, she's not only a Primary School teacher but also the driving force behind West Peterborough Dance, where her passion for dance education shines.

As a dance teacher, Poppy's journey is a true dance of dedication and inspiration. She started her teaching adventure at the Jack Hunt Dance and Theatre School, where she once trained. Poppy also became a Cecchetti Ballet Associate and lovingly guided younger dancers through their ballet steps. Beyond the classroom, she added a sprinkle of Disney magic to her resume, dancing at Disneyland Paris and enchanting audiences at Disney Special Events across Europe.

With her impressive 2:1 BA (Hons) in Dance with Performing Arts and successful completion of teacher training, Poppy has found her groove not only as a beloved Primary School teacher but also as the heart and soul of West Peterborough Dance. Her vibrant and friendly approach to teaching lights up her students' dance journeys with joy and creativity.


Jasmine Mason

Principal
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Jasmine began her dance training with Mrs Garfield, which eventually became the Jack Hunt Dance and Theatre School, before returning to teach there. She found a love of musical theatre through school musicals, which was further enhanced while studying Music and Theatre Studies A Levels, when Jasmine achieved Grade 8 Singing.

After graduating from university with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Drama, Jasmine also gained a diploma in Musical Theatre (DipLCM) and continues to share her love of the arts with her students, alongside being a Secondary School teacher. Jasmine continues to develop her dance skills with West Peterborough Dance.

Jasmine has a rich background in the performing arts, tracing back to her early days of dance training under the guidance of Mrs. Garfield at what would later become the Jack Hunt Dance and Theatre School. Her academic pursuit in the field remained steadfast as she further honed her musical theatre and vocal talents during her A Levels in Music and Theatre Studies.

Demonstrating exceptional prowess, she attained Grade 8 in singing. Jasmine went on to secure a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Drama from university, supplementing this achievement with a diploma in Musical Theatre (DipLCM), showcasing her deep-seated commitment to her art and a well-rounded educational background in the performing arts.

Jasmine has not only built a strong foundation through her educational pursuits but has also garnered a wealth of experience in the arts. She returned as a faculty member to her alma mater, the Jack Hunt Dance and Theatre School, where she first nurtured her passion for dance. This full-circle moment speaks volumes about her proficiency and the trust bestowed upon her by her mentors.

In addition to teaching at the dance school, Jasmine also embarked on a journey as a secondary school teacher, constantly nurturing young minds. Her journey continues as she further perfects her dance techniques with West Peterborough Dance, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to learning and mastery in the field. Throughout her career, Jasmine has continuously spread her love for the arts, acting as both a mentor and an inspiring figure in the dance and theatre communities.


Laura Whatling

Dance Tutor
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Laura began her dance studies when she was four years old with Mrs Garfield. Since then she has grown up being a part of the ballet school, assisting as a regular helper in a variety of dance lessons.

She has completed her DDI in Cecchetti Classical Ballet and is hoping to work towards the next level qualification very soon. Her main love is ballet but she has experience in a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, Irish and traditional English dancing called rapper.

Laura's dance journey is a beautiful story of lifelong passion and commitment. Her enchanting adventure began at the tender age of four, under the caring guidance of Mrs. Garfield. From those early days, Laura has blossomed into an integral part of the ballet school, always eager to lend a helping hand in various dance lessons.

Her heart dances to the rhythm of ballet, and she's already achieved her DDI in Cecchetti Classical Ballet, with dreams of reaching even greater heights in the future. But Laura's love for dance knows no bounds, and she's explored a colorful array of styles, from contemporary and jazz to Irish and the fascinating world of traditional English rapper dancing. With Laura, it's all about the love and joy of dance, and her journey is an inspiration to us all.

Laura's dance journey is a heartwarming tale of a lifelong love affair with movement and rhythm. She took her first steps into the world of dance at just four years old, guided by the nurturing hands of Mrs. Garfield. Growing up, Laura became an integral part of the ballet school, always ready to lend a hand and spread her passion for dance.

While ballet holds a special place in her heart, Laura's dance adventure doesn't stop there. She's explored a vibrant spectrum of styles, from contemporary and jazz to Irish dancing and the captivating world of traditional English rapper dance. Laura's dance journey is a testament to her enduring passion, and her enthusiasm for sharing the joy of movement is contagious.