Meet the team

Sophie - Jo

Managing Director of Monkeys in Motion

Sophie-Jo is a native of Worcester and has been dancing since the age of four in all manner of disciplines to a very high level. She trained in Musical Theatre and Dance at the distinguished school London Studio Centre where she was awarded the Leverhulme Scholarship as well as a 3 year grant from The Bransford Trust.

Sophie-Jo graduated from London Studio Centre with a first class honours. After this success, Sophie obtained a London based agent (FLP Management) where she took on numerous performing contracts across the UK. Sophie-Jo has performed at The Sadlers Wells Theatre, The Pleasance Theatre, The Peacock Theatre, The Swan Theatre, The Royal Opera House for the Pet Shop Boys Inner Sanctum Tour, E.M Forster Theatre with The Wizard of Oz and the UK Tour of The Little Mermaid.

In July 2016, Sophie launched her very own company: Monkeys in Motion, targeting young children ages 2-11. Monkeys in Motion now run numerous dance classes for kids and childrens theatre workshops across Worcester & Malvern and have partnered with companies such as: David Lloyd Leisure, Malvern Theatres, Soul Sanctuary & many private and state schools. The two main programmes at Monkeys in Motion have been built to increase children’s physical development whilst keeping them active and social from a young age and creating things to do with kids in Worcester.

Sophie-Jo is consistently continuing professional development and has a real passion for sharing her knowledge and expertise.

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

Ellie

Activity Leader & Monkeys in Motion Parties/Events Manager

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

Eleanor attended youth theatre from the age of 7 where she took part in countless main house productions. Since then she’s grown up taking part in children’s theatre; writing, performing and directing in lots of plays and musicals. Including playing Eva Peron in her sixth Form production of Evita and Estella in The Courtyard Herefords Production of Great Expectations.


She graduated from Peer Productions in 2018 with a distinction in her Creative Practitioners Diploma. In this company she toured three full length, Theatre in Education, shows around south east England to over 19,000 students.


She has also recently co devised and recorded a podcast called ‘Forgotten Women’ and performed a full Edinburgh Fringe run of ‘WrestlingMania’, which was a huge success.


Eleanor is very excited to be part of Monkeys in Motion and love helping these children follow their creative dreams.

Elise

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

Hello everyone, I’m Elise and I love to dance!


I launched my adult dance & fitness company called ‘The Movement’ a little over 5 years ago now with just myself and the journey so far has been amazing. With a background in dance I knew I always wanted to work within the fitness industry, so I did my NVQ Level 3 personal training course around 12 years ago and have never looked back. I have always worked with children too so I love mixing it up and teaching a great balance of both adults & dance classes for kids!


My passion is to DANCE and I just love how it makes people feel. I can’t wait to meet you all!

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

Sophie

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

Sophie has trained as a dancer since the young age of 7. She attended a dance school in Worcester until the age of 16, learning all styles of dance. Sophie achieved her RAD and ISTD grades in Modern and Ballet, as well as competing in many competitions including the All England Dance Finals. Sophie carried on her dance studies at Sixth Form and University. At University Sophie achieved a high achievement scholarship and graduated with a BA honours degree in 2018.


Some of you may recognise Sophie as after her University studies she was freelance Dance Teacher full-time and was previously part of the Monkeys in Motion team. After a short break, Sophie is very excited to be back teaching dance classes for kids at Monkeys in Motion!

Lydia

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

Lydia has been singing and dancing since she could walk and talk (her poor parents ears!) but, to her family’s relief, participated in WODYS (Worcester Operatic Youth Society) from age 8 to 18. In that time she played 5 principal roles, such as; Aunt Ella in Oklahoma and Miss Brannigan in Back to the 80’s.

Lydia studied A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies and received Distinction in Musical Theatre Exams Grades 1 – 8 and was awarded her Dip LCM in Musical Theatre. Lydia then went on to study Drama and Theatre at the University of Worcester. She was awarded her Higher Certificate with ‘The Voice College’ in ‘Contemporary Vocal Teaching in Children and Adolescents’. She later went on to be a Vocal Coach where she taught privately from her studio and in schools. She provided ‘Drama, Singing and Movement’ childrens theatre workshops for Primary and Secondary schools and also University classes, ‘Confidence in Singing’ workshops in secondary schools and was the Vocal Coach for Stage Coach Worcester. She also directed and choreographed WODYS Cabaret over 2 years which performed shows for children’s charities and care homes. Lydia also performed as a wedding singer alongside teaching and performing.

A change in events saw Lydia working as a Nursery Nurse for 3 years where she led singing and music classes for babies and toddlers. After having her first child in 2017, Lydia left Nursery Nursing and a few years later launched her business called ‘Musical Mama’, musical baby-led sensory sessions which she still runs today!

Alongside Monkeys in Motion, running Musical Mama, being a busy mummy of two, Lydia also leads and creates the children’s and family events at Bennetts Willow Barn.

Lydia is so excited to get back to teaching childrens theatre and really cannot wait to get started!

Jess

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

Jess loved the Performing Arts from a young age participating in Singing, Drama and Dance schools locally. Jess went on to study Dance at GCSE, A level and then at university where she obtained a BA Hons degree in Dance Performance and received awards for Technical Excellence and Outstanding Contribution. 

Jess has studied a wide variety of disciplines and competed and performed around the country. Jess found her passion in teaching dance and has worked for schools, dance schools, cheerleading academies and freelance. Jess is passionate about learning and has gone on to achieve many teaching certificates and diplomas and trained with various professional dance bodies including being the first student teacher to gain associate teacher status with Melody Movement Early Learning.

Last year Jess went on to have her first child and has enjoyed participating in baby and toddler groups during her maternity leave.  Ready to combine her teaching experience with her new role as a mum, Jess is looking forward to delivering the baby and toddler classes for Monkeys in Motion 

 

Lissy

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

Lissy’s love for dance started at the age of 6 when she began attending various dance lessons in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, musical theatre, commercial and street. By the time she was 8, Lissy gained her first professional dancing job in the Pantomime at the Roses Theatre in Tewksbury and went on to do 5 consecutive years of chorus line work for the company.

Lissy has also performed in multiple school and amateur dramatic shows including; Little Shop of Horrors, Billy Elliott, Grease, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Back to the 80’s. Lissy has competed in street dance competitions all over the country and was thrilled to be awarded 1st place at the Nationals for the British Street Dance Organisation Championships at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. The highlight of her dancing life so far is performing on stage with Diversity!

Lissy studied Dance and Performing Arts at Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) gaining a BTEC qualification and then went on to Dancebox Studios where she achieved her Extended Diploma in Dance. Lissy has also achieved high grades in RAD, IDTA and ISTD ballet, tap and modern.

Lissy now works in childcare and is excited to combine all of her skills together to deliver a beneficial and fun filled class for everyone. She can’t wait to bring new, exciting dance classes for kids to Monkeys in Motion and meet lots of new faces. Her aim is to encourage all children to be confident, work hard, have fun and strive in all of their classes!

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

Evie

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

She has loved dancing, singing and acting from a young age as proven by dancing from the age of 2 and being a member of WODY’s for 10 years. She completed RAD ballet and ISTD modern to major levels as well taking LAMDA exams with school.

Before going to study a BA (Hons) degree in Dance at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, Evie danced at Studio B Performing Arts, where she currently works full time as a dance teacher and admin assistant to the principal. During her time at university Evie performed at MOVE IT Dance Convention 2018 and took part in the opening of FAME! The Reunion Tour.

Since moving back home she is now a part of WODS performing regularly at the Swan Theatre in Worcester.

Evie has always loved working with children; her favourite part is to see the huge smiles on their faces when they’ve realised their incredible achievements!

Evie is so excited to be a part of the Monkeys in Motion team and is looking forward to meeting everyone in her dance classes for kids.

Daryl

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

Daryl Curtis AKA The Jestar – has been dancing since 2008. He began dancing in a youth centre called SYPC (Slough Young People’s Centre) all while at college studying Art and Design. He has performed at many events that SYPC organised, as well as attending regular dance classes at the Youth Centre.  

From there, he went on to graduate with a Dance degree at Creative Academy with a 2.1 BA Hons in Dance. While studying at Creative Academy, his training included; Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern and the Contemporary styles; Cunningham, Graham and Release, all of which helped him build a varied and eclectic repertoire of movement qualities to build on his funk style base. Further pursuing his quest for knowledge, he attended Urban Dance Camp in Lörrach, Germany, where he was able to learn from some of best Choreographers and Freestylers in the world.  

His credits include working with; Pepsi CO & JDsports, and he has performed at Breakin Convention where he boasts top 8 in Juste Debout 2014. 

Daryl teaches regular dance classes for kids in Worcester both freelance and with his own company: OddStepperz. We are very fortunate to have Daryl as part of the MIM team!

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

TRACY

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

Tracy studied as a dancer from a young age then went on to train professionally; at London Studio Centre for one year, at Kidderminster for a HND and a final year B.AHons at Ballet West in Classical Ballet and Dance Performance.  

Tracy continues her creative expression through her yoga practice and teachings.  

Tracy Sadler is now a devoted yogini having started her yoga journey in 2013 and going on to train in creative Vinyasa flow, Yin, Kids Yoga, Aerial and Kundalini. She is also a ‘Closing the Bones’ massage therapist and currently in training to support women as a birth keeper. Tracy also has her own fantastic company called ‘Meraki Love and Soul’. 

Tracy is really looking forward to meeting some of the little monkeys and can’t wait to get teaching with us.  

Eilish

Activity Assistant of Monkeys in Motion

Hello! I’m Eilish, everyone calls me Lish. I’m 15 years old, I’m originally from Poole in Dorset and moved to Worcester when I was 5years old to be close to my younger cousins who I love spending time with. I started dancing 5 years ago and can officially say I got the bug! I love to dance, I am currently doing Dance GCSE and attend Studio B dance company. My favourite class is Modern.

I am so excited to start with Monkeys in Motion and can’t wait to share my enthusiasm for dance!
kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

Molly

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

Molly started dancing at the age of 6, taking examinations in RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap & Modern. She began performing at the age of 10, starting in pantomime shows and progressing to competing across the country.

Following her dreams, she went on to study at BOA where she gained her BTEC Extended Diploma in Dance and then completing a foundation year at Bird College. This extended training led her to a place at ‘Creative Academy’ where she obtained her BA Hons Degree. Molly’s professional performing credits include; Move it Main stage, Alton Towers Sin Bin-Immortal hell production & performing in Lapland, Finland 2022.

Molly has a real passion for working with young children and cannot wait to share her knowledge and expertise with these budding performers at Monkeys in Motion. 

PIPPA

Activity Leader of Monkeys in Motion

Pippa began dancing at the age of 14 at Insteps Dance Academy in Ludlow, learning Ballet, Tap and Jazz. She later went on to study for a BA Hons Degree in Theatre Dance at London Studio Centre.

After graduating in 2015, Pippa took a performing contract in India, performing as a backing dancer in music videos, live stage shows and movie songs for the Bollywood Industry. After returning from multiple contracts back-to-back and finally performing on live TV as a dancer for the Filmfare Awards in 2017, she then went out to Mumbai as a freelancer and spent 4 years travelling and performing as both a dancer and actress in the industry, learning Hindi and taking further screen acting courses to further her career. In 2018 she was nominated for an Indian Television Award (ITA) and took two leading roles, one for the Netflix show ‘21 Sarfarosh’ and one for Amazon Prime’s ‘Shaitaan Haveli’.

After the success of multiple television series and many other small Indian film roles, Pippa finally settled back in the UK for the long term in 2021, ready for the arrival of her first baby in 2023. She now heads up dispatch at local family business ‘Peter Cooks Bread’, teaches dance and musical theatre in Worcestershire, and can be found singing the loudest leading our ‘baby movement and sensory classes’ on Tuesdays at the Eden Centre in Malvern!

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

SUPPORTING STAFF MEMBERS

SASHA

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

EMILY

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

JAMIE

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

LILY

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

GINA

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

SOPHIE

kids dance classes near me, children's theatre, dance classes for kids, things to do with kids worcester, childrens party entertainers worcester

“These classes are great for all ages and abilities. There is a variation of movement, dance, singing, story telling and fun all delivered by professional, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff. Each session is different and varied but with a familiar structure for those children who thrive with routine. There is never a dull moment in Monkeys in Motion!”

Sian Hughes

Get In Touch