STAFF/TEACHERS
As a parent I was pleased to find something which had the right balance of fun, discipline and safe qualified teaching experience, I was fortunate enough to find this in Chahna's classes. Little did I realise that her classes also gave the children confidence, balance, poise and academic qualification if they worked hard enough.
It was only after getting to know Chahna that I found out that 'The Performing Arts' is something which runs through her veins, having a family background on stage and consequently being on stage herself before she could walk !. This is possibly why she has been part of the teaching of numerous young people who have gone on to become professionals in this arena. But even if this is not the goal, a good grounding in what she has to offer, is, in my opinion, a great asset for any young person to carry with them on life's journey and is highly recommended - for both genders ! - AMS (parent)
"I have had the absolute privilege of being taught by Miss Chahna since the age of 5. Chahna’s style of teaching is unparalleled to any other dance teacher I have had during my 16 years of dancing. Chahna always has her students’ best interests at heart, and with hard work will help anyone achieve their dreams. When I successfully secured a much sought-after secondary school place through dance, it was Chahna who took the time to choreograph and teach me the dance. It is a testament to her kindness, patience, and dedication that she gave up her personal time to give me one-on-one classes.
I feel extremely privileged to have been taught by someone who has completed their dance and teaching qualifications at prestigious institutions, and who consistently keeps up with the latest professional developments. Because of this, I have always felt safe in Chahna’s classes, knowing that I would not only be learning correct techniques but that I would be executing them in a safe manner which decreases the risk of injury. This is something I am particularly grateful for, as someone who started dancing from the age of 5 with Chahna; learning poor dance technique at a young age could have meant spending a long time correcting any errors further down the line.
I am forever grateful that I have the opportunity to be taught by Chahna. Now that I am a mature student, Chahna is not only my dance teacher but also a friend figure I know I can turn to for advice and guidance. - Aurélie 22"
Miss Chahna Morgan
* Principal & Artistic Director for over 20 years
* ISTD Certificate in Dance Education (CDE) in Imperial Ballet, Tap & Modern.
* RAD Registered Teacher Status,
* AISTD & UKA member,
* Trinity College Diploma & Stella Mann College Diploma,
* Equity Member, Make-up Artist Diploma, Pilates Diploma,
* Fully enhanced DBS & First Aid & Chaperone Licence.
Training
Chahna began her dance and Musical Theatre training in Kent at the age of 3 with Susan Town (Ballet Mistress at Doreen Birds Professional college) plus began performing in Musicals at her local Theatre Guild. Chahna was awarded a place at the prestigious Stella Mann College in London where she studied for 4 years the Teacher Training and Professional Performers Course and was one of the first to receive a 2 year scholarship to study for a Trinity College Diploma in professional dance & teaching, under the Governments New Dance & Drama award.
In order to further her qualifications and skills Chahna passed written exams with the RAD and ISTD in Anatomy, History of Ballet, Child Development (Lifespan), Music theory, Health & Safety and gained her Advanced 2 practical examinations in the different genres. Training also included subjects like: Musical Theatre, Singing, Drama, Classical Ballet, Pas de deux, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Commercial Entertainment, Cabaret, Contemporary, Spanish/Flamenco, National, Theatrical skills and professional employment.
Chahna holds the current qualifications a teacher should have and through the RAD must gain 20 hours of Continued Professional Development (CPD) every year in order to keep up to date with the best practices and methods.
In 2020, Chahna gained a Diploma in Make-up Artistry and Pilates.
Performing
Chahna's performing career includes being dance captain in numerous shows, which soon led to the position of choreographer, she has performed in many productions around the country including: Orpheus and the Underworld (Rudolf Steiner Theatre – London), South Pacific, Call Me Madam, Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver, Pyjama Game, Guys and Dolls, Me and My Girl, The Wizard of Oz, Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, Annie Get Your Gun, Carousel, Hello Dolly, Half a Sixpence, Showboat and West Side Story. Other shows she has performed in include "Just William" and "Alice" (Beck Theatre) "The Floor is Yours" and "One Step at a Time" (Bloomsbury Theatre London).
Chahna has covered many aspects of the entertainment industry including vocal backing for Vanessa Mae’s "Reach for the stars" and performing "Grease" in Tunisia. Touring with the Night Owls orchestra in an authentic 1920's showcase 'The Charleston age meets Hollywood', dancing all the authentic 1920's dances. Performed in London’s longest running Cockney Cabaret show ‘Talk of the Town’ run by the "Best of British" in the West End. In 2010 choreographed and appeared tap dancing with senior tap students in the BBC1 television program 'Little Howards Big Question' and was tap dancer understudy and provided the tap sound effects for ITV's 'Odd One In' starring Bradley Walsh, Peter Andre and celebrity guests. March 2011 Chahna was part of the making of a C4/Discovery Channel documentary 'Colliding Lives', re-creating some of the heroic story lines from the 9/11 twin towers. After successful auditions Chahna also performed as a dancer in the Opening/Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games!
With the school Chahna has performed with her own students in events such as Dance Unified 2010 at the Wyllyotts Theatre and for the Opening Celebrity Gala of the Ark Theatre. She has gained a love for Salsa & Latin American dancing, plus the benefits of Pilates which she has also introduced to the school.
Teaching Experience
Chahna taught for many years at successful and well established dance schools with Examiners around London and took opportunities to assist Wayne Sleep and other choreographers, plus teaching seminars. Chahna began teaching for Diane Parks at the original Lila Vincent School of dance in 2000 (which then became "Hertsmere Performing Arts"). Chahna took over the school as Principal in January 2008, which is now known as "Hertsmere Academy of Dance and Performing Arts"
Chahna is very proud of the school and the students. Entering over 1000 students for exams and maintaining a 100% pass rate. Many students go on to have very successful careers in the business. She wishes to continue to maintain the schools success and also continue her own personal progression along with the schools. She would like to thank everyone who has supported Hertsmere Academy over the years.
Miss Donna - Drama Teacher (PGCE / Head of Drama Dept at West Herts College)
Donna's passion for performance began with her taking part in various Irish Dance competitions from a young age, the sheer thrill and love for performance led her to then study Drama at GCSE level achieving grade A. She then went on to study a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts and a Higher National Diploma in Performance, Entertainment and Media. Deciding to further her education even more, she graduated with a degree in Applied Performing Arts where she achieved a 1st in Advanced Acting. After achieving her Degree Donna went on to tour with The West Midlands Theatre in Education group. Here Donna performed in daily shows gaining great experience where she then went on to become a Children's Entertainer. Donna also worked voluntarily with the Balmoral Theatre company along side adults with learning difficulties, where here Donna gained great experience of just how effective drama can be, finding the progression and improvement in the adults confidence very rewarding. Donna currently teaches at West Herts College's Performing Arts Dept. and has achieved a PGCE in teaching Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Teaching Degree). Miss Donna is DBS checked and up to date with safeguarding requirements.
Down to Miss Donna's thorough knowledge, Hertsmere Academy students are able to fly through their GCSE & A Level Drama.
Miss Daisy - Musical Theatre / Singing
Daisy is a alumni of Hertsmere Academy of Dance and Performing arts, whom studied Dance & Performing Arts classes since the age of 3 years. Daisy continued her passion by attaining a BA in Musical Theatre from The University of Chichester Conservatoire and then attended the prestigious Mountview Academy where she graduated in 2022 with an MA (Masters) in Musical Theatre.
Credits during training include: Ado Annie in Oklahoma! (2021), Charlotte in Flora The Red Menace (2019), and Jo March in Little Women (2022). Since then Daisy has worked professionally as a Singer at the Sing Easy West End (2023), was a principal singer at a Cabaret presentation at The Union theatre (2023), worked FOH at Six the Musical, been a Wardrobe Assistant on Drew McOnies The Nutcracker (2023 - 2024) at the Southbank Centre, and is currently a Wardrobe Assistant on The Play That Goes Wrong (2024 to present) at the Duchess Theatre on the West End.
Miss Daisy also has experience in Theatre in Education, MUA, as well as Stage Management.
Miss Daisy loves everything about the performing arts and is delighted to be transfering that passion and knowledge onto HADAPA students.
Miss April - Singing Teacher
April is a Soprano and masters graduate from the Royal Academy of Music, London. April has performed roles of Ellen Orford (Peter Grimes), Countess (Figaro) and First Lady (Die Zauberflote) in the RCM Opera scenes. She has also taken part in the Hispania Piano Festival and performed selections from Carmina Burana with chorus and orchestra. She has performed in such prestigious venues as Notre Dame Paris, Southbank, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral. In 2021, April performed in the televised 'Young artist of the year' at the Royal Albert Hall and interviewed by Bill Bailey. April is DBS checked and has over 6 years teaching experience working in private and academic schools, pursuing her passion to bring singing to children and enjoys bringing fresh ideas to Hertsmere Academy to increase their vocal and performing talents.
Miss Emily - Singing Teacher & Musical Director (Cover)
Emily is a classical singer with First Class Honours Degree in Vocal Studies from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She previously trained on the English National Opera's 'OperaWorks' programme, where as well as receiving musical coaching she studied acting and movement from top theatre company directors from The Globe, The National Theatre and Complicite. She has performed as a soloist in such prestigious venues as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Wigmore Hall, and the Barbican Centre.
She has taken on many lead roles in Operas such as Johann Strauss' 'The Queen's Lace Handkerchief' for Opera della Luna in 2016 for instance and has sung with Grange Park Opera, British Youth Opera and Tete-a-Tete. She has worked with the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Luxembourg and sung the alto solo for Handel's 'Utrecht Te Deum & Utrecht Jubilate' with the English Chamber Orchestra at St Pauls Cathedral. Emily is also a great lover of Musical Theatre, and is a member of the musical theatre group ‘Jazz Hands Optional’ who perform revues of songs from new and exciting musicals. Emily enjoys a busy teaching career and has a thriving studio of private pupils, many of whom have received Merit and Distinction grades in their Trinity College of Music Singing examinations. She has taught on various Musical Theatre courses, as well as on Outreach courses with the Orchestra of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Emily is DBS checked and believes that students should be taught the correct technique to maintain Vocal Health and this is what she strives for with the Hertsmere Academy students.
Miss Aurélie- Teaching Assistant (BA Hons University of York)
Aurélie has been dancing with Chahna since the age of 5 in all styles of dance and has been part of Hertsmere Academy since 2009. Aurelie was one of 12 young people to gain a place at Mill Hill County High School through the dance entrance exam. Aurélie has gained distinctions in both Advance Tap and Modern ISTD exams as well as Jazz and ISTD/RAD Ballet. From 2017/18, Aurélie qualified for the University of York advance Tap and Jazz Teams and competed at multiple university dance competitions. In 2019 Aurélie graduated with a 2:1 from the University Of York in applied social sciences, specialising in children and young people. Aurélie currently works with young carers in Hertfordshire and has been trained in child safeguarding, plus holds a fully enhanced DBS.
Miss Marcia – Musical Theatre/Singing Teacher
Since attending dance and drama schools herself since a very young age, Marcia's love of Performing Arts has continued to grow. She holds a BA in Applied Performing Arts which she obtained after completing a Performing Arts BTEC and a Higher National Diploma in Performance, Entertainment & Media at West Herts College. With singing being her sole passion, in which she passed with a BA First in her advanced module, Marcia has played various main roles through Dramatic groups, including Jenny in Threepenny Opera and Tallulah in the well known Bugsy Malone.
Also finding Voluntary work very rewarding, Marcia has worked alongside adults with learning disabilities, training and preparing them to have the confidence to perform at a large conference at the Watford Palace Theatre, plus with local youth groups, ensuring they are safe and entertained once a week. Marcia worked at Hertsmere Academy for a number of years, she believes that the use of Performing Arts is a very valuable way for children to gain confidence which will set them up for various situations in life and to greatly enjoy themselves at the same time.
Miss Teresa - Registrar/Assistant & Creative Art Instructor
Teresa has been associated with Hertsmere Academy for over 20 years as her daughter Daisy attended the school from tiny until leaving for Uni to pursue performing. Teresa is an early years practitioner and for decades has worked with children on a 1-1 basis and assisting those who need extra support in local schools. She is a paediatric first aider and has a fully enhanced DBS. In her spare time, Teresa is a hairdresser who also loves anything creative including photography, creative art and attending our adult dance classes. This is why Teresa loves supporting the Hertsmere Academy students in creating their Musical Theatre designs, including mask making, creative photography, costume design, script design and much more.
Miss Ashleigh - Drama & Singing Teacher
Miss Ashleigh is an enthusiastic and positive teacher who loves working with young people. Ashleigh is trained in Performing Arts and is a teacher / carer at West Herts College. She has an NVQ3 in Health & Social Care, Level 2 in Counselling, Certificates in Safeguarding vulnerable adults, mental capacity act, food hygiene and administering medication and is also a First aider. Ashleigh has experience with other theatre & drama schools and has valuable knowledge in a support worker role with assisting people with complex needs and learning difficulties. Through this experience, Ashleigh has a passion to bring singing / acting and movement to everyone, as she knows how beneficial the performing arts can be for life skills and well-being.
Pierre Audiger - Drama teacher & Musical Director (Cover)
Pierre Audiger is a Musical Director, Pianist, Composer and Actor.
Pierre trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and at Cochet-Delavène acting school in Paris. With 'Miss April' he co-wrote the opera "Ayanfe" premiered in London in 2018 for the festival "Opera in the city". His works are regularly performed throughout Europe and have been performed by internationally renowned artists such as Daniel Ciobanu, Pietro Bonfilio, Petras Geniusas.
In 2019, Pierre made his debut one-man-show in Paris on the stage of the "Théâtre du Temps", this musical/standup show "PIANO" written by Louis Pauly will again take place in 2020 at the "Théâtre des Déchargeurs" under the direction of Laurent Blanpain.
As Pierre is also a pianist and musician he has released albums of his own music.
Pierre teaches in academic/performing schools both in UK and France and is able to put his many talents into teaching a variety of skills in the Performing Arts sector.
Miss Jamie - Dance/Performing Arts Teacher (Cover)
Jamie has been a part of Hertsmere Academy of Dance & Performing Arts since she was 9 years old. Beginning as a Saturday Theatre school student gaining exams in Singing, Dancing, Acting & Theatrical skills, she then studied all the dance styles available and gained her higher graded exams in Ballet, Modern, Jazz & Tap with the RAD & ISTD. This helped Jamie to achieve an A* in GCSE Dance scoring the highest overall mark and a perfect score in her practical exam. She also achieved a Distinction in her level 2 BTEC Performing Arts as well as studying both Dance & Theatre studies at A level. Jamie has performed in many productions such as tap dancing on BBC1 'Little Howards Big Question', playing the role of Taylor Mckessie in High School Musical, performing in 'Dance Unified 2010' plus performing for Strictly Come Dancing 2008 runners up, Vincent Simone & Rachel Stevens. Jamie's passion for teaching began when she became Miss Chahna's assistant and was mentored for at least 7 years to learn and gain experience of the trade. Jamie also worked at numerous holiday camps as entertainer & supervisor of children aged 4-14, gaining the essential first aid at work certification and attending many safeguarding courses, plus it developed her teaching skills for a wide range of activities as well as dance sessions. Miss Jamie is DBS checked and first aid trained. Miss Jamie is a popular teacher within the school and continues her studies towards her next level teacher training exams.
Miss Rhiannon - Dance Teacher (Cover)
Rhiannon loves inspiring and working with children and is DBS and First Aid trained.
Rhiannon has danced and performed since she was young and attended Bucks New University studying Dance & Performing Arts. Her styles of dance include Tap, Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Rock n'Roll and basic Ballroom and Latin. She also has a lot of experience in Musical Theatre, acting and singing and has gained many skills including make up artistry, hair styling and wig care.
Rhiannon has worked in several theatre companies, academic schools and dance & performing arts schools and is experienced at organizing and choreographing shows and workshops, she has also been a dance camp counsellor too. Currently she is working for Girl Guiding Uk and is party host at the Snow Centre.
In 2012 and 2014, Rhiannon performed on the big stage at the largest dance exhibition 'Move It' and in 2018 was a singer in the Kerry Ellis Tour. As well as performing yearly in Panto's, she has been dancer and choreographer for shows in and around London and has appeared in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'.
