Kezia Mitchell (Jolly)

1st September 2022

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Principal and Ballet Teacher of ‘Vacani Ballet, Bayswater’ and ‘The Marylebone Ballet School’. I would like to tell you a little about my training and teaching experience.

I graduated from the London College of Dance, Middlesex University in 1998 with a 1st class BA Hons Degree in Dance and four teaching qualifications in Cecchetti Ballet, Imperial Ballet, Modern and National Dance. I was also awarded the ballet award for artistry and technique for two consecutive years.

Since then I have gained my FDI (Foundation in Dance), CDE (Certificate in Dance Education) and Licentiate teaching qualification in the Cecchetti method, and have been awarded the Nora Roche scholarship by the Cecchetti Society. I have completed and passed my Advanced II exams in Cecchetti Ballet, Imperial Ballet and Modern Dance. I have performance experience, including dancing in the ‘All England Dance Competitions’, ‘Sadler’s Wells’, and ‘The Queen Elizabeth Hall’ in London.

I began teaching Cecchetti Ballet full time for the ‘Vacani School of Dancing’ in 1998. I became the Principal of the Marylebone Ballet School, in 2003, and the Principal of Vacani Bayswater in 2005. Since then the ballet schools have continued to grow and develop and we strive to ensure all our pupils feel unique and inspired to dance.

I completed my Dance for Parkinson’s training and course in 2016, and am enjoying working with Parkinson’s UK to establish classes in the local area. These classes are uplifting and inspiring, which will aim to try and help alleviate some of the Parkinson symptoms as well as create a welcoming, warm and safe environment which is inclusive to sufferers and careers.

I am married and have three children, so I have a very good understanding and personal experience of children’s needs as well as a parent’s expectations. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and running the ballet school and feel privileged to be able to watch the children grow and develop as they progress through the ballet school.