Meet Our Team

Black and white close-up portrait of a woman with long hair.

Leah Yates - Principal

Founder of LDA, Leah trained with June Barkes and Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama before opening LDA in 2000. (F)IDTA member, ADFP Championship Chairman of Adjudicators, Competition Promoter, Scrutaneer and one of Nottinghamshire's first qualified Cheerleading Coaches.

Smiling young woman taking a black-and-white selfie indoors.

Hannah Shelley - Senior Coach

Hannah began her dance journey as a pupil aged 11 and is now a senior member of our Team with Licentiate IDTA qualifications & is a Championship ADFP Adjudicator alongside Chairman of Adjudicators & Scrutineer.

Black and white close-up selfie of a woman with styled hair and bold makeup.

Alexia Hallam - Coach

Alexia 'Lex' has been with LDA since the age of 5. After gaining her Freestyle qualification Lex took some time abroad as a travel Rep before moving back to the UK and settling down with her little Boy. Lex is continuing her qualifications whilst teaching alongside Leah & Hannah

Close-up of a smiling young woman in black and white.

Lydia Yates

Lydia started as a student at the Academy aged 2. Studying all disciplines of dance but found a love particularly with Ballroom, Latin & Musical Theatre. Lydia is Associate Freestyle IDTA, Head of the Musical Theatre Department & Cheerleading Coach Level 1, all alongside Gedling Borough Council Youth Mayor for teh second year & at University studying Politics and International Affairs.

Close-up black and white portrait of a smiling person with curly hair.

Sydney Beeby

Sydney Started at the Academy as a student aged 5, firstly to learn the disciplines of Ballet & Tap but she soon found her passion was Freestyle. Retiring from amateur dance as a Home grown triple Champ Sydney is now Level 1 Cheer Coach & Associate Level Freestyle teacher with the IDTA. Sydney is also at University studying Sports Physiotherapy.

Crazy Jo & Mad Julie

Jo & Julie come as a duo. Introduced to LDA as parents to students who have long flown the nest this pair remain an integral part of LDA. You will find them at all our events be in doormen, chaperones or simply selling raffle tickets. Both hold fully enhanced DBS & work closely with additional needs & the general public.

June Barkes - Senior Ballroom & Latin Teacher

June come very highly qualified in Ballroom & Latin, Its down to June that Leah found her passion for dance! With over 40 years of teaching LDA are so happy to have the best teaching our students

John Barkes - Senior Ballroom & Latin Teacher

Husband of June, John come very highly qualified in Ballroom & Latin, With over 40 years of teaching LDA are so happy to have the best teaching our students