OUR VISION STATEMENT
"Our vision is to create a community of passionate and skilled performers who are inspired to push their boundaries and achieve their full potential. We believe in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where dancers, singers and actors can express themselves creatively, develop their technique and artistry, and build lasting relationships.
Our goal is to instil a lifelong love of performing in our students and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in any dance/performing related career. We are committed to excellence in dance education, and we strive to be a leader in the industry by constantly innovating and adapting to the changing needs of our students and the creative industry at large"
Amy Matthews, Principal
OUR TEAM
Principal
Amy Mathews
Amy, the Principal and Founder of Savage Performing Arts Academy, is a true inspiration to all aspiring performers. With a theatre background and a family filled with talented individuals, Amy's passion for the performing arts has been evident from a young age.
Amy's journey in the performing arts industry has been nothing short of remarkable. From starring in pantomimes to auditioning for singing competitions such as X Factor and Pop Idol, Amy has always been driven to succeed. At the young age of 18, she began her dance school, which has since grown into an award-winning school that has produced many talented individuals who have gone on to pursue their dreams.
However, Amy knows that the industry can be tough and at times, "savage." That's why she created Savage Performing Arts Academy, a place where students can pursue their dreams while taking care of their mental health. Amy believes that high-skilled training is essential, but a stable and confident mind is equally important in helping students succeed.
Amy's passion for the performing arts and her commitment to helping students achieve their dreams is truly inspiring. She is a role model for all aspiring performers and a driving force behind the success of our academy.
Vice Principal
Kaylie Booth
We are proud to introduce Kaylie, the Vice Principal of Savage Performing Arts Academy. With years of experience in the dance education sector, Kaylie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our academy.
As the Vice Principal, Kaylie plays a crucial role in ensuring that the academy runs smoothly and efficiently. With a focus on student and teacher welfare, Kaylie serves as our safeguarding and welfare manager, ensuring that all students and staff feel safe and supported.
In addition to her responsibilities as safeguarding and welfare manager, Kaylie also engages with other staff members, students, as well as parents. She will often review budgets, plans, supervise staff, and ensure the school environment is safe.
Kaylie's dedication to our students and staff is unparalleled. She is committed to ensuring that our academy provides a nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.
Teacher
Roxie Carey
We are pleased to introduce Roxie, our Dance & Musical Theatre Tutor at Savage Performing Arts Academy. Roxie’s love of performing began at a young age in Ireland, where she trained extensively in her local studio and completed her 2 year BTEC equivalent Dance Course at CSN, Cork before auditioning for Performing Arts Colleges in the UK. She was very successful throughout her audition process and was awarded awarded two full scholarships to study professionally in the UK. She trained at Leicester College of Performing Arts where she received her Diploma.
Roxie has an impressive performing experience in England, including lead roles in Musical Theatre productions such as Fame & Sweet Charity. She has also performed in Conventions, Corporate events, Fashion Show’s, Weddings and more as a Dancer & Solo/Ensemble singer. She is very accomplished as a Performing Arts teacher & has many years of experience training young people and preparing them for the industry. Her drive to share her passion of the arts is evident in her approach to performing arts education.
As a dance and singing tutor at Savage Performing Arts Academy, Roxie encourages her students to aim for excellence in all aspects of the Arts. She believes that when it comes to performing, you should never limit yourself but also strive to become an all-round performer. Her goal is to provide her students with the skills they need to succeed in the industry while ensuring they find themselves as a Performer and find growth & joy in the learning process.
Teacher
Katie Rudkin
Katie began her professional training at Stella Mann college of performing arts in Bedford.
After graduating, Katie went on to work in the commercial dance industry in London, dancing for programmes and commercials such as Channel 4’s 8 out of 10 cats does countdown, Barclaycard, Elizabeth Arden, Santander and dancing behind artists such as LMFAO, The Vamps, JaySean and more, including live performances at Wembley stadium and Festivals around the UK.
Katie went on to dancing abroad in Cabarets and shows across the world, working in the Middle East, Paris, and just recently dance captain for the famous La Folie Douce in Val D’isere.
Katie’s creative experience has taken her to choreograph Pantomimes including Lincoln Theatre Royal, working as a creative for travel company TUI with their show casts world wide and just recently, creating for Channel 5’s Jane and friends with Jane McDonald.
Throughout Katie’s Career, Katie has taught extensively at performing arts schools, universities
and colleges such as GSA (Guilford school of acting) and WestEnd Wendies, Teaching students from 3 years old to Adults.
Katie believes, over the 12 years she has been teaching she has refined a teaching technique that caters to each class’ needs, personality and talent.
Constantly seeking the perfect balance of creating a fun yet disciplined experience for all.
Teacher
Deanna Love
We are delighted to introduce Deanna, our talented dance instructor at Savage Performing Arts Academy. Deanna is an all-round dancer/performer who received her training at Addict Academy.
Deanna is a fantastic teacher who excels in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, contemporary, hip hop, jazz and commercial. Her passion for dance and teaching is evident in her innovative and fresh approach to instruction. Deanna's young and dynamic personality brings a unique perspective to our team.
In addition to her work as a dance instructor, Deanna is also a choreographer for productions in her home city of Lincoln. Her creativity and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of our team.
Deanna is committed to providing her students with the skills they need to succeed in the industry. She is passionate about helping her students achieve their goals and is dedicated to ensuring they have fun while learning.
Teacher
Colby Richardson
We are excited to introduce Colby, our upcoming dance instructor at Savage Performing Arts Academy. Colby is a talented and innovative performer and choreographer who is set to graduate from Addict Academy in July 2023.
Colby's talent and dedication have earned him numerous opportunities, including being selected to perform in many Move It pieces and performed at Up front. He has also been featured in Lauren Murray's music video, "Leave It," showcasing his versatility as a dancer. You will also see Colby in a movie in 2024.
Colby's training extends beyond Addict, including training at Space to Create in London and training with professional choreographer Josh Warmby during his phase workshops. Additionally, he is a member of the Skellington Crew for Rycardo Gomes.
Colby's fresh and creative approach to dance is evident in his performances and choreography. As a dance instructor, he is committed to sharing his knowledge and passion for dance with his students.
Colby firmly believes in motivating and encouraging his students to reach their maximum potential, all while ensuring that they have fun during the learning process.
Teacher
Tyson Simon
Tyson Simon is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer from Leicester. Tyson specialises is Commercial, Contemporary Fusion and Jazz. Having graduated in 2021, he has been able to work with some incredible artists such as Dua Lipa, , Becky Hill, Calvin Harris, Kim Petras, Rudimental, Tate McRae and more. Working in Tv and Film with Streaming services like Amazon and Disney+. Recently assistant choreographer in music videos for Elton John, Britney Spears and Yung Blud.
Teacher
Megan Brook
We are proud to welcome Megan Brook to the team. Megan is a yoga and meditation teacher who has trained under the tutelage of the incredibly knowledgeable Stefan Cunnington of Active Balance Yoga. She holds a 200hrs Yoga Alliance International qualification.
She is the founder of Grounded Yoga, based in Collingham, Notts.
As well as teaching yoga and meditation, Megan has worked as a Secondary School teacher of Geography for the past 15 years, specialising in A Level teaching. This gives her the perfect combination of skills to work with post 16 students at Savage. She has a BA(Hons), PGCE and MEd all from the University of Cambridge.
Megan is excited to deliver weekly yoga and meditation sessions to our students, which will help them develop valuable skills to manage their mental and physical health.
Patron
Harriet Watson
We are delighted to announce that Harriet has accepted the invitation to become a patron for Savage Performing Arts Academy.
Harriet's decision to join our team was inspired by her sister Amy's incredible journey of building a dance school from scratch, starting with a few students at the age of 18 and now offering a full-time college course.
Harriet is thrilled to share her knowledge within musical theatre with our students.
She has an impressive resume, having performed in SIX The Musical for four years on the UK tour and West End. Currently, she is set to become a cast member of an exciting new production being announced soon. Her experience and expertise in musical theatre will undoubtedly inspire and motivate our students.
Harriet is proud of her sister's remarkable achievements and feels honored to be a part of Savage Performing Arts Academy. She is excited to contribute to our academy's growth and success and looks forward to showcasing what Savage has to offer to the country.
We are thrilled to have Harriet as a patron, and her involvement with our academy will undoubtedly benefit our students and the school as a whole.
Patron
Lauren Drew
We are thrilled to have Lauren as a patron of Savage Performing Arts Academy. Her enthusiasm for discovering the new generation of talent is contagious, and we are excited to have her on board.
Lauren's years of experience in the industry have given her a wealth of knowledge that she is eager to share with our students.
We are grateful for Lauren's involvement with our academy and eagerly anticipate collaborating with her to offer our students exceptional training and opportunities.
Lauren won the 2023 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for her performance as Brooke Wyndham in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s revival of Legally Blonde. Lauren trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
Theatre: Fantine in Les Miserables (UK Tour); Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); Aragon in SIX (UK Tour); Cover Eva Peron in Evita (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Suzanne in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Cover Heather Chandler/Heather Duke in Heathers - The Musical (Theatre Royal Haymarket and The Other Palace); Ensemble, cover Nicola in Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre) and Ensemble and cover Molly in Ghost (UK Tour).
Lauren was also a contestant in ITV’s ‘The Voice UK’ 2021 in which she earned herself a place as a semi-finalist.
You can find Lauren on Insta at _laurendrew1 and on twitter @LaurenDrew2