The team behind the movement

Meet Our Teachers

Our teachers create a supportive studio where every dancer is known, encouraged and challenged to grow.

Our teaching team

Guidance for every stage

Principal of CDA Ballet, Modern, Body Conditioning, Jazz and Greek Teacher

Miss Sami Clay

Miss Sami began dancing at the age of 3 and joined the Sue Merrett School of Dance at 6, where her passion truly took off. She trained in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Greek, Jazz and Body Conditioning. At 8, she became a Royal Ballet Junior Associate and performed with the Royal Ballet Company at the Royal Opera House for two consecutive years. At 11 she started her training at Elmhurst Ballet School, in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet. Sami trained at Elmhurst for eight years and graduated at 18. During her time there, she performed in several Birmingham Royal Ballet productions, including Giselle and Cinderella and toured with the company in Still Life at the Penguin Café. After graduating, Sami joined Compagnie Francis Mauduit, a professional ballet company in the south of France, where she performed in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Carmen, Sleeping Beauty and danced her first soloist role in Four Seasons in 2022. In August 2022, Sami returned to the UK to pursue her passion for teaching. She gained her ISTD teaching qualifications in Classical Ballet and Modern, as well as a Level 4 Dance Diploma and began working more closely with Miss Sue. In July 2025, Miss Sue passed the leadership of the school to Sami, who is honoured to continue its legacy. Her goal is to see the school flourish, creating a joyful, inspiring and supportive space where young dancers can thrive.

Tap, Modern, Jazz and Lower School Ballet Teacher

Miss Sue Merrett

Miss Sue began her dance journey as a child at the Judith Hockaday School of Dance in Swindon. At 16 she continued her training at the prestigious Bird College in London, where she gained professional teaching qualifications with the ISTD in Ballet, Tap and Modern. She later returned to Swindon to build on her teaching experience and completed additional ISTD qualifications, including National Dance. Now a Licentiate of the ISTD — the highest level of teaching qualification Sue has been sharing her love of dance for over 30 years. Miss Sue founded ‘Sue Merrett School of Dance’ 25 years ago and over the years, it has grown into the incredible school it is today (now known as Clays Dance Academy) now home to around 300 students, from preschoolers to adults. In July 2025, Sue passed the ownership of the school to former student Sami Clay, ensuring the school's legacy continues in trusted hands. While Sue has taken a step back from leadership, she remains very much part of the teaching team, continuing to share her passion and expertise with the dancers she loves.

Musical Theatre Teacher

Mr Joe Warne

Joe is a former pupil of The Sue Merrett School of Dance, now known as CDA, where his passion for performing began. He went on to further his training at The Guildford School of Acting (GSA) / University of Surrey, graduating with First Class Honours in Musical Theatre. Since graduating, Joe has enjoyed a successful professional career, performing across London and the UK in a variety of musical theatre productions, including Fame, The Mikado, Singin’ in the Rain and many more. Joe also regularly performs in pantomime throughout the UK during the festive season. His recent credits include Jack and the Beanstalk, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Aladdin. With a wealth of professional performance experience and a genuine passion for nurturing young performers, Joe is delighted to now be part of the CDA teaching team as our Musical Theatre Coach, sharing his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with the next generation of performers.

Modern, Jazz and Tap Teacher

Miss Alice Van Stone

Alice is a former pupil of The Sue Merrett School of Dance now known as CDA, where she attended her very first dance class at just 3 years old! Her passion for dance continued to grow, leading her to further her professional training at Laine Theatre Arts. Since graduating, Alice has enjoyed an exciting professional career, performing in a variety of television and theatre productions, as well as working as a professional singer and dancer onboard both Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. Her cruise contracts have taken her around the world, performing for audiences across the globe. In 2024, Alice toured the UK and Ireland with the production Fairytale of New York, adding another exciting touring credit to her professional career. Alice has also performed in a variety of pantomimes throughout the years, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, gaining valuable experience in the world of live theatre. Having grown up at the school herself, Alice is delighted to now return to Clays Dance Academy as a Modern, Jazz and Tap Teacher. She is passionate about sharing her experience, enthusiasm and love of dance with the next generation of performers.

Contemporary Teacher

Miss Amy Perry

Amy trained at the University of Chichester, completing a degree in Dance Performance before going on to achieve a Master’s in Performance Dance. During her postgraduate studies, she was a member of MapDance Company, performing across the country as part of the company’s Spring Tour. Her training began at her local dance school before joining Hampshire Youth Dance Company. Since then, she has worked with a range of choreographers and artists, gaining experience across different styles, creative processes and performance settings. Alongside performing, Amy teaches dance and has a particular interest in choreography and creative movement. Her classes encourage dancers to develop their technique while exploring their own movement style and creativity.

Ballet and Greek Teacher

Miss Sally Newcombe

Miss Sally began her dance training in West Sussex with Doris Isaacs and Elizabeth Hodgson, studying Ballet, Classical Greek, Modern, Tap and National Dance. At 16, she continued her training at The Arts Educational School, London. Following her graduation, Sally enjoyed a 14-year professional career in Germany, performing as a classical dancer and soloist in ballets, operas and musicals. On returning to the UK, Sally wanted to share her experience and passion for dance with the next generation. She became a fully qualified ISTD teacher in Classical Ballet and Greek and joined The Sue Merrett School of Dance, where she taught students of all ages for many years. Now retired from regular teaching, Sally remains a much-loved part of the school. She returns to support the teaching team, occasionally covering and taking classes when needed, bringing with her a wealth of professional experience and the same enthusiasm for helping young dancers thrive. Sally is incredibly proud of the students she has taught over the years and feels privileged to continue playing a small part in their dance journey.

Our approach

Passionate teaching. Personal encouragement. A love of dance.

From a first plié to the demands of the stage, our teaching is built around sound technique, creativity and the confidence.

Every dancer matters

We celebrate individual progress and make space for every dancer to feel seen.

Technique that builds confidence

Clear, expert guidance helps dancers develop strength, musicality and lasting skills.

A joyful studio culture

Kindness, teamwork and a love of dance are at the heart of every class.

Ready to find your class?

Explore the timetable and choose a class that feels right for your dancer.

Explore classes