Since completing a Drama and Theatre degree in 1999, James has gone on to produce drama and short films with people in the community. He has been with World of Dance since 1997, during which time he has written and produced over 30 short plays for the young actors.  James is the name behind ImageNation, running this community film making organisation based in South London.  He has also recently joined Act Too and directs the Baked Bean Theatre Company, a company for actors with learning disabilities.

Sharon was born into a very musical family and started winning major competitions as early as 9. She won a scholarship to study at the Welsh College of Music and Drama, and then to study at the university. Leaving Wales with a 1st class honours degree, she did her postgraduate diploma at the Guildford School of Music and Drama. She then secured a scholarship to the “Opera School” of the Royal College of Music. Whilst at the Opera School, Sharon sang on many occasions for the Queen and her family, and although she was merely a student, was considered to sing at the Royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Upon leaving the Opera School, Sharon joined the Monte Carlo Opera House for a year contract and fell in love with the European opera scene. Following an injury, she returned to London and became a school teacher. She was soon to return to Europe taking up principal soprano in Berlin. She opened the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and at the end of 1999 decided to become a full time mum! Nia, the result, is one of the Juniors at World of Dance. Sharon now dedicates her work time to teaching, directing, casting and vocal coaching and is enjoying working with the talented young voices at WOD.

Annabel Started dancing at World of Dance when she was 3 years old and has always loved performing. At the age of 14 she won the Laine Theatre Arts “Summer School Scholarship” and was a member of their “Junior Squad”. She left World of Dance in 2007 and is now studying Musical Theatre at The Guildford School of Acting where she received the “Musical Theatre Girl Award 2008”.  Annabel made her West End debut recently at Her Majesty’s Theatre.  She is very pleased to return to World of Dance as a Teacher & Choreographer and performed in this year’s WOD Show at the Secombe Theatre in Epsom.

Helen danced from a very early age until serious illness forced her to stop at the age of 17. On meeting Fiona at an Aerobics class 17 years ago, she was inspired to reignite her love for dance when her daughter, Annabel, joined World of Dance as a three year old. Helen initially trained as a Nursery Nurse, then qualified and worked as an Aerobicsc Instructor and in 2001 gained a BSC Honours Degree in Physiotherapy. She now works as a Senior Physiotherapist in Neurology at St Helier Hospital & is always on hand to offer advice at World of Dance. Helen loves the challenge (really!) of teaching and choreographing & is delighted to be back working with the Juniors again at World of Dance.

Julia’s long association with the school began when she was a mere 10 years old! Full-time work in cancer research has limited her to only occasional teaching, so she has enjoyed the opportunity to arrange a number in this year’s show. Having just finished a PhD, Julia can now spend more time with her other hobbies, which also include performing as an actor for a local theatre group, Newstagers, and photography.