About us

Fully qualified dance instructors in Truro

The team at Jason Thomas Performing Arts consists of qualified dance instructors who have been practising this form of art for many years, becoming masters in their area. They have professional performance experience in dancing and musical theatre. To study and learn under their guidance, contact Jason Thomas Performing Arts in Truro. We're easily accessible for students in Bude, St. Ives, Portreath, Bodmin, Fowey and Wadebridge.

Dance classes

Jason Thomas, R.A.D. (R.T.S) A.I.D.T.A

Having previously performed in London's West End, Jason Thomas has established his performing arts classes across Cornwall since 2001. He has opened seven schools in Cornwall and is the artistic director of the Foundation Course in Dance and Musical Theatre. His students enter exams yearly with the Royal Academy of Dance, Trinity College of London and the International Dance Teachers Association.

Jason is also a mentor for the Royal Academy of Dance and has choreographed for local holiday camps and pantomimes. His school is regularly asked to work with many companies such as "Strictly Come Dancing" star Pasha Kovalev and with Ellen Kent's Opera Ballet International. Many of his students are now at vocational dance colleges, as well as younger students auditioning successfully for the Royal Ballet School, Royal Academy of Dance, Elmhurst School of Dance, Arts Educational - Tring Park and The Hammond School.

Jason also teaches at Truro High School for Girls .He also runs Cornwall Casting Agency.

Jason said, "I am passionate about enabling as many students as possible to discover, participate and excel in performing arts. I am excited by the opportunity to have a studio in Bude as it will allow even more students across Cornwall to sample and gain experience in many genres of dance."

Terri-Anne Beattie-Sawyer, Dance instructor

Terri-Anne started dancing later in life in Dorset, after becoming interested following GCSE dance. Terri-Anne began teaching at the age of 16 with her local school as a teaching assistant in Ballet, tap and modern. She also taught for a performing art school in Boscombe and sports center's.

She went on to complete her Foundation degree in Dance at Truro college before completing the final top up year at Plymouth University graduating with a first-class honor's in 2011 in BA (Hons) Dance Theatre. Recently Terri-Anne has gained a degree in Adult Nursing.

Terri-Anne has since then completed her Ballet teaching certificate with the Royal Academy of Dance and DDE modern with the ISTD. She is also certified to teach Arco Arts, leaps and turns and contemporary.

Terri-Anne has taught at Jason Thomas Performing Arts since 2009 and currently teaches Ballet, Tap and modern. She regularly prepares students for examinations and shows.

Patrick Kira Terry, Dance Instructor

''I have been dancing since I was 4 years old, achieving my intermediate level with BBO as well as ISTD exams in modern, disco freestyle and rock and roll. I have participated in competitions such as Got 2 Dance and Britain's Got Talent as well as performing at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Dance Proms. I have achieved a Distinction in BTec dance and studied a diploma at Truro College achieving a Distinction. I went on to study BA(Hons) in dance at Plymouth Conservatoire graduating with a First-Class Honours. I have always aspired to be a dance teacher and am excited to start my career with Jason Thomas Performing Arts.''

Tamsyn Butt, Dance Instructor

Tamsyn has worked as a professional dancer and dance teacher for over 25 years. She has a BA

(Hons) in Dance, a PGCE in Dance Teaching from the Royal Academy of Dance, a Diploma from

London Contemporary Dance School, and an MA in Dance Theatre from Trinity Laban Conservatoire

(Distinction).

Tamsyn is the Director of XS Dance Theatre formed in 2000, and the founder of Port de Barre, a

ballet fitness and wellness company which has now relocated in Cornwall from Bath.

Tamsyn is passionate about excellence in dance training and has a wealth of experience teaching

children and adults. She has worked extensively in the state school sector, as well as in vocational

schools such The Place, London, and other colleges and Universities. Since 2016 Tamsyn has also

worked as an External Verifier, Moderator, and writer for Level 2 and 3 Dance qualifications.

Tamsyn teaches an eclectic, lyrical infused style of contemporary dance technique, based on her

varied experience as a dance practitioner.

Orla O'Regan, Acro Teacher

I started dancing from the age of 2 doing taking part in baby ballet and eventually going on to take Tap & modern. After taking GCSE dance I finished dance classes at 16. Throughout my time dancing I took part in many shows and displays as well working up through the RAD Grades for Ballet. At the age of 10 I started gymnastics and cheerleading of which I competed in the county and became county champions with my team 3 years running. This then lead to becoming a coach. After leaving school I was offered an apprenticeship with British Gymnastics of which I went on to receive Distinction. Throughout this programme I have also gone on to complete my coaching qualifications and currently hold a Level 3 in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. I am now pleased to announce that Jason Thomas Performing Arts are now in collaboration with Penryn Gymnastics Centre.

Ben Di'ath, Dance Instructor

Ben attended the London Studio Centre graduating from Intoto Dance Company in 2013. Since then he has worked nationally and internationally performing all over the world as well as West End theatres. Credits include: Pet Shop Boys Royal Opera House, ‘Carmen’ Secret Opera Company, Siobhan Davis at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Celebrity Cruise Line, ‘Cinderella’ 2015, Step One Dance Company, Metta Theatre’s ‘The Little Mermaid’, to name a few.

He gained his BA Hons degree in theatre dance (upper second class honours)

Professional diploma from the London Studio Centre

UKA Ballroom and Latin awards Distinction

Throughout his career he has taught as much as possible, from dance schools, to colleges and fitness studios, delivering classes and workshops all over the country. He is always excited to pass on knowledge and passion to others.

He specialises in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Commercial as well as teaching Latin American and Ballroom

Tom Hare, Singing Teacher

Tom trained at The Guildford School of Acting with a BA Hons in Musical Theatre and has performed in theatre, film and T.V. across the country. Credits include, Doc Martin (ITV), One Day Two Dawns (HFC), Robinson Crusoe (HFC/Hiss and Boo) and the UK premiere of 'Scandalous!' (Nottingham Playhouse).

Tom has also been a singing teacher and Musical Director for the last 15 years, running classes and workshops for all ages and abilities in Cornwall and London with students gaining entry into top level drama schools. Tom has been teaching at Jason Thomas Performing Arts since 2015 and has seen lots of success stories come through the studio.

Kathryn Charlesworth, Dance instructor

Kathryn trained at a local school in Warrington and attended the Royal Ballet Junior Summer School at the age of 11. She became an associate at Northern Ballet School, Manchester and then trained full time at the age of 16 on the Classical Ballet Course for 3 years. During that time, she reached Advanced Ballet in RAD and ISTD Imperial Ballet, Advanced Modern and Intermediate tap. Kathryn also decided to gain a teaching qualification in ISTD Imperial Ballet.

Professionally, Kathryn has performed with European Ballet and Vienna Festival Ballet touring the UK in ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker , Sleeping Beauty and Coppelia. She was also a guest artist and ballet mistress for Duchy Ballet in 2005. Kathryn also performed at Warner Bros. Movie World in Germany, theatre tour ‘Amar Amalia’ in Portugal and worked with Fred Olsen & P&O cruises where she also became Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer. She has also performed in many cabaret performances around the UK and has taught for many schools and theatre groups in the North West, London and Cornwall.

Kathryn is a member of the RAD, ISTD and Equity.

Wesley Wairing, Dance instructor

I trained with Pamela De Waal in Paignton, an inspirational lady who not

only was a massive influence in my life but enriched it by opening up so

many opportunities such as dancing with the Moscow City Ballet, the

English National and Vienna Ballet Company. After receiving a full

scholarship, I went onto train at Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey when I was

16. It was there I gained my Musical Theatre Diploma.

After graduating, my first contract was with the Stadium Theatre Company

for P&O Cruises, Oceania and 12 years later prior to me returning to

Devon I once again returned to P&O on the Ventura, Arcadia and Azura

but this time working with the Headliners Theatre Company.

I have been fortunate to have worked as a dancer in nearly all genres of

dance, in London’s West End ‘We Will Rock You’. Additionally to working

on cruise ships I have toured China with Spirit Productions in "Red Hot

Broadway" and South Africa with the "Essence of Ireland" where we

played at the Nelson Mandela Theatre. With both companies I have

toured the length and breadth of the UK too. Television appearances

include; The Bill, Bad Girls, The Dream Team and Miss Marple and

modelling opportunities included working for Calvin Klein, D&G, Hugo

Boss, Quicksilver and Marks & Spencer.

Some of the performers I have been lucky enough to share a stage with

include, Ruthie Henshall, Kerry Ellis, Warren Carlisle and Matt Flint at the

Aldwych Theatre in London's West End. Pop stars such as Blue, Rachel

Stevens, Sugababes and Kylie Minogue. More recently I have worked

with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing including Craig Revel Horwood,

Kevin & Karen Clifton, Kevin's sister Joanna Clifton, Giovanni Pernice and

Georgia May Foote.

Testimonials

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"Fantastic place to learn to dance. From beginner to advanced, young to young at heart. A class for everyone. Amazing performance opportunities and excellent exam results. The best all round dance training to be had."

- Clare Hunt