Jamie Lee Dance Academy
Dance & Performing Arts School in Bournemouth, Dorset
About Jamie Lee Dance Academy
Jamie Lee Dance Academy was founded in 2015 by West End professional Jamie-Lee Tuffrey and, for over a decade, has established itself as one of the leading destinations for aspiring dance and musical theatre performers. Known for delivering some of the highest quality training available, JLDA continues to set the standard for excellence, with a growing list of alumni now performing professionally in the West End and across the industry.
Based in Kinson, JLDA offers a wide range of weekday classes, workshops and holiday courses across all three disciplines — dance, singing, and drama. Our exceptional team of teachers and guest creatives are not only highly qualified but bring current, real-world industry experience directly from the West End into the studio.
Students benefit from a wealth of performance opportunities throughout the year, from our All England-winning competition team to full-scale productions. JLDA Live has become a standout highlight, where each March our students take to Bournemouth’s Pavilion stage, performing alongside a live 14-piece orchestra to a packed auditorium with bespoke routines and powerful ensemble work.
We also offer optional ISTD and LAMDA examinations, supporting those who wish to gain formal qualifications alongside their training.
At JLDA, classes are structured by ability rather than age, allowing every student to progress at their own pace. We pride ourselves on creating bespoke training pathways tailored to each individual, ensuring every student feels supported, challenged and inspired.
Our ethos combines elite-level training with a strong, family-oriented environment. At Jamie Lee Dance Academy, we are committed not only to developing outstanding performers but also to building confident, resilient individuals, helping every student leave standing taller, with their head held that little bit higher.
Jamie-Lee Tuffrey L.I.S.T.D (School Principal)
I began my professional training at Stonelands School of Ballet in Hove, a full-time boarding school for children who excelled in dance. The seven years I spent there laid the foundations for my future career. I ate, slept, and breathed dance — particularly ballet — and it was here that my passion truly grew.
At sixteen, I was awarded a full scholarship to Doreen Bird College in London, where I completed three years of intensive professional training, preparing me to enter the highly competitive industry.
After graduating, I was fortunate to secure a variety of professional contracts in the West End and on UK and European tours. Following six successful years performing, my career naturally evolved, and I knew I wanted to give back to the world of dance through teaching and mentoring the next generation.
I have since trained with the ISTD, achieving Licentiate status, and continue to further my qualifications with the aim of becoming a classical ballet examiner. In 2022, I was one of only 25 teachers worldwide selected for The Royal Ballet School’s prestigious ATAP teacher training programme, and I was also honoured to receive an ISTD teacher’s bursary in recognition of my exam results. I am also proud to be part of the ballet faculty at Wilkes Academy and regularly adjudicate at competitions and events.
Alongside my passion for teaching and strong focus on correct technique, I have a deep love for choreography. I lead the JLDA competition team, creating original and dynamic repertoire for each competition season.
With many years of teaching experience, I have found my work to be both rewarding and inspiring. I understand that not every student will pursue a professional career, but I firmly believe in the impact dance can have on every individual. Every student I teach leaves standing a little taller and speaking a little more confidently — and for those with big dreams, I am committed to supporting them every step of the way.
Adam Tuffrey (Vocal Coach & Musical Director)
Adam has been coaching young performers for the last ten years, something he is extremely passionate about, and we are thrilled that he will once again be part of our core teaching team for another year.
Jo Barrington (Musical Theatre & LAMDA)
Having trained & graduated from Mountview, Jo has had an extensive and varied career in the industry, most recently playing Debs in Dante or Die’s production of ‘Take On Me’. Past credits include Janet (The Rocky Horror Show), Jenny Jones (Tom Jones), principal roles in numerous pantomimes (including Tinkerbell, on roller skates!) and as a soloist in The James Bond Concert with The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. TV and film work includes playing Kelly (The Knock for LWT) and Anne- Marie (Thank you for Having Me).
Jo has worked extensively as a solo artiste, travelling across the world performing as a guest cabaret performer for Tui and supporting artist for Mike Reid, Cannon & Ball and Russ Abbott. Jo was also half of the duo The Polka Dots, who toured with The Chuckle Brothers and supported Joe Pasquale.
As a Director, Jo has worked extensively with young people, especially during her time as Head of Performing Arts at the Jellicoe Theatre. Her work includes The Crucible, Punk Rock, Les Miserables (School edition), Jeykll and Hyde, We Will Rock You and My Fair Lady.
Jo worked as associate producer with Ginger Boy productions; assisting with the ‘3 Phantoms’ Tour in Macau and Singapore. Jo also supported and directed projects which were created to promote free performing experiences for young people; West End at Home, Scrooge and Peter Pan Junior.
Kelly Knight (Contemporary)
Miss Kelly began her training at Bird College in Sidcup where she gained a DaDA Award aged 17. She later completed the 3 year degree programme at London Studio Centre. Kelly has been teaching for over 10 years and has worked as part of the dance department at The Brit School in Croydon. Her choreography has been performed at central London venues such as The Shaw Theatre, Greenwich Theatre and the Bonnie Bird Theatre at Laban.
Since relocating to Bournemouth she has worked on the creative team as a choreographer for shows Broadway Showtunes (Bournemouth Pavilion), Edward Scissorhands (Jellicoe Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Backlight productions) and Tides of Neglect (Poole Lighthouse).
Katie Lloyd (Modern & Body Conditioning)
Miss Katie trained at The Centre Performing Arts College in London where she qualified as a teacher of Ballet, Tap and Modern with the ISTD.
Since graduating she has performed in the West End, pantomimes and in various plays, shows and galas. She now shares her expertise across the south teaching ISTD, GCSE and BTEC dance within Hampshire and Dorset schools. Miss Katie has previously worked for the prestigious Royal Ballet School as a Centre Co-Ordinator for their Junior Associate Scheme.
Rachael Dowell (Vice Principal, Tap & Acrobatics)
Rachael has been with the school since it’s inception and, as well as being our vice principal, she teaches some of our tap, acrobatics and modern classes (not forgetting our very popular Mummy & Me class too!).
Rachael has been dancing since the age of 3 and before heading to university she completed all of her ballet and tap grades, under the National Association of Teachers of Dancing Syllabus. She now teaches the ISTD syllabus, has her DDE tap qualification & is a certified Acrobatic Arts teacher.
Yvonne Zaremskyi (Modern, Tap & Ballet)
Yvonne was introduced to Singing and Dancing from an early age, training in Ballet, Tap and Modern and Singing with the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Youth Chorus, England.
Wanting to train professionally Yvonne auditioned and was offered a place at the Northern Ballet School, England where she focused on Jazz/Musical Theatre, graduating in 2010 with the Trinity National Diploma in Professional Dance and NBS Diploma. Whilst training, Yvonne appeared in productions including “Swan Lake”, “Showcase of Dance” and “Crazy For You”.
In 2010 Yvonne was offered a world cruise contract with Jean Ann Ryan Productions, onboard the Regent Seven Seas Voyager as a Singer/Dancer/Aerialist and over the course of seven years completed seven contracts with JAR Productions and RSSC performing and travelling the world in 6* Luxury. Yvonne returned to the UK and completed her ISTD DDE in Ballet, Modern and Tap, studying at Roynon Dance Centre, Southampton. Currently teaching ISTD Ballet, Modern, Tap, Contemporary and Musical Theatre in the local area, Yvonne has been a regular teacher at JLDA in recent years and is delighted to be returning.
Tanesha Bannerman Williams (Commercial)
Tanesha joined JLDA in 2017 and went on to train at Bird College in Sidcup, Kent. She obtained a DaDA aged 16 and graduated with a Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre.
Some of Tanesha’s credits include: Disney’s ‘Snow White’ film (2024 release), ‘Our House’ (Bird college), ‘Cre8’ (Bird college with Ryan Francois), ‘Got to dance’ (Sky 1), ‘Alesha Dixons Street Dance Stars’ (CBBC), ‘Netball Live’ half time performer (Sky Sports), ‘The International Horse Show’ finale performer (BBC Sport), ‘All stars’ (2012 Movie) and various commercials and Pantomimes over the years.
Tanesha is currently auditioning and continuing to train alongside Olivia Beckford (some credits include; Mabel, JD, Nike, BOOHOO, Nicki Minaj, The Black eyed Peas) and other industry professionals while teaching workshops and classes in varied dance styles.
Scott Maslen (School Patron)
“Having worked professionally with Jamie-Lee, I was delighted when she asked me to become a patron of JLDA. I look forward to seeing the younger generation mature under her invaluable guidance.”