About the Gymnastics And Dance Academy
Our Mission
At GADA, our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where students of all ages and skill levels can grow, learn, and thrive. We aim to:
Inspire Confidence: Through movement, we help students build self-esteem, discipline, and resilience.
Foster Creativity: We encourage self-expression and artistic exploration in every class.
Promote Excellence: Our programs are designed to help students achieve their personal best, whether they’re dancing for fun or competing at elite levels.
Build Community: We believe in the power of teamwork, friendship, and shared passion.
Meet Katie –
(Director)
Katie has been passionate about dance for over 16 years, dedicating herself to both dancing and competing at a national level. As a fully qualified ISTD associate teacher and Level 2 AcroTrix Coach, Katie focuses on providing a strong technical foundation while encouraging creativity, self-expression, and confidence in every class.
With 7 years experience teaching as well as training national champions, Katie has built a strong reputation for excellence, with glowing reviews from both parents and students. She is thrilled to run the academy with her sister, bringing quality dance and gymnastics education to the children of Manningtree and surrounding areas. Together, they aim to create a space where young dancers and gymnasts can confidently express themselves, push their limits, and develop their skills and passion for both disciplines.
For Katie, dance is about more than just performing routines—it is about showing true energy, emotion, and commitment in every movement. She is excited to see the dancers and gymnasts in the community thrive and experience the joy of both art forms.
Meet Polly –
(Director)
Polly has been immersed in gymnastics since the age of 7, competing at a national level before transitioning to coaching. With 10 years of experience teaching gymnasts of all levels, Polly is a Level 2 Qualified British Gymnastics WAG (Women's Artistic Gymnastics) Coach.
As the Head Gymnastics Coach, Polly is known for her energetic and fun teaching style, whilst also placing a strong emphasis on the importance of technique. She believes that mastering the fundamentals is key to long-term success and ensures that every gymnast not only enjoys their training but also develops a solid technical foundation to support their growth. Polly’s ability to connect with students and make each lesson both enjoyable and educational has made her a beloved teacher, with fantastic reviews from students and parents alike.
Polly is excited to open the academy with her sister Katie, offering high-quality gymnastics and dance education to the children of Manningtree and the surrounding areas. As co-owner and Head Coach, Polly is committed to providing a supportive, dynamic environment where each child can improve their technique, build confidence, and develop a true love for gymnastics.
Meet Charley –
(Dance Instructor)
Charley has been part of the world of dance from a young age, competing at a high level in various styles. With strong technical training in ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, Irish, and many more, Charley brings a diverse range of skills to her teaching.
Currently training for her ISTD Diploma in Dance Education (DDE), Charley is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and providing her students with the best possible dance education. She also trained at Tiffany Theatre College, where her passion for singing and musical theatre developed, allowing her to bring a well-rounded approach to her teaching.
Charley has also coached gymnastics and choreographed gymnastics floor routines at a regional level, further showcasing her versatility as an instructor. With a natural flair for choreography, she enjoys creating fresh and exciting routines that help her students express themselves through dance.
Charley is excited to be part of the academy alongside her sisters, sharing her love of dance and gymnastics with the children of GADA. She is committed to helping her students grow, develop their technique, and have fun while learning
Meet Rosie –
(Musical Theatre Lead)
Miss Rosie is passionate about helping every child discover their confidence and find their voice. With a degree in Drama & Performance Studies, a PGCE Teaching qualification and almost 10 years of teaching experience, Rosie brings a wealth of knowledge alongside a warm, encouraging approach. Her Musical Theatre classes are fun, relaxed and designed to help children grow in confidence through singing, acting and performance. Whether your child loves the spotlight or is just finding their feet, every child is welcomed, supported and encouraged to shine. There are no auditions, no pressure – just lots of fun, encouragement and opportunities to build confidence every single week.
Rosie is excited to be part of the academy alongside her sisters, sharing her love of performing with the children of GADA. She is committed to helping her students grow, develop their confidence, and find their voice.
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Rosie Harker
Musical Theatre Lead & Receptionist
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Rebecca Rawlins
Gymnastics Coach & Receptionist
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Lesley Neal
Gymnastics Coach
