We develop the whole person, not just the dancer.
About Joanne Penner Dance Coaching
Our Philosophy
Joanne founded JPDC in 2020 after working in the professional world and realising a more tailored, caring approach was lacking in high level dance training.
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Joanne Penner Dance Coaching therefore focuses on providing dance tuition that wholly supports each individual in reaching their full potential. Offering private coaching in both ballet and contemporary dance, as well as a specialist pre-vocational pathway, our mission is to provide an environment where dancers can grow and develop safely.
We are passionate about helping our students achieve their goals and reach their full potential. If you’re ready to take the next step, come and join us.
Dream it, believe it, achieve it.
Founder & Director
Joanne Penner
SPECIALISMS: Ballet, Variation Coaching, Pointe Work, Contemporary, Choreography, Body Conditioning
As a young ballet dancer Joanne trained as a Cecchetti Associate and then Cecchetti Scholar. She attended summer courses at Tring Park Classical Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School, as well as performing at The Royal Ballet School and Sadler’s Wells Lilian Baylis Theatre before continuing her training full-time at Ballet West. Her professional experiences allowed her to travel globally - notably when she joined the Ballet West International Touring Company and performed in their production of Swan Lake in the Genting Highlands, Malaysia.
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Joanne’s Qualifications:
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BA Ballet | MSc Dance Science | Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher Status (RAD RTS) | Strength and Conditioning Coach (UKSCA) | PhD Dance Physiology in partnership with Birmingham Royal Ballet (in progress)
Joanne continually has students compete successfully in regional and national dance competitions, study at prestigious schools such as 'Royal Ballet School', ‘Central School of Ballet’, 'Tring Park School', and ‘Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Dance and Drama’. Those training with us privately can apply to join our pre-vocational pathway - with the aim of gaining a place in full time dance training to pursue a professional career.
Guest Teachers
Our guest faculty consists of vocationally trained dancers, professional performers, and experienced teachers wishing to share what they know with the young dancers of today
Abbie Pillans
Ballet & Contemporary
Abbie started vocational training at the age of sixteen at Ballet West, before moving to London to attend Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance where she gained a first-class honours degree in Contemporary Dance. Whilst training at Trinity Laban Abbie was involved in a number of commissioned works with choreographers Daniel Squire, Stephen Berkeley – White and Divya Kasturi. In 2021 Abbie undertook an apprenticeship contract with Yorke Dance Project, where she performed in their latest work at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre. Abbie is currently working with the former Royal Ballet School’s White Lodge Ballet Principal, Mary Goodhew. She teaches Ballet and Contemporary and, choreographes pieces for competitions, shows and auditions. In 2023 Abbie’s choreography, Egyptian Girl, made it to the finals of the world-wide competition Tanzolymp - winning her student a place at a prestigious summer school in Japan.
Ana Ramos
Ballet & Psychology
Originally from Mexico, Ana danced professionally with ArdentÃa CompañÃa de Danza, before pursuing her teaching career. She holds Registered Teacher Status with the RAD and serves as a mentor for student teachers. During her 17 years of experience she has had the opportunity to teach internationally across dance schools in Mexico, Japan, and the UK. Ana also holds a Masters in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire and has furthered her studies in the fields of psychology, anatomy, and physiology specifically related to ballet with the Swedish School of Sports and Health Sciences, and in Health and Sustainability in Dance with the Stockholm University of the Arts. She loves to integrate her passion for dance science in her classes and to nurture dancers’ confidence and enjoyment. Her dedication to both the art and science of dance shines through her teaching.
Hannah George
Contemporary & Creative
Hannah trained at the Tring Park Classical Ballet Academy, and Ballet West Scotland, before continuing on the BA Contemporary Dance course at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Hannah was a company member of the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain and performed with NYB for several years including at Sadlers Wells. Hannah continues to work with the company in the roles of rehearsal director and contemporary/creative teacher. She has performed work by choreographers including Etta Murfitt MBE, Kerry Biggin, Ruth Brill, Alison Curtis-Jones, and Fubunation. Hannah is passionate about sharing the wonderful and enriching art form of dance with young people.