About NJSD
Nicky Jenks
School of dance
Established in 1991
NJSD started in 1991 in Wiveliscombe with 2 classes. It quickly grew to encompass Milverton and Bishops Lydeard. We now have a purpose built studio, The Hub, in Wiveliscombe and run over 40 lessons a week.
Here at NJSD we value dedication, commitment and hard work. We value ourselves in providing fun, engaging high quality lessons to our students and we have had over 30 years experience providing these lessons.
We expect students to work hard and respect our wonderful teachers. Learning to dance is a skill that can make dreams come true. We value ourselves and our teaching team on being able to support students in making their dreams become a reality.
Nicky Jenks
Our Teachers
Our team of teachers are all highly qualified in their specialist areas.
nicky jenks
PRINCIPAL
Nicky Jenks trained locally and then at the London College of Dance, where she gained the Diploma from the 3 year course along with Associateships in Imperial ballet, National and Greek dance. She then furthered her study to gain the Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate and Diploma and is a fully registered member of the Royal Academy of Dance, and a member of the IDTA. Nicky has also studied and worked with children with special educational needs.
Nicky mentors students on the RAD certificate in Ballet Studies, and also travels all over the South West to Supervise and assess trainee teachers.
Nicky was the Chairman for the RAD South West, Wales and the Channel Islands region for 9 years, which saw her representing teachers views from across the region in regular meetings and at headquarters.
Jess Weaver
TEACHER AND HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Jess started with NJSD at the age of 3. Taking classes in all genres including ballet, tap, modern, hip-hop, and Acro as well as being part of “performers” competing around the southwest in dance festivals and competitions. During her time at NJSD Jess obtained high marks and distinctions in ballet, tap and modern exams as well as performing in many showcases, events, and the bi-annual summer shows.
At Just 11 years old Jess would go along to her sister’s classes to help, this is where her love for teaching started. After leaving college and unsure what was next Jess found the Royal Academy of Dance CBTS course. Starting this in 2020 and successfully graduating in 2023. Jess is now a qualified RAD ballet teacher and continues to teach all genres including ballet, modern, tap, acrobatics, hip-hop and musical theatre. As well as choreographing for our selected performers competition group.
As Head of the lower school for NJSD, Jess builds the foundations of dance for the younger students and is at the very start of their journey into the dance world. This is something she is extremely passionate about and loves to be a part of.
Jess holds NJSD very close to her heart as its where her love for dance and teaching started and hopes that she inspires her students to follow their dreams just as she did.
Lucy Parry
TEACHER
Lucy began dancing from the age of 3 and enjoyed all areas including ballet, tap and modern. Her love for dance grew as well as drama and attended the Bristol School of Performing Arts which gave her a lot of opportunities to appear in professional shows, including Joseph and his Technicolor Dream Coat, Whistle Down the Wind, Jesus Christ Super Star, Scrooge and many Qdos Pantomimes. Lucy was also a child actress starring in the BBC show ‘Magic Grandad’ which she star rolled in 2 episodes.
At sixteen Lucy won a scholarship to The Italia Conti School of Performing Arts, London graduating in July 2011 with the 3 year National Diploma in Musical Theatre. Since graduating Lucy has worked professionally appearing in many Evolution Pantomimes, Conor Maynard’s music video ‘Can’t Say No’, Milkshake Live! Ensemble (Channel 5 UK Tour), Classical Spectacular ensemble (Royal Albert Hall), Hello Kitty, Fashion & Friends ensemble (World Premier and International tour), Magic of the Musicals ensemble (UK Tour)
Lucy has also helped choreograph and dance captain shows including 80’s Mania (UK Tour), The Jungle Book (UK Tour), Fireman Sam Live (UK & Dubai).
Lucy is also a part of the ‘PDC Dancers’ who perform live on Sky Sports for premier league and world darts series.
TV and film include ‘Funky Pigeon.com’ advert and featured Sontaran in BBC’s Doctor Who series ‘The Flux’. Lucy also appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and Murder on the Orient Express.
Lucy Catlow
TEACHER
Lucy began dancing at 3 years old and at the age of 16 years moved to London to train at Bird college, to professionally train in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, street, contemporary, drama, singing and musical theatre.
During her training she gained her ballet teaching qualification at 17 years and modern and tap at 18 years along with a musical theatre diploma.
Following graduation she performed in West End shows as well as UK tours before teaching in and around London for various dance colleges and schools while furthering her teaching qualifications.
In 2004 Lucy moved to Somerset to run her own dance school which she did for 10 years teaching ballet, modern, tap, street dance, singing, drama and fitness across all ages, extensively entering candidates for exams and competitions until she had her first daughter in 2014.
Drum ross
TEACHER
Drum Ross is a Somerset based dance artist and choreographer previously working with Youth Dance Companies across the South West. Drum works as a freelance dancer across the UK and abroad.
Drum completed his training at University of Roehampton gaining BA Hons in Dance Studies. Alongside his degree Drum was also part of the BalletBoyz Dance Course.
Drum has taught classes across London and the South West in a broad range of dance Styles and contemporary techniques. He has also produced performance opportunities for youth dance in the South West alongside this and curated exhibitions showcasing work from various art forms to help promote LGBTQIA+ artists across the South West of England.
Amy Charles
TEACHER
NEWS
Please follow us on social media and see our NEWS page for up to date information and events.