MEET THE TEACHERS
RACHEL GREEN
Rachel started dancing at the Pickering Academy of Dance from the age of 5 and was one of Melanie Pickering's original team. Whilst training, she achieved many awards throughout the years: these include, numerous championship titles in Tap, Ballet and Modern, Miss Dance of Great Britain Finalist for three consecutive years, IDTA Manchester Scholarships.
At the age of 16, Rachel attended the Electric Theatre, Barnsley College alongside her training at PAD. Once graduated at 18 with a Diploma in Dance & Performing Arts, she began her professional performing career: including Pantomimes, Royal Variety Performances, Seasons abroad and various Cruise Lines. Rachel's last ten years of performing were with Carnival Cruise Lines, in which she became Dance Captain after her second contract, a title she held for her duration with the company.
After 13 years on the stage, Rachel retired from performing at the age of 31 and established herself as a freelance dance teacher and dance fitness instructor initially in Bournemouth before returning to her roots in South Yorkshire. She has taught at numerous dance schools, educational schools, community venues, gyms and leisure centres before joining the PAD as a teacher in 2014. Since having 2 beautiful boys Rachel now solely teaches at the PAD.
Rachel is very proud to have been part of the PAD since the very beginning and hopes to continue the legacy created by Melanie & Alison Pickering.
GEORGIE LEATHERLAND
Georgie began training at the Pickering Academy of Dance at the age of 5. Throughout her years dancing with PAD she gained many awards: these include, representing the IDTA and winning at the TDCI UK and Overseas Championships in Blackpool 2008, IDTA Manchester Scholarships awarded the Ken Dodd award in 2008, casting performances with The Northern Ballet and English Youth Ballet 2007-2009, 19 regional championship awards and IDTA Miss Dance Finalist 2011.
During her time at PAD, Georgie also, for many years, trained weekly with both the Royal Ballet and Northern Ballet Associate Programmes.
At the age of 16, Georgie successfully auditioned for a three year vocational course at the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts, Surrey, where she received a full DADA scholarship. Upon graduating with a Level 4 Diploma in Dance, Georgie began her professional career at the age of 18: her performances include CATS onboard the Oasis of the Seas Royal Caribbean, CATS London Palladium, Mamma Mia! UK Tour, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! film, and many Pantomimes across the UK.
Georgie has gained her IDTA Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching and is now an established dance teacher at the Pickering Academy, along with delivering many professional workshops throughout the UK. She also adjudicates many festivals each year and always strives to provide aspiring dancers with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
Georgie is proud to be a teacher at PAD and joined the team in 2017. She hopes to continue the Pickering legacy alongside Rachel.
