meet the team

YASMIN ALAMIRI

BA (hons) RTS LRAD ARAD
Principal & Founder of Elite Dancers Academy

Yasmin began her dance training at age 3, excelling in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. She achieved Distinction in Royal Academy Ballet exams from Pre-Primary to Grade 8. At 11, she won the Young gifted Dancers scholarship to The Arts Educational School in West London, gaining experience in various performing arts disciplines. Yasmin studied Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary dance, Tap, Musical Theatre, and Drama, performing in multiple shows a year.

After completing her studies, Yasmin earned a place at the Royal Academy of Dance University, obtaining a degree in Ballet Education and becoming a full member and associate of the RAD through the LRAD course.

Yasmin has since taught Ballet in various schools across London, achieving a 100% pass rate in RAD exams. She became the head of dance at the Study School Wimbledon, teaching Ballet, Creative dance and choreographing for the school shows.. In 2013, Yasmin established Elite Dancers Academy, which has grown to be London’s leading dance school with over 400 pupils training to a high standard across London.

Francesca Causer

Vice Principal
RAD Ballet teacher, Acro Teacher and Competition team Teacher

Francesca has been training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern & contemporary since the age of 3. At the age of 12, Francesca began her vocational studies at Arts Educational Schools London where she spent several years enhancing her experience in the studio as well as on stage. Francesca has had the privilege of performing at the Savoy Hotel at the annual Make a Wish Foundation charity fundraising gala, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel representing the Royal Academy of Dance and the New Wimbledon Theatre performing various ticketed shows. Throughout Francesca’s dance career she has been taught by the industry’s top professionals who encouraged her to pursue new opportunities as well as complete all RAD ballet exams up to grade 8, attaining distinction in all exams in addition to ISTD Tap & Modern grades. Francesca has been volunteering at Elite since the age of 12, learning the many ins and outs of being a teacher under Miss Yasmin before then graduating to become her assistant. In 2020, Francesca has completed her qualification as a level 3 personal trainer and a level 2 fitness instructor with a specialisation in nutrition and group fitness in addition to a degree in physiotherapy by 2023.

Francesca is an exceptional teacher who has a deep understanding of training and preparing students for their dance goals. Having risen through the ranks herself, she brings first-hand experience and expertise to her teaching, ensuring that students receive the best possible guidance and preparation.

ALICE MCDERMOTT

BA (hons) LRAD ARAD RTS
RAD Ballet teacher – Chiswick and Wimbledon

Alice grew up in Jersey, Channel Islands where she started dancing at the age of 5 studying ballet, tap and modern dance in the RAD, IDTA and ISTD syllabi. Over the years, Alice has enjoyed participating in showcases with principal dancers of the Royal Ballet and competing in local festivals and national competitions.

In 2016, she was successful in winning a bronze medal at the Bloch Dance World Cup Finals. Alice moved to London in 2017 to begin her teaching studies at the Royal Academy of Dance and has since graduated from the BA (hons) Ballet education degree course and also with the LRAD qualification giving her an in-depth knowledge of the syllabi from pre-primary to Advanced 2

JACK DERGES

Head of Outreach
Dance Club Co-ordinator

Born and raised in Devon, Jack moved to London in 2008 to train as an actor. He attended the prestigious drama school, ArtsEd in Chiswick.
Jack mainly looks after nursery and after school clubs for Elite, managing everything from initial point of contact through to registration and enrolment.

If you have any questions or are interested in Elite running a club at your school or nursery, please email Jack: jack@eliteda.co.uk

Jessica Wilkinson

RAD Ballet teacher – Streatham

Jessica began her training at age 2 at her local dance school in Dorset. She completed all of her RAD graded and vocational examinations, recently achieving her Advanced 2 (ARAD). Alongside ballet, Jess trained in lyrical, contemporary, jazz and street dance and had the opportunity to dance in many performances, competitions and festivals across southwest England. At 18, Jess was offered a place on the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance’s BA (Hons) Ballet Education programme, where she graduated with a first class. The degree programme furthered her training in ballet and contemporary as well as improving her knowledge in dance science, history, choreography, and teaching. A highlight of the programme was performing the Sugar Plum Fairy variation for multiple RAD events. Jessica also gained a distinction on the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance programme which has allowed her to gain an in-depth knowledge of the RAD’s syllabi. Jessica is now working as a freelance dancer and teacher across London and hopes to share her passion for dance with her students.

Skye Vokins

RAD Ballet teacher, Adult Ballet teacher, Dance club Teacher – Wimbledon

Skye started ballet at the age of 3 at her local ballet school completing pre-primary up to Grade 8 as well as the Vocational grades up to Advanced 2. Skye also took part in contemporary and jazz classes. Skye moved to London in 2020 to attend the Royal Academy of Dance to study on the BA Hons in Ballet Education course and LRAD. Skye will graduate in 2023 becoming a fully qualified RAD ballet teacher with LRAD. Skye is extremely passionate about dance and wishes to pass her love for dance onto as many people as possible. Skye looks forward to her new chapter as a full time ballet teacher inspiring and encouraging the next generation of young dancers.

Holly Mackie

RAD Ballet teacher – Arts Ed Chiswick

Holly grew up in Australia as a competitive dancer. She started teaching at the age of 15 at Dance Force Oz. Holly’s passion and drive for dance has taken her all over the world performing for some the worlds biggest companies including Le Moulin Rouge and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Holly’s has taught all over Australia including masterclasses, workshops and weekly classes. Holly loves sharing her knowledge of the current industry with the up and coming talent of today, connecting with her students on a personal level to keep them progressing and improving.

Estella Turner

Mini Comp, Acro and Jazz teacher – Wimbledon

Estella trained at bird college graduating in 2021 with a first class degree in professional dance and musical theatre. Since then she has performed in multiple pantomimes across the country in both lead and ensemble roles. She worked abroad as a lead vocalist, performing in variety shows as well as intimate vocal sets.

Estella has taught and studied the ISTD syllabus in the styles modern, tap and ballet. She also is super passionate in teaching jazz, contemporary, pointe, Acro, musical theatre, singing, commercial and street. She has choreographed for festivals, competitions and many shows, showcasing her choreography at the move it main stage last year and Dance World Cup.

Estella is super excited to join the Elite Dancers Academy and inspire the next generation of performers.