"Behind every dancer who believes in themselves, is a teacher who believed in them first." - Unknown
We're fortunate to have a team of talented and passionate dance specialists at Step to it. Their knowledge and experience help guide our students to achieve their goals:
Darren Massey
Tap/Musical Theatre Specialist (Safeguarding Lead)
Darren’s formal training began at the Jackie Palmer Stage School and Agency, a prestigious performing arts school/agent for young performers. He partook in weekly classes in Tap, Modern and Ballet achieving Intermediate level before undertaking further training to become a fully qualified teacher with the IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) and licensed Children’s chaperone.
During this time Darren was fortunate to be given the opportunity of not only performing in many theatre, TV and film productions, but also later in his career chaperoning children in a richly diverse number of high profile productions. This provided him with a valuable insight into the high standards required to achieve success in the industry, knowledge that he in turn passes onto his students.
Despite enjoying performing, Darren came to realise that teaching was where his talent and passion lied, guiding and developing young performers to become accomplished enough to explore dance as a career provided him with much more satisfaction then performing himself.
Whilst continuing to teach with Jackie Palmer, Darren established the Step to it Dance Academy with Nikki to further share his love of dance.
Since qualifying as an IDTA Associate, Darren has devoted his time to improving his skills as a teacher in order to provide his students with the very best in dance education. Several of Darren’s students have received nominations for the IDTA National Awards in recognition of their high exam results with many continuing to pursue professional careers in the industry.
Nikki Vann-Morris
Ballet/Acro Specialist
Nicola started dancing at the age of 3 at the exceptional Brenda Goddard School of Dance in Chelmsford, Essex, where she won many festivals at a young age.
From the age of 10, Nicola trained at The Jackie Palmer Stage School and The Caroline Salmon School of Dance. During her training she gained all her examinations in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet exams and the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) in Tap and Jazz.
Nicola has worked professionally in the industry performing at the prestigious National Theatre in London, in the play 'Bartholomew Fair' directed by Richard Eyre. Other professional credits include pantomimes at the Theatre Royal Windsor, Joseph & his Technicolor Dreamcoat, Night & Day, The John Culshaw Comedy Show and various other television / film work and commercials.
Despite enjoying performing, Nicola fell in love with teaching and choreographing and gained an International Dance Teachers Associate Teaching Degree specialising in Ballet & pointe-work to share her passion of dance with others.
She has been a qualified dance teacher for over 10 years, teaching students of all ages and choreographing for many stage shows and performances. Nicola also has a BSc Hons. Degree in Multi-Media Computing in Video and Animation from the University of Westminster.
Nicola also specialises in Dance Gymnastic Acrobatics, a passion that developed after marrying an ex-British Gymnast. This subject combines her love for dance with a gymnastic twist. She now is head teacher/choreographer for this subject at several large dance schools and BTEC courses across Buckinghamshire.
Gabby Jones
Drama/Contemporary Specialist
Gabby trained at The Urdang Academy, one of the UK's most prestigious performing arts schools. Here she studied musical theatre and professional dance, graduating with a 1st Class Degree.
After graduating she has gone on to do a number of professional engagements, the highlight being a vocalist for 'Dear Evan Hansen' in London's West End.
Whilst working professionally Gabby has continued to share her love of the performing arts through her teaching. She has taught at numerous dance, drama and musical theatre schools in the area, including BTA (The British Theatre Academy), Perform, PQA and a local secondary school.
She aims to use her love of drama, musical theatre and dance to inspire young people to follow their passions in life and believes that performing is the best way to escape the troubles that we all face today, no matter what age.
Milly Loades
DanceSpecialist
Milly began her ballet journey at just 2 and a half years old, after her mother successfully persuaded the ballet teacher to allow her to start early. She soon joined the renowned Jackie Palmer Stage School, where she received extensive training in ballet, tap, and modern dance, completing her exams in each discipline. Additionally, Milly trained in RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) ballet at the Julie Baugh School of Ballet, advancing up to Grade 8.
From a young age, Milly discovered her true passion and strength in teaching. By the age of 16, she was already working with children, and this has remained a central part of her career ever since. Milly went on to earn her IDTA (International Dance Teachers' Association) teaching qualifications in both Ballet and Modern dance. Today, she teaches RAD Ballet at a private school in Wokingham, and she previously taught dance to pre-schoolers through to Year 2, helping to foster a love of movement and creativity in her young students.
One of the standout moments of Milly’s dance career was performing in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that remains a cherished highlight of her journey in dance.
Bryony Louise Duncan, a 2019 graduate of Mechanic's Performing Arts, has quickly established herself as a dynamic force in the world of musical theatre. Her professional journey began with TUI Cruises, where she captivated audiences as the Leading Female Vocalist aboard Marella Cruises. This role paved the way for her next opportunity, joining the cast of the internationally renowned SIX The Musical on the Norwegian Cruise Line, where she showcased her versatility as both a Swing and K Howard.
Bryony’s exceptional talent and adaptability soon earned her a prestigious role as a Universal Super Swing, covering performances across the West End and the U.K. tour of SIX.
Following this success, she made her mark on one of theatre’s most iconic stages, London’s West End, where she joined the cast of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre. There, she delivered powerful performances as part of the Ensemble and as the 1st Cover for the beloved role of Eponine.
Beyond her impressive stage career, Bryony is also a passionate and inspiring teacher. She brings her wealth of industry experience into the classroom, where she has earned a reputation for working wonderfully with students of all ages and abilities. Whether coaching young aspiring performers or guiding more experienced students, Bryony’s supportive, engaging teaching style instills confidence and nurtures talent. Her ability to tailor her approach to each individual ensures that every student reaches their full potential, making her a much sought-after mentor in performing arts education.
Bryony Duncan
Singing Specialist
Jessica Simmons (Cover teacher)
Musical Theatre/Comercial Specialist
Jessica trained at the renowned Performers College. Here she trained for 3 years on the Musical Theatre course. Since graduating Jessica has been working on stage and screen whilst also pursuing a career in teaching.
She has been working with a variety of local performing arts school, training children of all ages in tap, ballet, modern, jazz, commercial, street and musical theatre. She likes to keep classes entertaining while also teaching technique and fun choreography.
Jessica has been fortunate to train with some of the best teachers and performers in the world. The knowledge she has acquired from them she now likes to share directly to the children she teaches in a way that best helps them to improve and grow as performers. As long as the kids have left the class smiling and having learnt something new, she's happy.