Mrs Penny Cullerne-Bown (Principal; Classical Ballet; Director of Youth Ballet Company)
Mrs Cullerne-Bown is the founder and principal of East Oxford School of Ballet. Having trained at the Royal Academy of Dance and worked for ten years as a teacher and dancer, she then went on to read English at St Hilda’s College, Oxford University, gaining both BA (Hons) and M Phil degrees and running the University Dance Society for several years. In addition to teaching Ballet, Mrs Cullerne-Bown also taught English at the University for 5 years, at various colleges, and for 13 years at Oxford High School. During this time she also gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. It is Mrs Cullerne-Bown’s firm belief that the serious study of dance, especially Ballet, can be of lifelong value not only through the fitness and self-discipline it engenders, but also through the rewards of commitment to something difficult yet joyful. Dance should be a source of personal enrichment and education to every single student, and that is what every teacher at EOSB strives to ensure for the pupils.
Ms Hazel Gold (Classical Ballet, Contemporary and Choreography) – occasional guest teacher
Hazel trained at The Royal Ballet School and the Allesley School of Dance. She initially performed as a classical dancer as a soloist with various companies and in shows including Vienna Festival Ballet (Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Cinderella, Coppelia), Rhythm of the Dance, Spirit of the Dance. Hazel later moved into contemporary and dance theatre, working with many choreographers including Matthew Bourne (New Adventures Company, Edward Scissorhands), Will Tuckett (Wind in the Willows (Mole), Pinocchio), Wayne McGregor and Kim Brandstrup. Opera dance credits include The Royal Opera’s Iphigenie en Tauride, Don Giovanni, Die Frau Ohne Schatten (soloist), ENO’s Rigoletto & La Traviata and Glyndebourne’s Rinaldo. Commercially Hazel has worked with Basement Jaxx and The Spinto Band and has advertised Telenor Mobile Phones.
Hazel has worked as movement director, choreographer and assistant director for many dance and opera productions at Glyndebourne, Scottish Opera and the Iford Festival. She has taught internationally, including for London Studio Centre & Bird College, and as rehearsal director for the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain.
Mr Nyroy Dixon (Jazz, Tap and Ballet)
Nyroy trained at the famous Bird College, specialising in Musical Theatre. He joined us in 2011, after an extensive theatre career in major shows such as Hairspray, High School Musical and Fame. He taught here for a year, before resuming his dancing career with the 2012 Olympic ceremony and a year touring with the successful production Nine to Five, returning in September 2013. From January 2017 to July 2021 Nyroy was Head of Dance at The Knightsbridge School in London, and I was very grateful that he maintained his position with EOSB as our senior Jazz and Tap teacher throughout those years. He moved back to Oxford in 2021 and more recently he has developed his Ballet teaching, in addition to his excellent Musical Theatre skills. His performing experience really informs his lively, energetic classes, and he is much loved by his pupils of all ages for his rigorous approach and accessible manner.
Miss Netta Walker (Ballet and Tap)
Netta has a strong background in both classical ballet and musical theatre, having trained at the Legat School, Laine Theatre Arts and London Studio Centre Images of Dance company. She joined us in January 2009 after a performing career; she also holds the RAD CBTS, and has established herself as a super teacher and a central member of the EOSB teaching staff. She inspires the very smallest pupils up to the most advanced, with her calm and positive approach. Netta’s classes in East Oxford, now at the SS Mary and John School, are legendary among East Oxford families!
Miss Hannah Calvert (Ballet) – gradually returning from maternity leave
Hannah is an RAD qualified teacher (CBTS) who is also a working physiotherapist with the NHS! She provided outstanding cover teaching during Netta’s maternity leave, and is miraculously continuing to teach regular classes which she somehow fits in around her other professional commitments. Hannah teaches the very popular Adult Ballet class on Wednesdays this year, 7.30 at Rye St Antony, in addition to her other classes.
Lisia Moala (Ballet)
Lisia has taught for the school for many years, and brings her experience as a teacher and as a former Principal ballerina to her beautiful classes. Lisia teaches RAD classes and also is a guest choreographer at times for shows, and the pupils greatly appreciate her attention to detail and her gentle manner.
Professional CV to follow….
Miss Charikleia Kyriazou (Ballet and Contemporary)
Charikleia (Miss Hara) joined us in 2016 and has established herself as a very popular and effective teacher. She trained in the Vaganova Classsical method, and the Jose Limon Contemporary method, in Athens, graduating from a 3-year full time teachers’ course. She is about to complete a Master’s degree through the very prestigious Rambert School, while being mother to a lively toddler and a young baby! I am happy that Hara will be returning from Maternity Leave in September and continuing to enrich the children’s dance education this year.