ABOUT US

Tempos Performing Arts is a family run, friendly school with our focus on building confidence and ensuring each students gains as much from their classes as possible.

We have regular shows, performances and workshops throughout the year.

We also provide several after school clubs within local primary schools.

Becky Oliver

Principal

I am a professional singer and musical theatre performer & teacher. After graduating from the Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts in London with Honours, I toured Germany in ‘Phantom of the Opera’ understudying and playing the role of Christine.

Since then I have appeared in numerous productions including: ‘Cabaret’, Union Theatre, London, ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’, London and Herts, ‘Tonight’, Peacock Theatre, London. I have also appeared in many pantomimes up and down the country playing principal girl and more recently the Wicked Witch!

I have been a session singer and vocalist for various bands & even toured the UK and Ireland as a Magician's assistant!

I began teaching in my last year at Italia Conti and am very lucky to be teaching music and performing arts at several different schools in Essex & Herts to students aged 5 months - adult!

I started Tempos Performing Arts as an extension of our successful Tiny Tempos TM music and movement classes for under 3's. I wanted to build a school where we could offer classes for all stages of their childhood and keep our family atmosphere. Our ethos is fun, practical, affordable professional tuition which will give all our students the self confidence to do whatever they dream of! I am extremely lucky to be able to work with my friends and family to create this award winning school.

Courtenay Dunn

Ballet, Tap, Acro Dance , Lyrical and Tiny Tutus and Twirlies

Courtenay has been dancing since she was 3 years old, starting with ballet and then branching out to modern, tap, street, lyrical and commercial classes as well.

She passed all of her ISTD dance examinations in Ballet, Tap and Modern and went on to pass her DDE teaching examinations in all three genres as well. She has since entered hundreds of students for their ISTD examinations, many of her pupils gaining distinctions!

As well as teaching ISTD classes, Courtenay has also completed the Acrobatic Arts Module 1, Aerial and Back Handspring and Contortion teacher training courses.

Courtenay has been part of Tempos Performing Arts for many years but started teaching on a permanent basis in 2017 and plans to be around for many more years yet! Courtenay teaches Acro, Ballet, Tap, Lyrical and Street for TPA.

Cressida Macdonald-Williams

BA (Hons) Theatre dance
Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Acro & Street Dance

I am immensely proud to work with and be a part of the Tempos Performing Arts family.

My love for theatre dance started as a child under instruction from Ballet Master Leo Kersley, Tap Specialist Chris Shrimpton and Theresa Kerr, one of the first practitioners of Rock Jazz. On graduating from London Studios Centre, I toured with The Jazz Dance Company presenting a year of dance performances in the UK and European established theatres including the Peacock Theatre and Sadlers Wells. I then performed and choreographed for MV Funchal Cruise Liner and UK Cabaret stages including Butlins!

Before joining the Tempos Family in 2013 I have been inspiring and mentoring students in dance disciplines with other local Performing Arts Schools and have more than 20years teaching experience. I continue to work with the Birchwood Sports Partnership delivering dance courses for PE in Primary Schools in Bishops Stortford.

In 2015 I established Stortford Cheerleaders, a community level sports club for athletes specialising in Cheerleading with Bi-annual competitions and displays.

I am passionate in running inclusive classes that work towards performance, making incredible experiences and memories for dancers, parents, and supporters.

Kate Dutton

Ballet, Tap

I started dancing at the age of 4, first with ballet, but then picking up tap and modern, and then later on jazz. I danced under great teachers, Chris Shrimpton and Karen Howarth, and later Nicola Heller.

I undertook amateur exams from a young age in all disciplines and passed all, before undertaking my teaching qualification. I also performed in biannual shows which were put on at the Rhodes Theatre (now known as Southmill Arts Centre). I was also lucky enough to perform one of our dances in a collaborative event on the stage at Her Majesty's Theatre!

I started teaching in 2008 and in 2009 took my professional exam to become an Associate with The British Academy of Teachers of Dancing. From 2008 1 was coprincipal of Rhythm And Poise School of Dance, where we taught ballet, tap, modern and jazz. All my girls achieved a 100% pass rate on all exams and we also put on biannual shows!

I am very excited to join the amazing TPA family!