Team | DancePro Academy | Hertfordshire

Gill Grueber FISTD
Founder & Artistic Director

Miss Gill has had vast experience in the professional world of musical theatre, performing in movies and on stage in West End Theatres such as the London Palladium and The Lyceum. Not only a performer, Gill has Choreographed for TV and Stage and taught in many schools throughout both the UK and Ireland.

Gill began her 10 year career as a professional dancer working with prestigious choreographers such as Rob Ashford, Kevin Allan and Arlene Philips plus internationally respected directors including Oliver Stone.

Her theatre credits include ‘The Lion King’ Lyceum Theatre, West End, ‘Tabaluga and Lily’ Germany, ‘Saturday Night Fever’ London Palladium, West End, ‘Eejit of Love’, ‘Cinderella’, Jack and the Beanstalk, Dublin. Gill’s film and television work includes appearing in Hollywood movie ‘Alexander the Great’ with Colin Farrell for Warner Bros. Pictures and Kevin Spacey who directed and starred in Lion’s Gate Films ‘Beyond the Sea’. She has also appeared in various commercials including tap dancing for The Halifax Building Society.

As my teachers did for me, I am now influencing, shaping and hopefully creating fond childhood memories that the students will recall when they start their own careers in dance. Passing on that passion for dance, choreography and performance is the best gift I can imagine receiving.
Gill Grueber Founder & Artistic Director

Other work includes a contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Visualantix Ballet Company, Modelling for Buffalo shoes and performing at British telecommunications at their opening ceremony in Geneva.

Gill has choreographed for TV show’s ‘You’re A Star’ and ‘Rock Rivals’. Theatre choreography includes ‘High School the Musical’, ‘Grease’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, ‘Cinderella’, ‘Jack in the Beanstalk’ and ‘Aladdin’.

Gill then decided to continue her teaching career with students and professionals in various schools and companies such as the Monica Loughman ballet company and Ballet Ireland. She obtained more qualifications with the ISTD and now holds a DDE certificate in Ballet, Modern and Tap.

Since opening her own school, DancePro Academy, in 2013 whilst also continuing to teach degree and diploma students ballet at Performers College, Gill could not be happier.

Teacher / Dance Qualifications

Fellowship in ISTD Ballet (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing)
Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) in ISTD Modern and Tap (Hons)
Diploma in Musical Theatre
Teacher at Performers College, Essex – teaching degree and diploma students Ballet

Other Qualifications

PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education)
DBS Certificate
Safeguarding Training Level 1 and Level 2
Paediatric First Aid Training Course with Babybee Safe
A Practical Guide to GDPR Course
Child Protection Level 2
Dyslexia Awareness Level 2
Autism Awareness Level 2

Hayley Ballet and Acro Teacher

Hayley has been a professional performer for her entire career, beginning as a full-time dancer on cruise ships and international contracts. Alongside this, she performed across the UK at corporate events and trade shows, and even traveled overseas to entertain troops in war-torn countries. Her career highlights also include TV appearances and fashion shows, such as working with Adidas for Stella McCartney.

After many years of performing, Hayley secured a regular aerial role before becoming a mother of two. During this time, she trained in Pilates and became a fully certified STOTT Pilates Level 3 Instructor. Her aerial work also introduced her to the world of circus, where she expanded her skills in acrobatics, contortion, aerial hoop, and fire performance, leading to a wide range of exciting opportunities in events, shows, and holiday parks.

In recent years, Hayley has turned her focus to teaching, completing her ISTD Diploma in Dance Education (Modern Theatre) as well as Acrobatic Arts Modules 1 & 2. Passionate about both performing and teaching, she is dedicated to passing on her knowledge while continuing to grow and learn herself.

Fun Facts

How old were you when you started dancing?
I started dancing I was just 4 years old!

When did you fall in love with dance?
I can’t remember when I fell in love with dance. I have always loved it. I think it’s in my blood!

Where did you train?
I trained at Russel School of Dance, Havering college of performing arts, Pineapple dance studios and Danceworks. Teacher training ACDS.

What is your favourite style of dance?
Modern / jazz.

Tell us all something we don’t know about you?
I have been luck enough to travel the world performing but I also travelled around Europe when my daughter was a baby in a motor home for 6 months.

What’s your favourite snack before a class?
I just love sweets!

Do you have any other hobbies?
Dancing of course, yoga, and pilates.

Did a specific teacher or person inspire you to have a career in dance?
Dolly Henry, she taught at Pineapple and Danceworx in London and I just loved her jazz classes!

A little bit more…
I have also had a separate performing life doing circus which included aerial hoop, contortion, and fire. I am a mum of 2 and have 2 cats.

Florrie Musical Theatre Teacher

Florrie’s journey into the performing world began at Graham School of Dance, where she started training and assisting with classes from a young age. She went on to continue her training at Performers College, graduating with a BA (Hons) degree.

Straight after graduating, Florrie began her professional career as a solo vocalist onboard TUI’s Mein Schiff, where she was fortunate enough to be offered a second contract. She then went on to perform in a Christmas production of Peter Pan, playing the roles of Wendy and Smee.

Alongside her professional career, Florrie has continued to share her passion for teaching and choreography with schools in her local area. She loves inspiring students, building their confidence and helping them develop their skills.

Florrie is very excited to join the DancePro Academy team, sharing her knowledge and professional experience while continuing to learn and grow alongside her students.

Fun Facts

How old were you when you started dancing?
I was 5 years old when I started dancing all because my mum loved to dance and perform so she passed the passion to me!

When did you fall in love with dance?
I can’t remember the age that made me realise I love it. From what I remember, it’s been my whole life.

Where did you train?
I trained at performers college in Essex… Miss Gill was one of my ballet teachers!

What is your favourite style of dance?
My favourite style of performing is of course musical theatre but I do have a love for tap 🙂

Tell us all something we don’t know about you?
Something you won’t know about me yet… For my first job after college I had to sing in German and I couldn’t speak the language!!!

What’s your favourite snack before a class?
Bananas! I should have been a minion…

Did a specific teacher or person inspire you to have a career in dance?
There are too many people who have been my inspiration whilst growing up, but to narrow it down it would have to be my dance teacher from my first lesson; she taught me everything I’ve needed to know!

Do you have any other hobbies?
I love to bake; it used to be something I would always do at my nan’s house, and it’s something I love doing in my free time.

Do you have a Fun Fact to share?
A fun fact about me is that I have hyper mobile knees!

Owen Teacher

With 16 years of dance experience and 6 years of teaching, Owen has worked with renowned companies such as Warriorz Performing Arts Academy, Tenacity Dance, and NSG Academy. His dedication and talent have earned him sponsorship from Nike to teach community dance classes through The Movement Factory. Owen is a main stage dancer at Move It, has headlined with Bismark Anobah, and is a three-time British champion with GDND crew. He has proudly represented Great Britain at European and World Championships.

Owen holds a Level 4 Associate ISTD Streetdance Teaching Qualification and a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts with high distinctions. His dance journey started at age six, inspired by Diversity on *Britain’s Got Talent*. He has trained at FK Academy, Warriorz Performing Arts, GDND Academy, and Future Formalities. While his favorite style is Hip Hop, he enjoys all forms of Streetdance.

Outside of dance, Owen loves filming and editing videos, designing clothes, and gaming. He’s excited to join DancePro Academy and looks forward to sharing his passion for dance with our students!

Fun Facts

How old were you when you started dancing?
I was 6 years old when I first started dancing

When did you fall in love with dance?
I fell in love with dance when I saw Diversity on Britains Got Talent.

Where did you train?
I trained at FK Academy from age 6-12, Warriorz Performing Arts age 12-18, GDND Academy age 16-17, Future Formalities (Wolfpack) age 19

What is your favourite style of dance?
My favourite style is Hip Hop but love all styles of Streetdance!

Tell us all something we don’t know about you?
I love Marvel

What’s your favourite snack before a class?
I don’t really have a favourite snack before class, just like to be hydrated

Did a specific teacher or person inspire you?
My biggest teaching inspiration would be my teacher from Warriorz, Zara Richards

Do you have any other hobbies?
I like to Film and Edit videos and Edit Music, Design Clothes and Occasionally Gaming

Charlotte Teacher

Charlotte began dancing at age 3 and trained professionally at Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre, gaining teaching qualifications in Ballet, Modern, Tap, and more. She went on to perform professionally with companies including TUI, Warner Leisure, and Disneyland Paris.

Originally from Guernsey, Charlotte spent six years teaching on the island before relocating to the UK in 2024 to further her teaching career. She holds multiple DDEs and Licentiates across various styles and is continuing her training in Ballet and Tap.

Charlotte is passionate about sharing her knowledge and can’t wait to meet her new students!

Fun Facts

How old were you when you started dancing?
I started dancing at 3 years old in Latvia!

When did you fall in love with dance?
I’ve been in love with dance ever since I was a little girl. I’ve always adored being in the studio and on stage for as long as I can remember, right from my very first dance class.

Where did you train?
I grew up dancing mostly in Guernsey and went on to train at Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre on their full time professional performance course.

What is your favourite style of dance?
My favourite style of dance is modern and jazz.

Tell us all something we don’t know about you?
I used to work full time at Disneyland Paris!

What’s your favourite snack before a class?
My favourite snack is yoghurt and fruit before a class.

Did a specific teacher or person inspire you to have a career in dance?
In particular, my teacher Avril at the Avril Earl Dance and Theatre Arts school inspired and encouraged me to pursue dance and teaching as a full time career.

Do you have any other hobbies?
I like to run and crochet in my spare time.

Do you have a Fun Fact to share?
I ran the London Marathon.

Laura Class Assistant

Meet Laura, our enthusiastic DancePro Academy Assistant!

Laura is a vibrant 14-year-old with an undeniable passion for dance and a heart full of love for DancePro Academy. She has been a part of the DancePro family since she was just four years old, and from the moment she first stepped into the studio, she knew dance was her true calling.

Whether she’s helping out in classes or shining on stage during performances, Laura brings energy, joy, and dedication to everything she does.

Originally from Poland, Laura is fluent in Polish and enjoys sharing her culture with friends. Despite her parents’ plans to move back to Poland, she’s so devoted to DancePro Academy that she insists she won’t go unless the academy comes with her!

Her love for dance is infectious, and she’s especially fond of commercial dance, though she admits it’s hard to pick a favorite style because she loves them all.

When she’s not dancing, you can find Laura indulging in her other passions – fashion and football. She loves browsing through clothes and going on shopping trips, and she’s a huge football fan, often watching matches with her dad, who is a massive Liverpool supporter. Her favorite pre-class snacks are raspberries or mango, giving her the perfect boost of energy before she hits the dance floor.

A fun fact about Laura is that she spends every summer in Poland, soaking up the culture and staying connected with her roots. She’s also incredibly inspired by Miss Gill, Principal at DancePro, who has played a significant role in nurturing her love for dance.

Laura is not just a dancer but also a beloved friend and student, always eager to learn, help others, and stay busy. Her enthusiasm for life and dance makes her a shining star at DancePro Academy, and we’re so lucky to have her as part of our team!

Little Miss Trudy
Academy Mascot

Little Miss Trudy was born in April 2021 and joined the Academy as their mascot in June once she settled into her new home! She enjoys listening to music and singing and therefore her favourite class is Musical Theatre! Her favourite food is spinach and she also loves brown rice and peas. Miss Trudy is very social but only with Miss Gill by her side.

Our students love it when Miss Trudy comes along to classes and she is always the centre of attention and gets lots of cuddles at the end. Every Academy needs a mascot like Trudy! You can see more of Little Miss Trudy with our students over on our instagram page @danceproacademy