About Us
LA Dance is a vibrant local dance school offering a wide variety of classes for all ages and abilities. From the earliest steps in baby ballet to advanced senior classes, we provide a nurturing and energetic environment where every student can thrive.
Whether you're looking to pursue a career in dance and performance or simply have a passion for the arts, LA Dance caters to all. Our experienced teachers are committed to helping each dancer reach their full potential, whether that means preparing for professional auditions or dancing for the joy it brings.
We are passionate about dance and dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring space for our students to learn, grow, and express themselves. At LA Dance, every dancer is valued, and every journey is celebrated.
Meet the Teachers
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At the heart of our studio are the incredible teachers who inspire, motivate, and guide our students every step of the way. Each teacher brings a wealth of training, professional experience, and passion for sharing the art of dance.
Principle & Director
Laura Icke
Owner and Founder of LA Dance
Training & Background
Taking all grades uncluding advanced 2
Qualitifications
Registered ISTD teacher in Ballet, Modern & Tap
Over 20 years of experience within the industry
Licensed chaperone
First Aid Trained
Teacher, Choreographer & Director
Sonya Nichols
Training & Background
Sonia was a student of Page Mason School of Dance and trained professionally with The Royal Ballet school, where she won the coveted Ursula Moreton Choreographic Award.
Qualifications
Registered ballet teacher with The Royal Academy of Dance.
Registered ISTD Teacher in Cecchetti Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap and National Dance.
Registered teacher with Rambert Contemorary Grades.
Teacher & Choreographer
Aíne Miller
Training and background
Aine trained in Canada before moving to thee UK and graduating from Bird College with a First Class Hons Degree in Dance and Musical Theatre.
Credits
Featured dancer & singer in Mamma Mia aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Dancer on 'Britians Got Talent'
Singer in the musical 'Anything Goes' and 'The Grass is always Greener'.
Lead role as Frau Blucher in the musical comedy 'Young Frankenstein'.
Teacher & Choreographer
Lucy May Barker
Training and background
Lucy made her professional performing debut at just eight years old, playing the titular role in ANNIE on the UK and international tours, and has been in love with performing ever since. Alongside her extensive work as an actress and vocalist, she has spent the last fifteen years falling in love with teaching, too. Her work as a teacher spans internationally leading academies and colleges, delivering specialist workshops, leading events and Q&As as a guest speaker, advising on audition panels, working with students of all ages and abilities.
Singing Teacher
Kelly Richardson
Training and Background
Kelly is a classically trained Soprano who works as a vocalist and has been teaching singing to LA Dance studetns for over 10 years.
Credits
Eliza in My Fair Lady
Mabel in Pirates of Penzance
Maria in West Side Story
Suke in the Witches of Eastwick
Teacher & Chorographer
Brooke Sterland
Training and background
Brooke trained at Townsend Dance and Imagination Theatre School - NATD syllabus and gained performance experience in theatres, arena tours, and live television productions.
Qualifications
HND in Dance, University of Kent
ISTD Diploma in Dance Instruction
Acrobatic Arts Modules 1 and 2, plus Aerial and Back handspring
FAA Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults (RQF), Nuco Training
Teacher & Choreographer
Jessie Edmonton
Training and background
Jessie began her training at LA Dance Academy from a young age and graduated from Performers College with a BA Hons Degree in Dance & Musical Theatre in 2025.
Teacher & Choreographer
Jess Wicks
Training and background
Jess graduated from Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts.
Credits
Martin Kemp UK Tour 2023/24
Wave Dancer Cruises & Events
Haven (Dancer, Vocalist & Choreographer)
Merlin Entertainment (Actor)
Teaching Experience
Jess runs her own Commercial Dance Programme in Kent/London at highly established studios like BASE. She aims to build dancers confidence and performance skills through commercial dance.
Head Girl - Darcey
As Head Girl, Darcey embodies the dedication, passion, and leadership that our dance school values. She is a shining example to younger students, always leading by example with her commitment to training, positive attitude, and willingness to support others. With years of experience in a variety of dance styles, Darcey inspires those around her not only through her talent on stage but also through her kindness and encouragement in the studio. She plays a key role in fostering a welcoming and motivating environment for all dancers.