Dianne Hughes
A. ISTD, Fellow ADA, HonANCM.
I have had the honour of being the Principal of Delta Academy for over 30 years and in that time I have had the extreme pleasure of teaching children from all walks of life, ages and abilities. I, along with my fellow teachers have a passion for teaching and it is our ultimate goal to bring out the confidence and hidden skills in each individual pupil, which gives us our winning combination and helps build Delta's fantastic reputation both locally and Nationally. Formerly known as Top Hat and Tails, I have seen the school grow and I am proud to have our own purpose built studios on the Queensway, Wrexham. We hope to see you at one of our many classes. We run classes in Dance, Drama and Singing all to an incredibly high standard which in turn leads to optional examinations in all 3 disciplines. We would like nothing better than to introduce your child to the dazzling world of Performing arts, we guarantee that they will make life long friends, grow in confidence, fitness and will have great fun along the way.
Frankie Ankers
BSc and PGCE
Frankie is a dynamic and passionate drama teacher with years of experience in helping students explore their creativity and develop their skills in acting and performance. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every class, helping students to discover their own unique talents and abilities. With a warm and engaging teaching style, Frankie creates a supportive and nurturing environment where students can feel confident in taking risks and trying new things. Her love for drama and her commitment to helping her students succeed make her a valued teacher and mentor in the performing arts community.
Martine Jones
MA, A. ADA, HonANCM, BA(HONS).
Martine has dedicated 25+ years to teaching Drama and Speech. Her training and expertise in Acting, Dance, and Singing have equipped her to nurture well-rounded performers who shine on stage. Martine's true passion lies in Drama, and she enthusiastically accepted the position at Delta after completing her Masters Degree in Drama and Literature.
As the Director of Drama at Delta, Martine not only contributes her expertise to the academy but also teaches Spoken English, LAMDA, and Drama in prestigious private schools across Shropshire, Chester, and North Wales. Among the schools she works with, Hammond School in Chester stands out as a notable institution. Martine's commitment to excellence has resulted in her pupils achieving remarkable success in festivals held in these areas.
Martine is known for her creativity and adeptness in directing both adults and children. Her directorial credits boast an impressive repertoire of productions, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Teechers, Shakers, Private Peaceful, Bugsy Malone, Oliver, Sweet Charity, The Wizard of Oz, The King & I, Our Day Out, and many more. Each of these productions has garnered resounding success under her guidance.
In addition to her teaching and directing roles, Martine has been appointed to the board of examiners at LAMDA. This prestigious position requires her to travel across the UK, diligently assessing students' work.
Martine firmly believes that each pupil possesses unique qualities waiting to be unlocked. Through drama and performance, she empowers her students to tap into their individual potential.
Naomi Jones
L. ADA, BA(Hons), Licentiate Tap, Licentiate Modern.
Naomi has danced since the age of 3 at The Delta Academy of Dance and Performing Arts during which time she has been lucky enough to have been taught by professional dance teachers who have performed in many West End Shows and Musicals. She has also performed at the Manchester Palace and Sadler’s Wells along side Cheryl Baker and Michael Starke, as well as also taking part in breaking a world record alongside Wayne Sleep. After becoming a qualified dance teacher through the Allied Dancing Association (ADA) at the age of 18, Naomi then went on to study dance at University in Liverpool again being taught by professional dance choreographers, who helped to create dance routines for leading artists such as Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. It was through their mentoring, that she realised that teaching dance was the way forward. Having achieved remarkable success, Naomi passed all her teaching exams with the highest marks possible, solidifying her expertise in dance education. She loves encouraging children and watching as their dance skills, confidence as well as their self belief develop. Naomi is furthering her passion for teaching by training to become a qualified Children and Young Person's Counsellor. She hopes to offer support and a safe space for children to help ease the demanding transitions between different stages of life. Her goal is to provide children with the skills and methods necessary to manage their emotions and navigate stressful situations, ultimately promoting a higher level of self-esteem and self-confidence, which can improve their social skills.
Gemma McHale
BA (HONS) Music PGCE (Consultant).
Gemma is Head of Music at Blacon High School in Chester, she is also Musical Director for several Choirs in the area and has been teaching Singing, developing vocal skills for over 15 years. Gemma studied a Degree in Music at Salford University and her Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Secondary Music (with Drama) at Liverpool Hope University. From a young age, Gemma was a pupil of the Delta Academy; training in Dance, Singing and Drama. This developed her passion for Performing Arts. Music has always been an important element of Gemma's life, she regularly performs with a professional function band, playing at weddings and corporate events across the North West and North Wales. Gemma feels is it important to continue her performance development throughout her teaching career. Gemma is Director of Music at the Academy and teaches singing as well as running the successful Delta Academy Ladies Choir, her main passions are Musical Theatre and Popular Music.
Rikki Leigh Hughes
Rikki is an experienced Acrobatics, Gymnastics, and Dance teacher with a passion for helping students develop their skills and achieve their goals. With a background in performing arts and up to a decade of teaching experience, Rikki has honed her craft and is known for her ability to inspire and motivate students of all ages and skill levels. Whether teaching in a studio or working one-on-one with students, Rikki is dedicated to helping each individual reach their full potential and find joy in movement.
Chloe Jones
A. ADA.
Chloe's journey with Delta Academy began at the age of 6, where she discovered her passion for ballet and tap. Over the years, she has become a remarkable dancer, achieving excellence in these disciplines. In fact, she has attained the highest mark and qualified as an Associate Ballet Teacher through our esteemed partnership with the Allied Dance Association.
As a teacher, Chloe goes above and beyond to nurture a caring and compassionate environment. She is committed to ensuring that no student falls behind, dedicating her time to help each child unlock their full potential and build their self-confidence. With Chloe's guidance, students flourish and embrace their abilities, paving the way for personal growth and success.
Denise Smith
ADA, HonANCM.
Denise has danced in and choreographed numerous shows and pantomines and only decided to teach after starting her own family. Since qualifying as a teacher in ballet and tap Denise has successfully coached and coaxed hundreds of pupils through their exams and takes great pride in building the confidence of her pupils. Denise is a certified teacher of Progressing Ballet Technique (recertified Jan 2021).
Katie Morgan
Katie Morgan attended Delta as a student, formerly known as Top Hat and Tails, from the age of 7. She showcased her skills in various competitions across the North West, earning numerous trophies and medals. At 11 years old, Katie successfully auditioned for the JA programme at the Royal Ballet School. Continuing her ballet training, she joined the Hammond Ballet School's senior associates ballet programme at the age of 15.
When Katie turned 16, she auditioned for Elmhurst and was offered a three-year scholarship. She completed her studies and received her National Diploma in Professional Dance and Performing Arts. Following her education, Katie relocated to London, where she immersed herself in classes at Pineapple Dance Studios and attended numerous auditions.
Her professional journey began as a showgirl at Europe's largest casino, where she spent a year and a half performing alongside talented dancers and singers. Katie also had the privilege of appearing on Portuguese TV during her time there. She later ventured to Saint Vincent in Italy, working as a showgirl.
In search of new experiences, Katie auditioned for a cruise ship and was offered a six-month contract, which eventually extended to five years. She traveled extensively around the world, assuming the role of Dance Captain, overseeing rehearsals and ensuring the choreography was executed flawlessly.
Concluding her dancing career, Katie joined a Pantomime in Blackpool, where she had the opportunity to perform alongside numerous famous personalities. Her dedication and commitment as a dance teacher for Delta Academy helps inspire students to push themselves to new levels of achievement.
Tamara Hall
Tamara is a talented and experienced singing teacher with a passion for helping students discover their unique voices. With a background in classical and contemporary music, Tamara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every lesson. She has a warm and engaging teaching style that puts students at ease, allowing them to explore their voices and build their confidence as singers. Tamara's approach to teaching is personalised and flexible, tailoring her lessons to the individual needs and goals of each student. Whether teaching beginner or advanced students, Tamara is committed to helping each individual achieve their full potential as a singer.
Jennie Kennedy
A.ADA B’Ed in Performing Arts.
Jennie is a talented and dedicated dance teacher with a passion for inspiring students to reach their full potential. With over two decades of teaching experience, Jennie has honed her craft and is known for her ability to create dynamic and engaging classes that challenge and motivate students of all ages and levels. Her positive and encouraging teaching style, combined with her love for dance, make her a valued mentor and role model for aspiring dancers.
