About our Cookies and Privacy Policy
This web site uses cookies, collects anonymous information about how you interact with it, and may request personal information from you to provide the best possible service both for using the web site and accessing our dance studios and classes. How we use cookies and any information we collect is described in our policies.

Accept policies

Find out More

Colours of Dance Teachers

RAD RTS Blue Logo ISTD Registered Member Logo

 

 

 

 

 

Click to reveal full bio.

Imogen Knight

Principal

BA, Dip. RAD, Dip. TD (NBS), ARAD, AISTD, RAD RTS

Listed in RAD Register of Teachers: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/dance-with-us/register-of-teachers/

Imogen Knight is a classical ballet, modern & tap dance teacher. Trained at Northern Ballet School in Manchester UK, she holds Diplomas in the Teaching of Dance, is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and is an Associate of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. 'Miss Imogen' continues to learn and to be curious about dance & education, attending courses & classes throughout the year as part of her Continuing Professional Development.

Prior to establishing Colours of Dance in Cambridge in 2010, Imogen created an extra-curricular Dance Programme at the Taipei European School, offering ballet and modern dance. The Dance Programme continues with a new teacher. Imogen was also involved in various other dance-related activities for the International Community in Taipei, such as teaching the Scottish Country Dance classes for the annual St Andrew's Ball and to the children and staff at the SOS Children's Village located just outside Taipei.

Imogen relocated to Taipei from Singapore, where she owned and ran a dance school. Her students in Singapore successfully passed RAD exams and took part in dance recitals & other performances. The school continues to flourish under its new owners.

Miss Imogen's approach is to inspire correct technique and through fun and thoughtful practice, to educate students about the art and style of the dance type they are studying in an appropriately disciplined class, whilst ensuring that learning dance is an enjoyable hobby for anybody who enjoys dance movement.  At Colours of Dance, Miss Imogen has established a school founded on the principles of openness, respect, inclusion and hard work, which reflect her personal ethos, and is committed to meeting each student where they are, to understand their ambitions and together with them, to help them achieve the best possible outcome at each class and over the longer term.

In the wider dance community, Imogen is an actively involved Trustee of the Royal Academy of Dance (since 2016).  She was appointed Deputy Chair in 2023, chairs the Artistic Subcommittee, serves as deputy chair of the Marketing and Membership subcommittee, serves on the Governance & People subcommittee and is the current names Trustee for Safeguarding. Prior to that she served as a member of the RAD Regional Panel for the East of England and Midlands region for 6 years.  In June 2025, Imogen was appointed Trustee at Northern Ballet.

In 2020, along with other members of the profession, she co-founded Safer Dance, the Dance Schools Safeguarding Working Group, which aims to help dance schools ensure that all children are safe in dance, and remains a committee member of this group.  More recently, Miss Imogen has become a tutor and lead member of the GuiDANCE network, building training and awareness for teachers of children growing up in dance.

 

Christina Habib

Associate Teacher: Ballet

I enrolled in dance classes at a young age and quickly fell in love with Classical ballet, which led to a 16-year career as a professional dancer with Ballet Magnificat in Jackson Mississippi.   I had the privilege of performing in over 15 original classical and contemporary works traveling extensively stateside and abroad.

Trained in the Russian Vaganova Method I had the honour to assist and then teach classes of students from a young age whilst still performing.   As is often the case for many professional dancers, I also taught master classes all over the world in addition to a daily studio setting. I really love challenging dancers in the fundamentals of classical ballet, whilst applying the artistry of expression within that medium!

I have just reloacted to Cambridge and will be continuing my devlopment as a teacher by training in the RAD method and taking over some syllabus classes at Colours of Dance.   I will also be assiting Miss Imogen with the more senior students, helping her to develop them to their full portential and perhaps prepare them for a career in dance.

Jane Mansley

Associate Teacher: Pilates (Body Control)

I am a Body Control and ActiveIQ Level 3 qualified Pilates instructor, trained to the Intermediate Matwork level. I am also a qualified Exercise to Music teacher, and run a range of Pilates and aerobics classes in and around Cambridge. My guiding principle is that improving health and fitness should be open to all, whether or not you consider yourself to be strong, coordinated, or flexible. Exercise should be safe and fun, and give a sense of achievement, so that you can enjoy looking after yourself for life. 

Before moving into fitness instruction, I was a scientist, gaining a PhD in genetics, and going on to work as a conservation biologist for ten years. I apply my scientific thinking to my work, and my practice is based on an objective analysis of the latest research. As a Registered Exercise Professional, I am committed to continued professional development, and keep my skills up-to-date with regular courses and workshops.

Grace Atyes

Associate Teacher: Tap & Ballet

I started dancing at the age of 5 at my local dance school where I found my love and passion for dance. While attending the dance school, up until the age of 18, I managed to achieve all my grades in RAD Ballet and ISTD Tap and Modern. At the age of 16 I began my vocational training gaining Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performance Arts with a triple distinction at Stage Right Performing Arts College. I then continued my studies at The Centre Performing Arts College where I began my teaching qualifications for my DDE in Tap and Modern.  I am currently still working toward finishing my qualifications along side teaching full time. I am also a fully qualified young persons ballet teacher for an established franchise. 

I have always had a passion for teaching from a young age and have aspired to teach my pupils with enthusiasm, patience and kindness. I am excited about joining Colours of Dance and being part of a team that shares the same values.

Ines Byrne

Associate Teacher - Pilates

I am a fitness and Pilates instructor based in Cambridge, UK. I currently teach Pilates and aerobics classes in Cambridge. I have a broad set of qualifications, including Body Control Pilates Intermediate Matwork, and teach a variety of classes for adults of all ages and all levels of ability and fitness.

I am passionate about exercise and its physical and mental benefits. I have more than 11 years of experience working as a fitness instructor, and I attend courses and workshops regularly to develop my skills and to learn the latest techniques.

Beth Connellan

Associate Teacher

Beth is a ballet and contemporary dance teacher, she has a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance and has trained in the Rambert Grades Contemporary syllabus. Beth trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds achieving her BA (hons) in Contemporary Dance. As part of her degree, Beth worked with a broad range of choreographers including Sharon Watson, Charlie Morrisey and Antonia Grove culminating in performances at multiple venues across West Yorkshire. After graduating she taught classes at the University of Leeds and choreographed dances for their competitions and shows. It was this experience which uncovered her passion for teaching and helping students to discover their own connection with dance.

Beth achieved Advanced 1 ballet and Advanced 1 modern whilst training at Susan Robin School of Ballet in Surrey, where she also had the opportunity to compete in the All England Dance competitions and perform in the Dance Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. She successfully auditioned for a place in Shift Dance Company at The Place and they took a piece choreographed by Theo Clinkard on tour to theatres across England.

Eleanor Eliza Connery Needham

Associate Teacher: Streetdance

I began training in Street and Commercial dance at the age of 13 with a troupe called Kollection. I went on to study Performing and Production Arts in college, I then furthered my education with a HNC in Performing Arts. I was fortunate enough to be able to focus on Commercial dance styles, Dance Fitness and Tap whilst in training.

I've had an incredible time performing in various flash mobs, cabarets, and events, but at heart, I’m a teacher and choreographer first. I hold a Level 4 teaching qualification with BBO Dance, which I earned in 2023. This year, I have also pursued medal awards in Tap, Ballet, and Musical Theatre with the IDTA.  I am a perpetual student - I just love learning, so that I can pass that onto my students.

I am thrilled to be able to take over the Street Dance classes in September and have many plans for it’s future! My favourite moments in dance are when the movement or the idea suddenly clicks and nothing else matters, it’s a wonderful feeling and I’m incredibly lucky to witness it with each child as I support them on their dance journeys. 

Brittanie Dillon

Associate Teacher: Ballet & Contemporary

fell in love with ballet when I started dancing at my local ballet school at age 10. I quickly realised that I wanted to pursue it more seriously which propelled me to audition for DanceEast Centre for Advance Training (CAT). This was pivotal in my evolvement and growth as a young dancer  as at 16 I successfully gained a scholarship place at the Central School of Ballet in London. Here I gained a First Class BA Honours Degree after 3 wonderful years of training. I took part in the Ballet Central Tour during my 3rd year. After this, I joined Matthew Bournes New Adventures company and had featured roles in the UK tours of ‘The Red Shoes’ and ‘Cinderella’. 

I have always been incredibly passionate about sharing the value and benefit of using dance as a powerful tool for communication, catharsis, creativity and expression. I believe that we should all have access to this, no matter our ability or background. This drove me to study for a MA in Dance Movement Psychotherapy. My knowledge and work in the mental health and psychology field is something I integrate into my practice as a dance teacher, and I am hugely passionate about supporting young people in their journey through life and helping them reach their full potential. 

I am beyond delighted to be joining Colours of Dance under the guidance and mentorship of Miss Imogen. I am also overjoyed to be joining the Colours of Dance Radiates programme. I can’t wait to make magic with all of the students in the studio! 

Holly Dunkley

Associate Teacher: Tap & Musical Theatre

I began dancing at the age of 3 at my local dance school and then joined Stage Right Centre for the Performing Arts where I had the opportunity to be part of many local pantomimes, to perform at the Royal Albert Hall and also to reach the National Finals at the prestigious All England Dance Competition.

I began vocational dance training at Stage Right College Royston gaining Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts with a triple Distinction.  I then continued with professional training at Performers College, Essex, where I achieved a BA Hons in Musical Theatre and Dance. During training, I was part of many professional shows at the Towngate Theatre where I was lucky to work with a broad range of outstanding and leading choreographers.

Alongside professional dance training at Performers College, I studied for teaching qualifications with the ISTD gaining DDE in both Modern and Tap disciplines, as I always wanted to train as a teacher, and part of that was training to the highest standards as a dancer.

I am thrilled to be joining Colours of Dance and I am very excited to share my passion for dance and guiding my students in discovering and achieving their full potential.

Claire Ludlam

Associate Teacher - Ballet & Pre-School Dance

For me, dancing is an integral part of life, and as a musician, I feel the two elements fuse together beautifully, with dance as the perfect medium for expression of stories old and new.

Being passionate about ballet from a young age, I trained at Alma Kirk’s School of Dance in the North, before coming to study at Cambridge University, where I joined the University Ballet Club. I am still an active member, participating in full-scale ballet productions which have included Swan Lake and Giselle. I believe wholeheartedly that being part of something bringing such joy and fulfilment on a personal level, can add a further dimension to working effectively as a professional.

A love of the expressive arts has helped enable me to imagine indirect approaches of communication with the children I have been privileged to work with as an Assistant Headteacher, musician, dancer and during my MA in Social Care. Finding the voice inside every child has been a quest I consider fundamentally important and I have always strived to facilitate a strong connection with each individual through creative modes.

Whilst training for my vocational grades at Ladybird Borland Dance Studios, I studied for my ballet teaching qualification, recognising the enormous value of dance education as a tool for empowerment, enjoyment and expression for all.  I passed with distinction as a United Teachers of Dance ballet instructor and have been fortunate to teach children and adults at all stages of their journey as dancers and watch them flourish and grow. I also set up my own Bright Sparks ballet classes in St Ives and have enjoyed taking pupils through those all-important first steps on their dance journey.

Joining Colours of Dance, along with my children, I fell in love with the spirit and unity of the school and feel delighted to be asked to become a member of the teaching team under the flagship guidance of Miss Imogen.