Gemma Aiello-Martin
Principal/Director
Gemma’s love for dancing started at Lorraine’s School of Dance where she was a pupil from the age of 3. At 18 she went on to train at the Centre of Performing Arts College under the direction of Miss Karen King.
After graduating with her ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet, tap and modern, Gemma worked professionally for 8 years on MSC Cruises. It was a job she loved and an opportunity to travel the world. During this time She took on roles of both dance captain and production manager, which included choreographing, blocking shows on board and being point on contact for all production team.
Gemma’s professional career also covers TV credits for BBC and Nickelodeon. She has also worked in and around Europe choreographing and modelling for top hair shows including L’Oreal.
In 2012 Gemma returned to her roots and joined the team at Lorraine’s School of Dance. It was here she took on a full time position teaching Ballet, tap modern, jazz and adult classes. Her love and passion for teaching was clear to see.
In 2018 Gemma took some time out to focus on married life and in 2021 had her daughter Sofia.
Gemma is extremely excited to be back, this time taking on a new role as Principal/Director of Creative Dance Studios. Gemma will be teaching the older ballet grades and cannot wait to get back into the studio.
Emma O’Regan
Emma started dancing at the age of 4 at Lorraine’s School of Dance, where she took up ballet, tap, modern, jazz, singing and drama.
At 18 Emma decided to continue her passion for performing and successfully gained a place at Performers College where she studied for 3 years. It’s here she received her Trinity National Diploma in Musical Theatre and obtained her DDI teaching exams in ballet, tap and modern.
Since graduating in 2012 Emma’s professional credits include many high profile corporate events, “The Cancer Slam” advert for Cancer Research UK and Race for life events, performances on ITV’S Children In Need, Text Santa, and the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.
Emma began teaching in 2013, and came back to Lorraine’s as a full time teacher in 2015 to teach Jazz classes. Now, Emma teaches ballet to the younger half of the school, tap and modern, all of the jazz classes, and our Adult tap classes.
Emma has always been passionate about inspiring others to dance and perform, and has had the pleasure of helping many of the students at the school grow, and even continue training at performing arts schools across the country.
Emma is so excited to continue being a part of the team of brilliant teachers at Creative Dance Studios.
Gemma Harbor
Gemma started dancing from a young age and soon grew to love performing, teaching and choreographing dance.
After completing her BTEC in dance at Strodes College Egham, she went on to further her practice at Creative Academy graduating with a first class ba (hons) in dance.
Gemma began her professional performing career dancing in the Dominican Republic and from here has taken her across the world dancing in many countries including India and Italy.
Gemma also enjoys teaching RAD ballet, dance fitness and pilates and loved teaching ISTD tap and modern at Lorraines School of Dance.
Gemma is very excited to be now part of Creative Dance Studios and cannot wait to support the students as they grow as performers.
Jessica Wakefield
Miss Jess graduated from Bird College Conservatoire with a BA(Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. Prior to her professional training, she completed the ISTD Cecchetti Ballet syllabus from Grade 1 through to Intermediate level, laying a strong foundation for her classical technique.
During her time at Bird, she had the privilege of working with acclaimed choreographer and director Richard J. Hinds, whose credits span both the West End and Broadway. She also performed at Move It—the world’s largest dance event—as part of the company Tired Movement, which advocates for racial equality in the dance industry.
Since graduating, Miss Jess has completed the ISTD Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (Ballet) and remains committed to continuous professional development. She is known for her patient and encouraging approach, and for creating a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment where every student feels empowered to grow and thrive.