qualifications
The first level of qualification a dance teacher takes is Associate. This exam is partially on your dancing ability and partially on Technique and Theory. Once you have been an Associate for two years the next level is Member or Licentiate. The Member/Licentiate exam is very similar to Associate but there are more variations (steps) that have to be studied. You used to have to have been a Member/Licentiate for 5 years before you could become a Fellow, this has changed to 2 years. The syllabus for Fellowship is vast and teaching ability is taken in to account as well as technique and theory to a much higher standard. The examination is overseen by two examiners. It is essential that the teacher knows both the man’s and lady’s steps, leading and following, as well as body position, posture and movement, how to identify and rectify problems.
To become an examiner you have to have at least two Fellowships in what are considered to be the major branches and be requested to apply by the Dance teaching association of which you are a Fellow.
Christine Redfern - Principal
Fellow & ex-examiner, U.K.A, M.N.A.T.D, M.G.P.T.D.
Christine started dancing before the age of 5 and worked her way through the medal system as man as well as lady. She became a regular competitor at National level. By the time she was 19 Chris knew she wanted to be a teacher and in 1980 took the first of her many professional teaching qualifications. In 1981 she moved to Cornwall and started her own school in Falmouth. As an International and Championship adjudicator Chris has judged as far afield as Australia and was an examiner for 10 years before resigning recently due to other commitments.
Ex-examiner – all branches; Fellowship – Ballroom and Latin American; Member/Licentiate – Rock & Roll; Licentiate – Argentine Tango; Associate – Old Time
Helen
M.U.K.A
Helen started Old Time dancing at the age of 10. She went on to become a competitor and was South West of England Junior Old Time Champion. In 1990 she joined Chris to train for her teaching qualifications in Ballroom and Latin American as well as Old Time and Rock & Roll. After taking a short break to produce two lovely children she took her qualifications. Since 1997 Helen has been Chris' right hand.
Val
A.U.K.A., A.I.S.T.D.
Val started Ballroom & Latin American dancing at the age of 6 in Cambridge. Working her way through the medal system over the next few years. In 1975 she moved to Ely and was dancing 4 nights a week after school. When her family moved to Norfolk when she was 12 she started competing, winning many trophies over the 4 year partnership. Like Chris, she took medals dancing as man as well as lady, always good training for a future teacher. In 1991 Val qualified with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. After a move to Cornwall and a break to have 2 lovely children, Val contacted Chris just before Christmas 2007 and joined the staff of The Gemini Dance Studios in January 2008.
Roger
A.N.A.T.D.
Roger started dancing in 1996. After a number of years as a competitor he felt it was time for a change of direction to help others get the enjoyment and friendship out of dancing that he has.
As currently the only male assistant he is a very popular and busy member of staff.
Deena
Deena started as a beginner with Chris in 1988. Over the years she worked her way through her medals, both as lady and as man, becoming Chris's first assistant.
Following a break for a few years to bring up her two lovely daughters, Deena came back in 2008 and is an invaluable, enthusiastic, lively member of the team.
Heather
Although Heather has not been dancing as long as the others, she is a Secondary School teacher and has a natural ability to help others and thoroughly enjoys herself.
Heidi BE.d
Heidi started beginner's classes with Chris in 2001. She has taken medals in Ballroom & Latin. Heidi has 3 children and is a part time primary school teacher, with responsibility for children who have special needs. She is herself dyslexic and, amongst other things, can't tell her left from her right. She sees this as just one of her strengths. As a result of this she has adapted to find other ways to learn which have helped the other members of staff adapt to help pupils with similar difficulties. Heidi loves the challange of helping others that struggle, for whatever reason, to find ways to learn effectively.