Our Staff
MISS KAY - Director, Principal & Teacher
Miss Kay has been dancing since the age of three and has always had a natural passion for performing. At the age of 16, she attended The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in Croydon, where she trained in a wide range of dance styles. After achieving a Triple Distinction in her BTEC National Diploma in Dance Theatre, she was awarded a full scholarship to study at Performers College in Essex, one of the UK's leading performing arts colleges.
Throughout her professional career, Miss Kay has performed in productions across the UK. Her theatre credits include pantomimes alongside Anita Dobson, Denise Nolan, Mark Wingett and many other well-known performers. She has also appeared in productions such as Night at the Musical (UK Tour), the Woman of the Future Awards, Cabaret and a Sir Alan Sugar Charity Event. Alongside stage work, Miss Kay has featured in international television commercials and travelled to Disneyland Paris, where she performed in the daily parades and stage shows as one of Princess Tiana's performers.
Miss Kay began her teaching career as an assistant teacher before progressing to teach her own classes. She has also worked with children with additional needs, teaching at St
Giles School and Priory School, and is passionate about ensuring that every child has access to high-quality performing arts training, regardless of their background or ability.
Miss Kay has trained extensively in ISTD Tap and Modern Theatre, is an Acrobatic Arts qualified teacher and an associate member of BBO. Miss Kay is currently studying for her Licentiate Tap qualification with BBO. One step closer to become an examiner.
In 2014, Miss Kay founded Zamariah's Dance Academy, which has since grown into Croydon School of Performing Arts CIC. After more than 12 successful years, the academy evolved into a Community Interest Company to expand its reach, create more opportunities for local children and young people and make high-quality performing arts training more accessible through community partnerships and funding.
Miss Kay is also the founder of the Next Up Awards, an annual celebration recognising the achievements of children and young people in the performing arts. The event gives young performers the opportunity to celebrate their hard work in a professional theatre setting while encouraging confidence, ambition and a love of the arts.
Creating opportunities for young people is at the heart of everything Miss Kay does. She has helped students perform in professional theatres, community events and showcases, with many progressing into television, theatre and professional training. She has also provided children with the incredible opportunity to perform on the MOVE IT Main Stage, allowing them to experience performing at the world's largest dance event and inspiring them to aim high.
Miss Kay believes that every child deserves the opportunity to shine. Whether a student dreams of performing professionally or simply wants to gain confidence, make friends and have fun, she is dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential in a supportive, inclusive and inspiring environment.
Miss Kay is Enhanced DBS checked, First Aid trained and holds a Chaperone Licence.
MISS ALENA - Singing Teacher
Singing teacher Miss Alena has been singing and dancing since the age of 7. After several years training at a Local musical theatre school, Alena landed her first roll in London's West End at the age of 10 As original cast in the award winning musical Billy Elliot. She went onto perform in the musical for 3 years, with performances on TV show Strictly Come Dancing and GMTV, along with performing for the likes of Michael Jackson, Elton John and Busted.
Shortly after, Miss Alena landed a place at Trinity Laban conservatoire of music and dance in their Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) scheme. She went onto to perform in various location around london including The SouthBank Centre and The Royal Ballet School.
At the age of 16 Miss Alena landed a place at The Brit School of Performing Arts where she studied Music and Music technology alongside extra curricular dance gaining a Triple Distinction. She then went onto Backing sing write songs for various projects within the music industry.
Her skills have led to become extremely passionate about singing and is excited to teach the students of Croydon School Of Performing Arts and pass on her knowledge to the next generation of singers.
Miss Alena is a registered teacher with ABRSM.
Miss Alena is Enhanced DBS checked and has a Chaperones Licence.
MISS SOPHIA – Ballet & Senior Technique Teacher
Miss Sophia has been dancing since the age of two and has always shown a natural leadership presence in the studio, often taking on the role of a second teacher from a young age. She is trained in a wide range of dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, modern, street, Latin, tap and jazz, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with the next generation of performers.
After graduating from The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, Miss Sophia began studying at LMA (London Music Academy). She has successfully completed her first year of her degree and is looking forward to starting her second year in September 2026, where she continues to develop her skills in dance performance, choreography and teaching.
Miss Sophia has trained with prestigious organisations including the English Youth Ballet and the School of Russian Ballet. She has performed in acclaimed productions such as Swan Lake and Coppélia with the English Youth Ballet, gaining valuable experience performing in classical ballet productions.
With a love for both teaching and choreography, Miss Sophia enjoys helping students build strong technical foundations while growing in confidence and creativity. She hopes to pursue a career choreographing and directing contemporary and modern ballet productions, as well as creating choreography for music videos, commercials and live performances. Her enthusiasm, professionalism and nurturing approach make her an inspiring teacher and role model for all of our students.
Miss Sophia is Enhanced DBS checked and holds a Chaperones Licence.
Mr Cian – Street Dance Teacher
Mr Cian’s passion for dance began at just four years old, starting his training at Startsteppers before continuing to develop his skills and versatility at Italia Conti.
With a particular passion for Street Dance, Mr Cian has competed successfully in numerous competitions, earning multiple trophies and achievements along the way. He is currently in his final year at the prestigious BRIT School, where he continues to develop his performance skills, creativity and industry knowledge.
Mr Cian brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to the studio, creating classes that are fun, energetic and encouraging, while helping students develop strong technique, confidence and their own individual style.
As a Student Teacher at CSPA, Mr Cian will continue developing his teaching skills with the support and mentorship of Miss Kay. He is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers and encouraging every student to express themselves, enjoy their training and perform with confidence.
We are very excited to have Mr Cian as part of the CSPA team!
Mr Cian is Enhanced DBS checked.
MISS HAILEY – AcroDance Teacher
Miss Hailey is a passionate and enthusiastic AcroDance teacher with a background in gymnastics, competitive cheerleading and physiotherapy. With an appreciation for ballet and contemporary dance, she loves combining athleticism, flexibility and artistic expression to help young performers develop their skills and confidence.
As a competitive cheerleader, Miss Hailey has achieved multiple UK National Championship titles in the university division, including University All-Girl Level 2 Tumbling at Legacy Cheer and Dance and the International Cheerleading Coalition.
Miss Hailey also brings two years of gymnastics coaching experience from Hong Kong, where she developed a passion for helping young students improve their strength, flexibility, coordination and acrobatic abilities in a positive and supportive environment.
Her background in physiotherapy provides her with a valuable understanding of movement, body mechanics and safe training techniques, which she incorporates into her teaching to support students' development.
Miss Hailey believes every child should have the opportunity to discover their potential, challenge themselves
and celebrate their achievements. She strives to create fun, inclusive and encouraging classes where students can develop their creativity, build confidence and enjoy the exciting combination of dance and acrobatics.
Through her enthusiasm, knowledge and love of teaching, Miss Hailey hopes to inspire the next generation of young performers to believe in themselves and achieve their personal best.
Miss Hailey is Enhanced DBS checked.
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BELLA - Teaching Assistant
Bella joined Croydon School of Performing Arts in February 2025 as a volunteer while completing her Duke of Edinburgh's Award. She enjoyed it so much that she stayed on and is now one of our Assistant Teachers.
Bella has a real passion for working with children, especially our younger students. She loves helping them grow in confidence, celebrating their progress and sharing in their excitement each week. She also enjoys being part of our friendly and supportive team.
In the future, Bella hopes to work in the fashion industry as a stylist or Creative Director and is looking forward to studying at fashion school.
EDEN - Teaching Assistant
Eden has been dancing for eight years and has grown into a confident, dedicated and enthusiastic performer. Throughout her dance journey, she has developed a particular love for contemporary dance, enjoying the creativity, emotion and storytelling it brings to every performance. Although she is still exploring her future career path, she is excited to continue learning, developing her skills and discovering where her passion for the performing arts will take her.
Alongside her own training, Eden enjoys supporting our younger students and loves watching them grow in confidence as they learn new skills. She has a kind and caring nature and enjoys helping to create a fun, welcoming environment where every child feels encouraged to do their best. As a positive role model, Eden is a valued member of the Croydon School of Performing Arts team and is always happy to inspire the next generation of performers.
EZMAI - Teaching Assistant
Ezmai has been dancing since the age of two and a half and has always had a passion for performing. From a young age, she has trained in dance, singing and acting, developing her skills both in the studio and on stage.
At just seven years old, Ezmai made her West End debut as Young Cosette in Les Misérables. She later spent 19 months performing as Young Tina Turner in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Alongside her theatre work, she has also appeared in local pantomimes, television commercials and a variety of live performances.
Ezmai hopes to attend a vocational performing arts college before continuing her career as a professional performer in the West End. She loves helping our younger students, sharing the knowledge and confidence she has gained through her training and professional experience, and inspiring them to work hard, believe in themselves and enjoy every step of their performing arts journey.
JERRY - Teaching Assistant
Jerry's bio coming soon.
MS ROBINSON - Front Desk
Ms Robinson is the friendly and welcoming face you will see each Saturday at Croydon School of Performing Arts CIC.
Mother to Miss Kay and Miss Alena, she has been involved in the performing arts for many years and is also an experienced Primary School Teacher.
As our Front Desk Coordinator, Ms Robinson ensures all students are safely signed in and out, supports parents with any queries, and helps create the warm, family atmosphere that our school is known for.
Ms Robinson is DBS Checked, First Aid Trained and holds a Chaperones Licence.
DONNA - Admin Manager
Donna brings a wealth of experience, having worked as a PA for numerous companies throughout her career. Now retired, she dedicates her time to supporting Croydon School of Performing Arts CIC with administrative tasks, driven by her passion for the performing arts.
All administration, including uniform orders, is managed by Donna. She is the friendly and efficient person behind the prompt replies to your emails, ensuring everything runs smoothly.