Mariona Hawkins -
Founder & Artistic Director
Originally from Barcelona, I started dancing when I was 5 years old and haven’t looked back since. Throughout my life, I developed my skills as a dancer in many different dance genres including Classical Ballet, Rythmics Gymnastics, Commercial, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Lyrical in local schools in my hometown. I completed my professional training at Memory School of Performing Arts in Barcelona as well as training at Plan D Professional Contemporary Dance School.
I knew from a very young age that my passion for teaching was as strong if not more than performing. It’s been 15 years since the day I was asked by my coach to help in classes and since then I haven’t stopped developing my skills as a teacher and educator. When I opened AD, I knew I wanted to create a space were students could flourish and had the chance and support to develop their full potential. Making unforgettable memories and developing skills that will help them through life.
To this day, I still teach throughout the week in the studio as this is why I opened the studio un the first place. Teaching is my passion and I strive to deliver high quality education. However, this is only possible by constantly updating our knowledge and being up to date with the developments in all the areas of the industry.
I have taken several dance teaching qualifications with renowned examination boards such as bbodance, Acrobatic Arts and I-Path, allowing our school to offer training programs of a high standard.
Registered Teacher Status with BBODANCE
Level 5 Diploma in Dance Teaching with BBODANCE
Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching with BBODANCE
Registered Teacher with International Performing Arts and Theatre (I-PATH)
Module 1 Certified Acrobatic Arts teacher
Module 2 Certified Acrotrix Teacher
Module 1 Certified Alixa Flexibility teacher
Certified Pre-School Acrobatic Arts teacher
Anatomy and Physiology Diploma by International Dance Teaching Association (IDTA)
Certified Teacher of Progressing Ballet Techniques (PBT)
BA Honours Degree in Journalism & Corporate Communication
Masters Degree in Business Management