Mariona Hawkins -

Founder & Artistic Director

Originally from Barcelona, I started dancing when I was 5 years old and haven’t looked back since. Professionally trained in Performing Arts by Memory School of Performing Arts and trained in Contemporary Dance by Plan D Professional Contemporary Dance School in Barcelona. I developed my skills as a dancer in many different dance genres including Classical Ballet, Rythmics Gymnastics, Commercial, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Lyrical.

I knew from a very young age that my passion for teaching was as strong if not more than performing. When I was a senior student, I was asked by my coach to help in classes and I haven’t stopped developing my skills as a teacher since, it’s been almost 15 years!. 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. I am passionate about delivering high quality education and 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

*In addition to my qualifications, I attend Continuing Professional Development courses every year as part of our bbodance membership to keep up to date with the latest teaching techniques. I also attend numerous masterclasses and independent teaching courses to be on top of the latest trends in the industry.

My extensive experience in different styles allows me to offer a wider range of movement, techniques and methodologies making my students truly versatile! I am very passionate about dance technique and my classes have a strong focus on this. Dance technique gives student the foundation to progress and enhance their dance in many ways. In a world were the dance industry is becoming very competitive and highly physically demanding, good technique and safe practices are key to ensure endurance and a long and healthy dance career.

I also encourage all of my students to develop their personality and creativity as a fundamental part of their training. Dance without expression is just movement. My passion is to raise students to become not only dancers, but the artists of tomorrow. I love getting to know every student who trains in our school and support them along their journey.