Team Highstone
Samantha Ewen
Principal & Owner - LISTD, ARBTA Examiner.
Sam is the creative heart of Highstone. As Principal since 1998, she oversees every aspect of the day-to-day running as well as offering guidance and support to her team and students. Most of the Highstone team are former students & have been taught and mentored by Sam herself, she is passionate about the positive effect dance can have on young people and the life skills it instils in them.
She trained at Arts Educational School in London, graduating with a Professional Dance Diploma and ISTD teaching qualifications in Imperial Classical Ballet, Tap & Modern Theatre Dance. She is a Ballet, Tap & Jazz examiner.
Sian Dempsey
Vice Principal - ISTD, DDI, DDE
Sian is Highstone's Vice Principal, she is highly organised and capable, turning her hand to most things, she plays a key role in helping Sam with the smooth running of Highstone. She is an inspiring teacher who radiates a passion for performing.
Sian trained at Highstone until the age of eighteen, then continued her full-time training at North London dance studios, where she gained her ISTD teaching qualifications in Tap and Modern Theatre Dance.
Meg Gallagher
Head of Musical Theatre
Meg is highly skilled at helping shy students find their voice. She has a very calm & friendly manner which encourages children to reach their full potential. She is a professional singer and has a magical way of sharing her knowledge and expertise with others.
Meg trained at Highstone, before going on to London Studio Centre, where she gained a BA (Hons) in Theatre Dance Performance and an Extended Level 6 Teaching Diploma. She has worked extensively in the music and entertainment industry and has taught music, dance and drama across a range of educational settings.
Francesca Webb
Head of Pre-school - ISTD, DDI, DDE
Fran is super fun, highly experienced and very friendly with particular expertise in teaching imaginative and memorable pre-school classes.
She trained at North London Dance Studios where she gained a Diploma in Performing Arts as well as teaching qualifications in Classical Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre Dance. Francesca has been a valued member of the team since 2006.
Olivia Doheny
Events Organiser & Dance Teacher
Liv is bubbly, energetic, caring and always smiling. She organises and coordinates all the extra events we offer our students.
She trained at Highstone before going into full time training at the Centre Performing Arts College, graduating with a Diploma in Theatre Performance.
Jessica Baker
AcroDance Specialist
Jess is enthusiastic, bubbly, energetic and nurturing. She trained at Highstone, before going on to full time training at the Arts Depot, graduating with a Diploma in Performing Arts. Jess is a qualified Acrotrix teacher and is dedicated to helping her students grow strong and flexible in her classes. She works them hard but they absolutely love her!
Aimee Rooney
Dance Teacher
Aimee is warm, friendly and great with people, especially children. She is very hardworking and trained at Highstone from the age of two, becoming a teaching assistant at just twelve years old. Aimee went into full time dance training at eighteen, graduating with a BA (Hons) Professional Performance degree from London Studio Centre. She has also worked as a professional dancer at Chessington World of Adventures.
