Children’s Easter Camp

Ciara Gallagher (ballet)

Ciara was born and grew up in Ireland where she started her training with the McDermott School of Classical Ballet and Dance from age 5. While there she studied RAD classical ballet through to Vocational level, alongside contemporary, musical theatre and Irish dancing.

Ciara moved to London in 2017 and completed her teacher training on the BA (Hons) Ballet Education course, graduating with First Class Honours. While training she also attained the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance award. Ciara is now a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and has been working for a number of ballet schools in London including the Penny Parks School of Dancing, RAD Dance School, The Deborah Jayne School of Dance and Theatre and Chelsea Ballet Schools. 

Ciara teaches RAD and Cecchetti syllabi, nursery ballet and dance, non-syllabus ballet and contemporary dance to a wide range of ages and abilities. She has choreographed dances for a number of school shows, gala performances, music videos and weddings. She has taught, assisted and chaperoned on workshop days and summer schools in London. Ciara often returns to Ireland to teach on annual summer schools for the McDermott School of Classical Ballet and Dance.

Laura Heywood (creative)

Laura is a dance and movement practitioner with over 10 years’ experience of performing and teaching. She graduated from Trinity Laban with a BA Hons in Dance Theatre, and an MA in Dance Performance. As a performer, she has worked on a number of projects taking her around the world to India and South Africa working with multiple companies and communities and has developed her teaching practices from her experiences. She is currently an active member and collaborator with Daisy Farris Dance Collective with whom she has works for almost 10 years.

Laura works as an inclusive dance artist teaching in a variety of settings including primary, secondary, SEND schools, community centres and specialist dance centres including The Place and the Royal Academy of Dance. Laura wants to bring the joy of dance to as many people as possible regardless of their gender, abilities and socioeconomic background. She works with a philosophical and emotive approach to technique and creative practices and guides participants through each session with focus, energy and joy.

Laura’s movement practices and classes incorporates aspects of Release technique, Limon and Cunningham, improvisation as well as an exploration into floor work and dynamic principles. Laura is an energetic individual whose hobbies include gymnastics, swimming and gardening. She is constantly developing her own practices and hopes to bring fun engaging movement to all.