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Susan Rollo F.I.S.T.D/ A.R.A.D

Principal

Susan Rollo F.I.S.T.D/ A.R.A.D

Principal

Susan began dancing at the age of five at the Tozer School of Dance under the guidance of Sheila Tozer. By the age of 17, she had gained teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Greek, National, Ballroom, and Latin American dance, demonstrating an early passion and dedication to dance education. At just 23 years old, and five months pregnant, Susan founded the Rollo Academy. Since then, she has dedicated her career to developing dancers of all ages and abilities, building the Academy into a respected and successful dance school. Susan holds a Fellowship in ISTD Modern and has entered thousands of students for examinations, consistently achieving outstanding results. She is also a Life Member of both the ISTD and the RAD, reflecting her longstanding commitment to the dance profession. As Principal of the Rollo Academy for many years, Susan has overseen the development and success of countless students, many of whom have gone on to enjoy professional careers in the performing arts, including both of her daughters. Her passion, expertise, and dedication continue to inspire generations of dancers.

Sam Rollo F.I.S.TD

Director

Sam Rollo F.I.S.TD

Director

Sam began dancing at the Rollo Academy at the age of two, where she completed her ISTD Tap and Modern examinations. At 16, she progressed to vocational training at Bird College, where she achieved her Teaching Associates qualification, College Diploma, and was appointed Head Girl. Since graduating, Sam has enjoyed a successful professional performing career, dancing in productions across Japan, Paris, and London. She has also worked extensively for Princess Cruises, serving as both Dance Captain and Project Coordinator. Alongside her performing career, Sam has gained a wealth of teaching experience. Her previous roles include Tap Coach at Studio 79 Leicester, Jazz and Partner Work Tutor at The Centre Performing Arts College in London, Jazz and Ballet Tutor at Loughborough University, Ballet Coach at the National Ice Centre, and Jazz and Tap Coach at M.A.D.D. College. Sam is also an accomplished choreographer, creating wedding dances and performances for charitable events, including those supporting the Rosie May Foundation. In addition, she organises the annual Nottingham Dance Festival. She holds a Fellowship in Tap and a Licentiate in Modern, reflecting her commitment to excellence in dance education and performance. "It is a privilege to be a teacher and to have the opportunity to inspire and encourage children and adults of all ages."

Gemma Rollo A.I.S.T.D

Dance

Gemma Rollo A.I.S.T.D

Dance

Gemma began her dance training at the Rollo Academy before progressing to Bird College at the age of 16, where she gained her teaching qualifications and Diploma in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. Throughout her career, Gemma has worked across a wide range of areas within the performing arts industry. Much of her professional experience has been spent performing on cruise ships, alongside appearances in UK productions, touring shows, film and video projects, and commercial work. Passionate about teaching and choreography, Gemma enjoys sharing her industry knowledge and experiences with the next generation of performers. She brings a well-rounded approach to her teaching, drawing not only on her extensive performance background but also on her experience within the fitness industry and as a nursery assistant. These additional skills enable her to create a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for students of all ages.

Jessica Mosedale A.I.S.T.D

Dance

Jessica Mosedale A.I.S.T.D

Dance

Jess began dancing at the age of three and later joined the Rollo Academy, where she completed her ISTD Advanced 2 examinations in Modern and Tap, as well as Advanced 1 Ballet and RAD Advanced Foundation. Throughout her training, Jess achieved considerable success, taking part in several professional pantomimes and earning numerous trophies and awards at dance competitions. At the age of 18, she successfully auditioned for Bird College in Kent and was awarded a DADA (Dance and Drama Award). However, she chose to remain closer to home and pursue her passion for teaching. Jess began her career as a Primary School Teaching Assistant before gaining her ISTD DDI teaching qualification. Combining her strong dance background with her educational experience, she is committed to nurturing young performers and helping students develop confidence, technique, and a love of dance.

Kiera Sanderson

Contemporary

Kiera Sanderson

Contemporary

Kiera Sanderson is a performance artist and choreographer based in Leicestershire, England. Kiera completed her dance training at Falmouth University in 2021, and has since worked as a performer and teacher of movement in the U.K. and internationally. In 2022 Kiera was in Bangkok Thailand, where she delivered contemporary dance workshops, engaging professional and pre-professional dancers. She also secured an artist residency and worked with local Thai creative practitioners creating a multi-disciplinary performance work. Last year Kiera performed and created with French dance company Duck-Billed Company for their new work ‘Plantasia’. Following the premiere in Lyon, the company then embarked on an 8-week film shooting to create a cinematographic version of the piece. Kiera now bases herself in her home city of Leicester and continues to deliver contemporary and floorwork classes across the East Midlands, as well as making her own work to perform and tour.

Ellie Hill

Commercial

Ellie Hill

Commercial

Ellie completed her professional training at the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD) in 2024. Since graduating, she has performed in a variety of productions, including a Motown show and multiple large-scale performances across Europe as part of her dance troupe, Xtreme Mas Alongside performing, Ellie works as an in-house choreographer for Xtreme mas , creating original pieces for both stage and touring productions. She is also a passionate teacher and choreographer, working with students of all ages across several schools to develop their technique, creativity, and performance skills. Ellie brings her industry experience and enthusiasm for dance into every class and project, aiming to inspire the next generation of performers.

Hannah Oseman

Singing

Hannah Oseman

Singing

Hannah is a theatre practitioner originally from Hertfordshire and now working in the Midlands. She trained in musical theatre at the Emil Dale Academy, as well as in acting at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, before getting her degree from Rose Bruford College. She has several years experience of teaching and working with young people, and is currently teaching at MADD College in Nottingham on their musical theatre BTEC. When she isn’t teaching, Hannah is a director working in the industry, most recently being a part of the Sheffield Crucible’s production of A Christmas Carol.

Ivy Boneham-Hill

Junior Assistant

Ivy Boneham-Hill

Junior Assistant

Ivy has been a student at the Rollo Academy since the age of eight. During her time at the Academy, she has achieved considerable success in both examinations and dance festivals, earning prestigious awards including the Tap Championship, the Versatility Trophy, and the Bursary Award. She was also honoured to receive the Sonia Boyce Memorial Scholarship. Reflecting on her experience, Ivy says: "The professional training I have received at the Rollo Academy has enabled me to develop my skills and grow in confidence. The teachers have instilled in me a genuine love for the performing arts and have supported me not only in my dancing and singing, but also in becoming a kind, respectful, and supportive young person. The values I have learned at the Academy have positively influenced many other aspects of my life."