Experience
Inspiring, Skilled, and Here for You
At The Groovement Project Dance Company, our team of teachers is at the heart of everything we do. They are not just dance instructors, they are mentors, role models, and champions of every student who walks through our doors.
We’ve carefully built a team of passionate, experienced, and fully qualified professionals who bring a wealth of industry knowledge, creativity, and care to every class they teach. Whether you’re dancing for fun, fitness, or aiming for a career in the performing arts, our teachers are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Responsibility
A Team You Can Trust
Our teachers have trained, performed, and worked at the highest levels of the industry, both in the UK and internationally. From prestigious West End productions to television, film, music videos, cruise ships, and live arena events, they bring first-hand experience of what it takes to succeed in the world of dance and performing arts.
Many of them continue to work professionally alongside teaching, ensuring that the training and advice they offer reflects the realities of the industry today.
Meet
The Teachers
Drew Shears
DREW SHEARS is known as one of the major figures for the South-West Street Dance scene since teaching in the region from 2009.
As well as teaching nationally and internationally, he co-founded and currently runs ‘The Groovement Project Dance Company’ based in Plymouth (Devon), which has now grown to be one of the most successful dance companies in the U.K, was crowned the ‘SHC Top Scoring Dance School In The UK’ for the 2023-24 season, and has over 60+ Crew Champions titles since being founded in 2013. GPDC now also has a growing global reputation after being widely praised in the international dance scene.
Since October 2020, Drew has also been a member of the world-famous Chicago Footwork crew ‘Creation Global,’ which is led by King Charles. He is currently one of only a few leading ambassadors for the whole of the European Chicago Footwork scene and the leader of the UK scene, with 7 of Drew’s students also now part of this leading Chicago Footwork crew.
As a result of this training, he was hand-picked as a dancer by the world-class director Cole Bennett to showcase this dance style in Central Cee’s ‘Doja’ music video (2022), and also recently worked with Dizzee Rascal for his latest music video in December 2022.
As well as Chicago Footwork, Drew is very well rounded in the Street Dance styles, in addition to Choreography, but has also built up a very strong reputation through House Dance.
As well as being the current ‘World Of Dance’ UK House Battle Champion and being chosen to represent House in the UK for the world battle event ‘Red Bull: Dance Your Style amongst a mass of battle credits,’ he was the first dancer in the South-West to teach a regular House Dance class in 2010, and since then the South-West built on this, progressed and has become a major hotspot for House Dance in the UK; especially known for bringing through the next generation of House dancers in the UK as well as creating the prestigious ‘House Of Groove’ collective in 2013.
Drew also trained in Los Angeles in 2015, 2017 and 2022 alongside some of the finest dancers and teachers on the planet; taking groups from The Groovement Project to receive world-class training. Whilst there he also performed at the world famous Universal Studios in Hollywood as well as Disneyland California; choreographed by himself and other teachers at The Groovement Project, as well as being the choreographer for many other projects and performances all over the UK including choreographing two pieces for the ‘Breakin’ Convention UK Tour’ in Plymouth in 2023.
As well as being the Co-Director of the very successful ‘Groovement Project’ Dance Company, he continues to spread his knowledge all over the South-West in particular, at dance companies in Devon and Cornwall as well as numerous local schools to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers in the region. Drew also taught a House Dance masterclass at the prestigious ‘Headway Dance Studios’ in Malaga, Spain in 2018 and has also shared his knowledge internationally online since the Covid pandemic.
Whilst pushing on a strong foundation in the Street Dance styles as well as Choreography, Drew also has a strong emphasis on encouraging individuality and pushing boundaries in dance, and is now actively trying to grow and spread Chicago Footwork as a leader in the UK and European scene, whilst also strongly pushing the growth of the south-west Street Dance scene.
Ellen Coulton
Ellen has been dancing since a very young age predominantly training Contemporary Dance, Commercial, Cheerleading and Street dance styles. At age 18 Ellen moved to London to study Contemporary Dance at the University Roehampton where she achieved a 2:1 Batchelor Of Arts degree.
During her time in London Ellen got to train and perform before moving back to the South West to set up the Groovement Project Dance Company and GPDC agency alongside Drew Shears; which has now grown to be one of the most successful dance companies in the U.K after being founded in 2013, and is now has a growing global reputation after being widely praised in the international dance scene.
Ellen was the first regular Commercial teacher in Plymouth and helps train and choreograph G.P.D.C’s award-winning crews.
She now also focuses on Contemporary, Musical theatre and the non street side of GPDC pushing her companies. Ellen is passionate about providing opportunities for children and young people in Plymouth.
Ellen has trained intensively in both London and Los Angeles and now has a passion for teaching and helping young people to pursue their dreams as performers, both training them and representing them as their agent. Ellen leads our GP Agency and many of her students have gone to top dance and performance schools and many of her students have appeared on the West End and UK Tours aswell as in TV and Film including Matilda the musical, School of Rock, Annie, Ammonite, Doc Martin, Beyond Paradise and Malory towers.
Ellen’s performance credits include working with Little Mix, Lady Leshurr, Michael Buble, Fat Man scoop, the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony, One Direction, Emele Sande and the Pet Shop Boys.
Ellen has been recently appointed as the choreographer and coach for the British
Basketball League Dance squad who perform at all major final events at some of the UKs best Arenas including the NIA, Wembley, the O2 Arena and Glasgow’s Emirates Arena. Ellen has also performed as a cheerleader herself for the British Basketball league, London Broncos and the NBA performing at venues including Wembley arena and Twickenham stadium. Ellen has also choreographed for Disneyland California and Universal Studios California. since 2022. Ellen is now also a lecturer in dance at Plymouth university on their musical theatre course.
Ellen also has a passion for acting and has appeared on BBCs Casualty as Kayleigh Vickers as well as working with the BBC and Channel 4 on writers rooms, featuring in Rosamund Pilcher Series, a PRSA short film and many other projects.
Ellen also now judges competitions with her most recent being the Musical Theatre section at the Momentum Dance Championships. When teaching Ellen always aims to provide a fun, safe and supportive environment where young people can be themselves, create and explore.
Ellen is First Aid trained, Mental Health first Aid trained, Safeguarding trained and is a fully qualified Acro teacher with Acrotrix.
Jordan Moss
Jordan Moss is a passionate and versatile dance artist based in Plymouth, UK, with over a decade of experience spanning performance, choreography, and teaching. His work combines strong technical ability with creative storytelling, making him a standout figure both on stage and in the studio.
Jordan’s performance career includes appearances at world-renowned venues such as London’s O2 Arena, Universal Studios, and Disneyland in Los Angeles. As a choreographer and dancer for the Super League Basketball (formerly British Basketball League), he regularly performs to audiences of up to 30,000, bringing high-energy routines to life in dynamic live settings.
Beyond dance, Jordan has worked as a supporting artist and actor in a variety of TV and film productions. His acting credits include roles in Rosamunde Pilcher dramas (Love Child, Love and Therapy, Our Holiday), BBC productions like Beyond Paradise, Death in Paradise and Delicious, a featured role in Almost Perfect Women, where he played Perry Santos and a second featured role in ‘objection for love’ where he played the role of Gordon.
Alongside his performance work he is an experienced educator. He teaches a wide range of styles; Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Waacking, Vogue, Commercial and Technique. He also plays a leadership role at The Groovement Project and is a director of Find Your Groove C.I.C., a community interest company focused on inclusive and accessible dance education.
Jordan is known for his warmth, creativity, and ability to connect with dancers of all ages and abilities. Whether performing on stage or mentoring in the studio, he brings a genuine passion for dance, a collaborative spirit, and an infectious energy that inspires those around him.
Perry Johnson
Perry started dancing 14 years ago at the age of 18. it all began at Street Factory where he learnt multiple styles of hip hop and his main discipline was breakin’.
He performed in London at Rich Mix Centre in 2012 for
Frantic Assembly as part of their Ignition Company, carried on working for Frantic Assembly each following year and then was trained up as a Frantic practitioner in 2015 which has led Perry to work for them nationally and internationally, directing residencies and leading theatre workshops in the likes of Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Norway, and Australia. He enrolled into city college Plymouth in 2013 to study Dance and was awarded a BTEC Level 3 extended Diploma and also completed a BTEC Level 4 HNC in dance.
Performances include:
- Frantic Assembly “Speak Up”, Rich Mix. Directed by Scott Graham & Neil Bettles
- Avant Garde “Black Box”, Barbican Theatre Plymouth. Choreographed by Tony Abigun
- Matthew Bourne’s “Lord of the Flies”, Theatre Royal Plymouth. Choreographed by Scott Ambler
- Street factory’s “Hip Hop Iz”, Barbican Theatre Plymouth
- Frantic Assembly’s “Man Up”, Latitude Festival. Directed by Neil Bettles & Jonnie Riordan
- Alats Dance Circus Company “room 2 heal” Barbican Theatre choreographed by Sophie Northmore
- Underworld “Born Slippy” “Dark Train” Alexandra Palace choreographed by Neil Bettles
- Barbican Theatre “Petrol Headz” choreographed by Laura Kriefman.’
Sam Holland
Born and raised in Plymouth, SAM HOLLAND began dancing at the age of 12, specialising in original funk styles, particularly Popping and Locking.
With 13 years of experience, Sam has taught workshops, participated in numerous performances, and trained with some of the best current practitioners in the world of original funk styles.
Sonja Lincoln
SONJA LINCOLN was trained in Cheltenham by Mrs Janet Marshall, one of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (I.S.T.D) major examiners, and performed in many professional shows and pantomimes in the local area whilst growing up.
As a teenager she attended the Gloucestershire Academy of Performing Arts, studying Dance, Drama, and Music where Sonja was selected for a special performance at the Royal College of Music.
In 2001 she graduated from Liverpool J.M. University, gaining a BA Hons Degree in Dance and Drama and a Professional Diploma in Jazz Dance, before moving down to Devon and obtaining her qualifications as a dance teacher in I.S.T.D Tap, Modern Theatre, Jazz Dance and Imperial Classical Ballet.
More recently, Sonja returned to college in London to study for a Contemporary Music and Singing Diploma at Vocaltech Vocal School, where she graduated top of her class and was awarded Best Live Performer of the Year.
As well as teaching dance, drama, and singing all over the South West, Sonja currently fronts an eight piece soul band, in and around the South West as well as being a regular guest vocalist with the Plymouth Co-Operative Big Band.
Tiff Kavanagh
TIFF KAVANAGH is one of the most experienced and successful choreographers and teachers in the south-west; and has now spread her choreography and commercial knowledge in the region for over a decade.
As a teacher, choreographer and leader at various dance companies in Devon and Cornwall, Tiff’s success has always been consistent; winning a mass of individual and group competition titles both as a dancer and choreographer.
With her amazing and often high-energy and power style of unique choreography, you are sure to feel like you have put in the work in her classes & sessions.
Zoe Vigus
ZOE VIGUS began her professional career at the age of 8, playing Brigitta Vontrapp in the Sound of Music.
She performed with the NYMT at the Edinburgh Fringe and has studied with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art since childhood. She has Passed every grade up to and including a Distinction in the PCert Lam.
Zoe also has a Musical Theatre Diploma from prestigious Laine Theatre Arts where she also taught Lamda.
Other qualifications aswell as Acting, and Dance include Verse and Prose Speaking and the RADA Shakespeare Acting Certificate”. Performance credits include leading roles in
National Number 1 UK tours, Repertory seasons, pantomimes and Plays including residences at the Wimbledon Theatre London, Radio plays, Commmercials and films such as Notting Hill, TV includes The Harry Hill show and Night Fever for Channel 5.
Zoe was Personal Assistant to Film Director Michael Winner for 9 years who’s This is Your life for the BBC, she helped organise. Zoes Teaching Career and coaching students for
Drama/Stage Schools, film and Television roles aswell as a 100% pass rate in Exams has spanned over 30 years. Teaching positions have included Laine Theatre Arts, Theatre Royal TR2, Plymouth College Independent School, The Groovement Project Dance Company, Italia Conti Performing Arts and Born to Perform. She has her own Celebrity blog in the Magazine Link 2 U and is Publicity officer and Committee Member for the City of Plymouth festival of Dance, Speech and Drama.
Zoe particularly enjoys nurturing upcoming and new talent!
Styles
Disciplines We Teach
Our team brings expertise across a wide range of disciplines, including:
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Street Dance & Commercial
- Ballet, Contemporary & Jazz
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Acro & Technique
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Musical Theatre & Acting
Whatever your interest or ability level, you’ll be learning from teachers who are not only highly skilled in their craft but also passionate about passing that knowledge on to you.
Come and join us
Why Train with Us?
When you choose GPDC, you’re not just learning from dance teachers, you’re joining a family of supportive, inspiring professionals who truly care about helping you reach your potential.
Whether you’re here once a week or every day, our teachers will meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
Meet the Team in Person
We’d love you to come and experience what makes our teachers so special. Browse our class timetable to find the right session for you — and come and meet the team who will inspire your journey.