ABOUT KCDS
OUR STORY
Established in 2010, our vision was to create an inclusive performing arts studio where everyone—from toddlers to adults—could discover the joy of dance in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.
At KCDS, we celebrate every dancer’s journey and believe in nurturing confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for the performing arts.
Today, KCDS is home to a team of highly qualified, dedicated teachers and is known for its excellence in training, inclusive ethos, and nurturing environment. With small class sizes, each student receives personalised attention, allowing them to develop their technique and confidence at their own pace.
We offer a wide range of opportunities, including:
Graded exams and assessments
Workshops and audition preparation
Personalised coaching
An annual show in a professional theatre
Performances in London’s West End
Competitions, fetes, and community events
At KCDS, we’re proud to be an inclusive, forward-thinking studio. We aim to empower every student—helping them grow into confident, passionate, and independent dancers, ready to take on any stage.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the KCDS family!
OUR VALUES
AT KCDS WE are proud of what we do and how we reflect that in our core values
Everything we do at Katie Cox Dance Studio is guided by our core values. They shape our teaching, our community, and the way we support every dancer who walks through our doors.
🌟 Excellence – We are committed to providing the highest standard of dance training, helping each student reach their full potential.
🤍 Inclusivity – We welcome everyone, celebrating individuality and creating a space where every dancer feels seen, supported, and valued.
💪 Confidence – We aim to build strong, self-assured performers who believe in themselves both on and off the stage.
🎭 Creativity – We encourage imagination, expression, and the freedom to explore different styles and stories through dance.
👨👩👧👦 Community – We are more than a studio; we are a family. We support each other, celebrate each other's successes, and grow together.
These values are at the heart of KCDS, and we’re proud to carry them with us in every class, performance, and opportunity we offer.
CREATIVE TEAM
WE BELIEVE WE HAVE SOME OF THE FINEST DANCE TEACHERS IN THE COUNTRY PROVIDING THE BEST TRAINING FOR OUR PUPILS
We are honoured to have such a talented team at KCDS, with all of our dance teachers being fully qualified members of the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. With a sound knowledge of anatomy and physiology, ensuring that each student receives the highest levels of tuition and pastoral care in their dance classes, all KCDS teachers are first aid trained, DBS checked, and work to the highest standards in child safety, attending regular and continued professional development courses to ensure they maintain their position as the very best in their chosen fields.
We regularly invite highly regarded guest tutors to take classes at KCDS which hugely benefits our dancers training.
KATIE COX
AISTD
Founder and Studio Director
Katie's love for dance began at the age of three at Southport Dance Academy, where she followed the prestigious RAD Ballet and ISTD Modern & Tap syllabus. Her natural talent, discipline, and drive led her to further her training at Preston Dance Centre at 16, where she achieved her teaching qualifications in Ballet, Modern, Tap, and National Dance.
Her professional dance career took her across Europe and beyond, performing for world-renowned companies such as Warner Bros. Movie World in Germany, Butlins, and P&O Cruises. But it was through teaching in a variety of schools as a freelancer that Katie discovered her true calling: empowering the next generation through dance.
Driven by her passion for education, Katie has never stopped learning. Since founding KCDS in 2010, she has continually sought out opportunities to grow and refine her skills, training with some of the world’s most respected educators and choreographers. In addition to holding multiple ISTD teaching qualifications, she is a registered teacher with:
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
Alixa Flexibility
Acrobatic Arts
She also continues to learn and stay inspired by regularly training with Rosina Andrews, a leader in contemporary dance education and technique innovation.
Katie's commitment to excellence, her genuine care for her students, and her unrelenting pursuit of knowledge make her not just an exceptional teacher—but an inspiring role model. Through KCDS, she continues to create a space where every dancer is encouraged, empowered, and celebrated.
MILLI JARLETT
(Festival Coordinator, ISTD Ballet, Modern, Tap and Lyrical)
With over a decade of experience as a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Milli brings a wealth of expertise, creativity, and passion to the KCDS team. She has taught at some of the UK’s most prestigious dance schools and organisations, including the London Contemporary Dance School, East London Dance, and Greenwich Dance, inspiring students at every level of their journey.
Milli’s career as a freelance dance artist has been nothing short of exciting and diverse. She has performed in touring shows, music videos, commercials, films, and operas, working across a wide range of styles including jazz, tap, commercial, contemporary, ballroom, and ballet. Her versatility as both a performer and choreographer sets her apart.
Milli’s choreography has earned her numerous awards and accolades, with winning pieces featured at Festivals, Grand Prix competitions, All England, and the Dance World Cup. Her recognitions include:
Most Memorable Teacher’s Choreography
Most Creative Classical Piece
Shortlisted for Best Choreography at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Milli is also accredited with both Rambert Grades and the ISTD, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards in dance education.
At KCDS, she leads a vibrant and thriving Festival Team of over 30 students, bringing her unique creative vision to life through award-winning performances. She has also successfully coached several of our dancers through the Dance World Cup audition process, with students going on to represent at this elite international event.
Milli’s passion, dedication, and artistic excellence make her an invaluable part of the KCDS family, and a true inspiration to her students.
HARRY HENDERSON
World Champion, Bloch Young Artist
(Jazz, Stretch, Strength and Kicks, Leaps and Turns, Acro, Contemporary, Festival Choreo)
Harry Henderson has been an integral part of the KCDS team for over a year now, bringing with him an impressive track record of success in the dance world. Beginning his dance journey at the age of 10, Harry quickly rose to prominence, becoming British and World Champion in various dance competitions. His exceptional talent and dedication have made him a respected figure in the industry.
In 2023, Harry made his professional debut in the West End production of Beauty and the Beast at the Sunderland Empire, marking a major milestone in his career. Harry is now about to further his training at Laine Theatre Arts, an exciting next step in his already successful journey.
As a choreographer, Harry’s work is nothing short of next level. His choreography has earned gold medals at the Dance World Cup and has secured spots in multiple British Championship finals. His ability to create dynamic, innovative routines has left a lasting impact on his students, constantly pushing them to reach new heights in their dancing.
For over a year at KCDS, Harry has been a driving force, challenging students to push their boundaries and helping them unlock their full potential. His passion for dance and commitment to excellence ensures that every student in his class is always striving to be the best version of themselves.
Harry is extremely excited to continue his journey with KCDS, inspiring and motivating dancers to embrace their growth and take their skills to the next level. His dedication, creativity, and energy make him an invaluable member of the team, and we can’t wait to see the amazing work he’ll continue to create with our students!
BECKY GOULD
(ISTD Tap, Modern and Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical and Stretch, Strength and Kicks, Leaps and Turns)
Becky’s journey into the world of dance began at the age of 2½ at Italia Conti, where she first discovered her love for the Performing Arts. This passion led her to study full-time at The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London from the age of 10, followed by The Centre Performing Arts College, where she graduated with a Diploma in Musical Theatre and earned her ISTD DDE teaching qualifications in Ballet, Modern, and Tap.
Becky’s career as a performer has been diverse and exciting. She has had the privilege of performing at some of the most prestigious venues, including the Savoy Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, The Old Vic Theatre, and numerous West End theatres. Her credits include:
Featured on the soundtrack of the Mamma Mia! motion picture
Dancing at the opening of the 2012 Olympics and Wimbledon 2012
Appearing in a short film with Chris Hemsworth from Snow White and The Huntsman
Acting in musicals like Spring Awakening, Lucky Stiff, Daisy Pulls It Off, and Side by Side
A variety of pantomime performances.
In addition to her professional career, Becky is dedicated to teaching. She works at several schools across the South East, where she teaches a wide range of classes, from Baby Ballet to Advanced Tap. She is equally passionate about working with full-time performers as well as younger students just beginning their dance journey. Becky aims to instill the same excitement and love for dance that she felt throughout her own training.
Becky is also in the process of working towards her ISTD Licentiate teaching qualifications and has aspirations of becoming an ISTD examiner in the future.
Her dedication to both performance and teaching makes her an inspiring figure at KCDS, where she shares her extensive experience, creativity, and love for the arts with every student she teaches.
RODOTHEA vEROUCHI
(RAD Ballet, Progressing Ballet Technique and Pre Pointe Program)
Originally from Athens, Greece, Rose has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of three, despite initially being turned away from ballet school due to her young age. Undeterred, her passion for dance only grew stronger, leading her to pursue a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and an Advanced 2 diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
Alongside her dance training, Rose studied Fine Arts with a major in Visual Arts, further deepening her artistic perspective. Her commitment to excellence in dance education led her to complete the Progressing Ballet Techniques (PBT) Junior, Senior, and Advanced programs under the guidance of Marie Walton-Mahon, becoming a certified teacher of this method and incorporating it into her own teaching.
Rose’s journey has also taken her around the world. After spending four years in the Netherlands, where she taught ballet, her love for both dance and travel has now brought her to the UK. She’s excited to continue pursuing her passion for teaching and share her wealth of experience with young ballet learners at KCDS.
Her diverse background, combined with her passion for both dance and the arts, makes Rose a truly inspiring and dedicated teacher at KCDS, where she continues to nurture the next generation of dancers.
sharon allen
ISTD Examiner
(ISTD Tap and Modern Dance)
Sharon began her dance training at the age of 11 at the prestigious Italia Conti London School. By the time she turned 16, her dedication to dance led her to Arts Ed London, where she graduated with a Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance.
Sharon’s career as a professional dancer is nothing short of impressive. She has performed at iconic venues such as the Brit Awards with Simply Red, the London Palladium, Brick Lane Musical Hall, and the Vitality Show Exhibition. She has also worked in a variety of live performance settings, including the Summer Season at The Grand Metropole Hotel in Blackpool, and Cruise Ship contracts as a Singer/Dancer for top companies like Royal Caribbean, First Choice, and Thomson, among many others. Sharon’s career also led her to become an Assistant Cruise Director for PEEL, where she honed her leadership skills.
After years of performing, Sharon discovered her true passion for teaching. She began freelancing at various London Vocational Colleges and local dance schools, and her journey into education grew from there. Determined to share her knowledge and expertise, Sharon trained with Penny Meekings, earning her DDE Teaching qualifications in Tap and Modern.
Continuing to expand her credentials, Sharon achieved her Licentiate Tap and Modern and Fellowship in Modern through the ISTD, the highest qualifications available within the organisation. Her drive for excellence led her to train as an approved ISTD tutor, enabling her to teach and mentor future ISTD Tap and Modern Teachers. To date, Sharon has successfully trained over thirty students, helping them achieve their own ISTD teaching qualifications.
In addition to all of this, Sharon is currently training to become an ISTD examiner, which will allow her to assess and guide the next generation of dancers in their qualifications. With a wealth of experience both on stage and in the classroom, Sharon brings a unique depth of knowledge, professionalism, and passion to her teaching.
She is a true inspiration to her students at KCDS, where she continues to nurture and develop the next generation of dancers and teachers.
Chris connor
(Jazz, Commercial, Technique and Festival Choreo)
Chris trained at Performers College, earning a National Diploma in Dance & Musical Theatre and ISTD Modern teaching qualifications. With a 12-year professional career in theatre, TV, and film, Chris has performed globally, both on land and sea.
In addition to performing, Chris has taught at well-established schools and vocational colleges across Kent, passing on his industry experience to young dancers. He also guest teaches across the country, offering original show choreography and specialty workshops, including at Pineapple Dance Studios and the MOVE IT convention in London.
TARA-BRIGITTE BHAVNANI
(Guest Ballet Teacher)
Tara-Brigitte Bhavnani is a First Artist with The Royal Ballet, having joined the company in 2002 and promoted to First Artist in 2007. Her extensive repertory includes roles in Mayerling, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, as well as creating roles in Trespass and The Tsarina’s Slippers.
A qualified ballet teacher with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), Tara graduated with honours from the Royal Ballet School’s Professional Dancers Teachers’ Course. In 2017, she launched Royal Ballet Fit, an online series designed to improve fitness and introduce ballet basics.
Tara is also passionate about charitable work, including her teaching for Arts 4 Dementia, where she helped those affected by dementia and their carers through dance. She also participates in annual Swimathons for various causes.
We are thrilled to have Tara-Brigitte Bhavnani as a guest teacher at KCDS, where she shares her wealth of experience and expertise with our students.
Holly-summer robins
(Musical Theatre & Body Conditioning)
Holly, a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher from West Sussex, earned a scholarship to Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, where she trained in Musical Theatre and graduated with a Level 6 Diploma. Her extensive performance credits include The X Factor, The BRIT Awards, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Soccer Aid, and London Fashion Week, along with contracts with Warner Leisure Hotels, UK tours, pantomimes, and cruise ships as a dancer/singer.
Holly has taught at prestigious institutions like Pineapple Dance Studios, Laine Theatre Arts, and Wilkes Academy, bringing her versatile expertise in Jazz, Commercial, Heels, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and fitness-based classes like HIIT and Bootcamps.
At KCDS, Holly will be teaching Musical Theatre and Body Conditioning on Tuesdays, where she’s excited to inspire and motivate the next generation of performers and fitness enthusiasts.
MaiA
(Singing)
Coming Soon!
