Meet the team

​Lauren Jenkins is the Founder and Principal of Swagga Dance Academy, which she established in 2012. Her lifelong dedication to dance began at the age of four, initially training in ballet before expanding into a variety of styles. This early commitment led her to successfully complete graded examinations and compete at championship levels, where she earned numerous first-place titles.

​Lauren transitioned her performance experience into a professional career as a dancer, singer, and actress. This period further fuelled her passion for both performing and teaching. She subsequently pursued formal teaching qualifications, achieving distinctions in every certification.
​Lauren's teaching credentials include:
​International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA): Qualified teacher.
​ID Dance: Contemporary Dance Teacher.
​Acrobatic Arts: Certified Instructor.
​She is dedicated to continuous professional development, consistently updating her own training to ensure she expands and enhances the opportunities available to her students.
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​In addition to her dance instruction, Lauren developed an expertise in adult fitness, specifically in dance-related disciplines. She holds certifications as a Zumba Instructor, Zumba Kids Instructor, Booiaka Instructor, and Insanity Instructor.
​Furthermore, Lauren maintains a highly valuable role working as a specialist nurse within the NHS, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service alongside her leadership of Swagga Dance Academy.

Jenny started dancing at the age of 4 in multiple different styles taking exams and competing numerous times. At 16 she was accepted into the prestigious Performers College, Essex and trained there for 4 years graduating in 2020 with a Trinity College Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance. During this time she was taught by industry professionals and was fortunate to be able to perform in events across the country. After graduating she found her passion for teaching and is now teaching at multiple schools across Kent where she helps prepare children for competitions, exams and shows. Jenny absolutely loves teaching at Swagga Dance Academy.

ISTD Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) in Ballet, Tap & Modern.

Katrina began dancing at the age of 4 back in her hometown in Aberdeenshire Scotland at North Aberdeenshire Dance Academy. Here she danced in several shows and took her exams until the age of 17 where she made the 600 mile move to Whitstable to train at the prestigious Deborah Capon College now known as Dance College Whitstable. Here she gained all her professional teaching qualifications and her advanced 2 in tap and modern and advanced 1 in ballet.

Since graduating Katrina has gained over 10 years of experience and taught all over including Spain and for several dance and performing arts schools in Kent. In her previous role she worked up to Vice Principal of the school taking her students to national competitions all over the UK before she took a short career break to have her two young children.

She is very proud that many of her ex-students have now gone on to continue their professional training at dance colleges all over the UK. She believes that dance classes are so beneficial for young people and that they will carry the skills learnt into whatever career path they choose to go down!

Miss Katrina loves teaching the students at Swagga!

Ellena began dancing at the age of 4, training in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Jazz. Ellena now specialises in Street Dance and continues to compete across the UK, regularly taking home 1st place trophies. Ellena is proud to be one of the first students to join Swagga Dance Academy. 

Ellena’s main passion is Musical Theatre. Ellena has been training in MT since the age of 6, performing in numerous lead roles. She recently graduated from the University of Southampton with a BA(hons) in Music, in which she was taught by leading industry professionals and perfected her vocal performance for both Pop (Grade 8 ) and MT. Ellena has learnt copious amounts of musical knowledge which she has been passing on to aspiring musical theatre performers across the world. She is excited to continue teaching at the dance school that she holds so close to her heart, whilst she begins her professional career in the industry.