Jacqui Ison

MA (Dist.) BA (Hons), (First Class), FISTD, FIDTA, RAD (RTS)

Jacqui Ison has devoted over 40 years to the dance industry, cultivating a career defined by artistry, expertise, and a commitment to empowering performers. She began her training at Bird College, formerly The Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts, laying the foundation for a professional career that took her across Africa and Europe as a performer. Inspired by her love of movement and music, Jacqui Ison pursued a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts at Middlesex University, Trent Park, graduating with First-Class Honours and receiving the university prize for outstanding academic and creative achievement. Shortly after, she founded her own dance company, merging abstract expressionism, artistic innovation, and Rogerian philosophy to create thought-provoking choreography that challenged conventions and embraced new perspectives.

In 1993, Jacqui Ison established her own dance and theatre arts school, which quickly gained recognition for its exceptional training programs and success in competitions at regional, national, and international levels. This reputation for excellence led to her appointment as a dance adjudicator with the British and International Federation of Festivals in 2010. While adjudicating, she completed her Master of Arts in Professional Practice Dance (Education), which expanded her academic and professional knowledge and deepened her interest in the psychology of competitive environments and their impact on dancers.

Jacqui Ison's contributions to education include serving as Head of Dance, where she was responsible for delivering GCSE and A-Level dance courses. She also devised innovative classical dance modules for BA Musical Theatre degree programs in higher education and worked as a course moderator, ensuring academic standards were upheld across diverse educational settings. Her achievements in research were recognised with the prestigious Dean's Award from Middlesex University, Hendon, as part of her pursuit of a PhD.

Jacqui Ison has enriched her understanding of performer well-being through therapeutic training and professional development, including studies with the Inspire programme at the Royal Ballet School. Her work integrates these insights to support dancers' physical, emotional, and creative development.

With Fellowship status from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA), along with Registered Teacher Status with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), her career embodies a dedication to excellence and innovation.

Throughout her journey, Jacqui Ison has championed the belief that dance is not simply about technique - it is an expressive and transformative art form that fosters connection, growth, and creativity. Her dedication to teaching, choreography, and research continues to inspire performers and contribute to the evolution of the arts and education sectors.