Welcome to The Stage Door Academy of Performing Arts. A performing arts, dance and acrobatics school based in Houghton Le Spring, Durham.
We pride ourselves on delivering the best dance training we can whilst also maintaining a fun, safe and covid secure studio. Offering classes from age 2 in:
Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics, Tap and Competition Training![](<a href=https:/www.insure4sport.co.uk/covertypes/ptandfitnessinstructor/ref=badge><img src=" https:/www.insure4sport.co.uk/Content/images/badges/I4S_InsuredBadge_147x124_dance.png" alt="Insure4Sport Dance Instructor Insurance"></a>)
MEET THE TEAM
Stephanie Williams -Associate NCDTA Principal and Owner.
Stephanie began her training at the age of 4 studying all aspects of dance and musical theatre. She began competing at the age of six and has won many titles since then including The North of England Senior Tap Champion and Senior Supreme Acrobatic Champion. At the age of eighteen. Stephanie decided to further her training by successfully gaining a place at the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts in Sidcup, Kent. After a year of intense training in London, Stephanie auditioned for the Disneyland Paris Company and moved to France to become the Little Mermaid. Upon her return from Paris Stephanie decided it was time to return to college to pursue her teaching career and has now graduated with First Class Honours in Business Management and Dance from the university of Sunderland. Alongside juggling a busy university schedule Stephanie has also taught at many local dance schools and continues to work at The Pauline Quirke Academy in both Middlesbrough and Tees Valley. Stephanie’s other credits include, joining the team at the metro radio arena to perform alongside Jack Whitehall in his 2017 At Large Tour, running a successful children’s entertainment business and being a student representative during her time at university.
Zara Williams – Class Assistant and Trainee Teacher
Zara, who is Stephanie's younger sister started her journey in the performing arts at age 2, but was involved in dancing from being born. Zara has an amazing competition history gaining finalist places in nearly every championship she has entered, including several British Championship finals. Zara was also crowned tap champion of champions and Ultimate champion of champions in 2017 which saw her receive a summer school scholarship to Phil Winstons Theatreworks in Blackpool. Zara is currently in her second year of studying Musical Theatre at Hartlepool College of Further Education and hopes to continue onto university next year.
Emily Williams – NCDTA Associate Visiting Teacher
Emily, who is also Stephanie’s younger sister has danced since the age of two and holds a glowing accolade of accomplishments. Alongside her busy competition schedule gaining many finalist places Emily left home at the age of 9 after successfully auditioning for Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre London, she joined their team as Debbie Wilkinson and continued her work with the company for 18 months, Emily then returned home and continued with her usual schooling and dance training. Upon finishing school Emily accepted a place at Stockton Riverside College on their Performing Arts course. Emily is also a teaching cover assistant at The Pauline Quirke Academy and has her sights set on attending a top London University in the near future. Emily’s other successes include, filming for CBBC’s The Dumping Ground, ITV’s Vera and an upcoming film and assisting her sister in the successful running of her children’s entertainment business.
Emily is currently furthering her dance and performing arts training at The Brighton Academy studying towards her BA in Musical Theatre.
Jan Williams - Receptionist
Jan, who is Stephanie, Emily and Zara's Mam is our wonderful receptionist and mother to all. Jan will take care of all your payments and enquiries whilst making sure everyone who walks through our door is cared for like part of the family. We really couldn't ask for a better staff member.