Diverse Performing Arts School

Diverse Choreography Performing Arts School was established in Dubai, in 2008 by the husband and wife team, Scott and Lisa Marshall.

We are proud to say, that Diverse Performing Arts School is the ONLY dance and theatre school in the Middle East who provide training in ALL aspects of dance and theatre, all in one place!

Diverse Performing Arts School is an innovative, Dance and Theatre School offering training opportunities for the complete beginner right through to the young performer heading toward a professional performing career.

Diverse are delighted to have 500 talented students attend their school, and are so proud to be the principles of so many amazing, talented, young individuals.

Diverse’s ever expanding timetable includes our highly popular Musical Theatre and Mini Musical Theatre courses (auditioned for entry) for ages from 5 to 20yrs.

This course is a fun-packed 2.5 or 3-hour class, once per week, including singing, dance and drama, all in one!

For all your DANCE needs, classes include a multitude of funky, fun and technically challenging ‘free’ dance classes – in Jazz, Hip-hop, contemporary and street-jazz, as well as examination classes in ISTD modern and tap and RAD ballet.

Both recognised and highly acclaimed syllabi. These are essential qualifications for entry into all full-time, professional dance and theatre colleges, internationally.

So, whether performing is a pastime, a passion or a possible career choice, we encourage students to develop at his or her own pace, and can provide training that is sure to help your star performers succeed!

With many Diverse Choreography students gaining places in some of the most prestigious, full-time theatre colleges in the UK!

The Team

Lisa Marshall – Principal
Lisa began her full-time training at Elmhurst Ballet School, in 1994 then at the young age of 16 went on to further her training at the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts, Epson, Surrey. Graduating in 1999.

Lisa has worked in the entertainment industry for over 13 years.

Her performing career began starring as an actress, singer and dancer in West End favourites such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jus’ like that – a musical comedy about the life of Tommy Cooper and several Pantomimes across the UK.

On the big screen, Lisa has worked with many household names in movies enjoyed by millions across the world. Industry legends such as Tim Burton, Stephen Hopkins, Jennifer Love-Hewitt and Charlize Theron, working on sets of movies such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers and If Only.

And on the small screen, Lisa’s experience both as an actress and dancer has seen her grace the screens on major network TV favourites including Bad Girls, Footballers Wives and Top of the Pops as well as presenting roles on cable and the DVD, Dance Party produced for Universal Records.

Since moving to Dubai in 2008 to establish Diverse Choreography Lisa Choreographed the Middle East’s first annual Alternative Energy Awards, at The Hilton Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Daman Health insurance, Gala Dinner, Cabaret Tap, The Diamond and Gold Commodities Conference – Jewelry show, Atlantis Hotel, an event hosted by Mubadala at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi for Ferrari and F1, Shakira at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, Lamborghini Launch and fashion show, Lamborghini show room, Muscat, co-choreographed Tap Dogs vs Breakers at the Dubai Mall, Stomp at the Khalidha mall,  the ESPN Gala dinner at Park Hyatt hotel and lastly, invited some of the UKs finest dancers, singers and musicians to the legendary Oil Baron’s Ball in 2008 &2009.

Before re-locating to Dubai to open Diverse Choreography P.A. Lisa had taught at some of the biggest colleges in the UK, including her own professional training ground teaching occasionally at Laine Theatre Arts, Epsom.

Additionally Lisa’s teaching experience included tap and free jazz at D&B Theatre School, Bromley and Tap, jnr Jazz and College level jazz, Mandy Ellen Performing Arts, Maidstone.

Teachers

Cherry Thurgill (Dance)
Cherry received a DADA (Dance and Drama Award) scholarship and attended Bodywork Company Dance Studios in the UK where she gained a Professional Diploma in Musical Theater.

After graduation Cherry spent 6 months in Mumbai performing in Bollywood music videos and films.

Upon arriving in Dubai, Cherry has performed in various shows and events including opening performances for artists such as TPain, Akon and Nicole Scherzinger, countless performances for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and corporate events for Audi, Du, Mubadla, Bentley, Lenovo, Ernst and Young, Starwood Hotels and the famous DXB Airport Flashmob. Cherry regularly assists Scott, the Creative Director of Diverse on large scale events throughout Dubai and the Middle East. Assisting credits include: Du Flashmob – Dubai Mall, Expo 2020 Bid – Dubai, Beirut City Centre Opening – Beirut, Fashion Show – Beirut, Dubai Fitness Championships Flashmob – Dubai, Chinese New Year at Meydan 2014, Dubai World Cup closing ceremony 2014 and the Abu Dhbai Grand Prix at Yas Circuit. Cherry has also choreographed and managed a number of her own events including New Years Eve shows at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in 2013 and 2014, Sharjah City Centre Fashion show, Gitex Shopper 2015 and flashmobs for Thomson Reuters, Jumeirah Group, Grosvenor House and LFIGP Dubai. Cherry has worked on many high profile events both as a choreographer and assistant choreographer. Some of these include New Year’s Eve at the prestigious Burj Al Arab, Pantomime at Winterfest Dubai, official opening of Level Kids store and Ferrari World.

Catherine Reynoso (ISTD Tap and Modern)
Catherine trained at Performers College and then The Centre of Performing Arts where she gained her teaching qualifications.

After graduating she went on to work for Carnival Cruise Lines where she has been performing as dance captain and lead dancer for the last seven years.

Alongside Carnival she has also performed as part of the ensemble in the Pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Manchester Opera house and performed in various music videos and performed on the series of Pineapple dance studios for Sky One.

With a passion to teach as well as perform Catherine has been able to balance both performing with teaching.

Over the last year alone she has had two large exam sessions for ISTD Tap and modern entering children from primary through to Intermediate with a 100% pass rate of 42 distinctions and 24 merits as well as having some students go on to professional dance colleges such as Birds, Laines, GSA and PPA.

She has also worked in some of the top dance colleges teaching jazz and contemporary and choreographed a piece for the end of year show for PPA college.

Catherine has also spent time choreographing corporate events and hair shows. Catherine has a wealth of experience in all aspects of the industry and looks forward to moving to Dubai and nurturing students to achieve their potential in their passion for performing.

Jackie Ketting (RAD Ballet)
My name is Jacqueline Ketting and I am very excited to join the team of teachers at Diverse.

I was born in the Netherlands and moved to Dubai at the age of four where I successfully excelled at the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet examinations.

I moved to England at the age of sixteen where I continued my dance and teacher training for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing at The Arts Educational School, Tring Park, Hertfordshire.

In 2004 I moved to London where I attended The Royal Academy of Dance. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ballet Education, validated by the University of Surrey.

I also gained the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance which is a worldwide recognised teaching certification.

During the last two years of my studies I also updated my I.S.T.D. Modern Theatre, Imperial Classical Ballet and Cecchetti Ballet qualifications.

In September 2007, I joined Janet Marshall Dance Studios in Cheltenham, UK as a full time teacher and completed my I.S.T.D. Tap qualification.

It was here that I developed my teaching skills and abilities by preparing children for R.A.D. / I.S.T.D. Ballet exams as well as Tap and Modern from Pre-Primary through to Advanced 2 level.

In 2009 I relocated to Bermuda, where I started a full time teaching job at Somerset School of Dancing. It was here that I started entering students for R.A.D. Ballet examinations, gaining a 100% pass rate for varying levels.

I also taught the I.S.T.D. Tap and Modern syllabi, Conditioning classes and Adult dance as well as fitness classes.

After spending just over 4 years in Bermuda I decided it was time to return to Dubai and bring my passion and love for the Arts back to the place I consider home.

Neil Clench (Musical Theatre and Trinity drama)
Neil was born in Colchester and spent seven years with The National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT), before going on to train at Guildford School of Acting, where he received The Principal’s Award.

Teaching for the past 15 years at various theatre schools such as Sylvia Young theatre school and Guildford school of acting has led to a role teaching GCSE Drama, this is in addition to teaching at local primary and secondary schools through to year 11 building towards school shows for parents.

Neil has aided hundreds of children in their quest for a professional performing arts career and is delighted to have done so over the years.

Neil teaches vocal technique and performance curriculum through the world's Trinity exam board where pupils have achieved outstanding results.

Whilst in Dubai Neil has worked for several theatre companies and events companies this includes: MC for Noor Islamic Bank, end of year awards created by Link Viva Group, The Beast in, Beauty and the Beast, Grand opening of Abu Dhabi Mall and extensive work for Imagination Education within schools and theatres all over the UAE.

Other Theatre includes: Guys and Dolls (UK Tour) Donmar Warehouse, where he played Nicely Nicely Johnson. Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland, Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington (both for PMA), Salad Days (UK Tour),Beauty & the Beast (Full House Theatre Company, UK Tour), As You Like It (Arundel Castle), Taming of the Shrew (Groveland’s House), Annie & Cinderella (both at Perth Rep), Jack & the Beanstalk (Theatre Royal, Northampton), Grab Me A Gondola (Theatre Museum), Don Giovanni (Loseley Manor) & Sondheim Tonight (Barbican).

TV credits includes: Blue Peter, Children in Need, Dr Who BBC, Ladbrokes ‘Got the Feeling’ World cup 2010, Kwik-Fit men in the ‘You’ll be amazed at what we do’ Campaign. Dominoes Pizza and The National Lottery.

Neil is passionate about encouraging people to explore their own ideas and extend their knowledge regardless of their ability and delighted to be working in Dubai with such a talented bunch!

Neil has achieved great things in his time at diverse including the Trinity College London Apex Award for Individual Acting Skills exams. His students have received many awards including the highest marks for their grade level in whole of the UAE!

Harry Stone (Singing)
Classically trained, Harry Stone has worked professionally in the entertainment industry for over 15 years.

He has worked in major theatres, on and off The West End of London as well as touring venues all over the UK and Internationally.

Trained at Laine Theatre Arts, Harry has recently been Nominated by Broadway World UK in their West End Awards for Best Leading Actor in a New Production of a Musical.

Harry has been in many musical productions including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, West Side Story, FAME, Oklahoma and many more.

He has also worked as a vocal coach in London, training people of all abilities from new beginners to industry professionals.

Harry teaches group singing, private singing lessons and Musical Theatre.

Amanda Claire-Jones (Mini Musical Theatre and Singing)
Amanda’s discovered her true passion for performing at Manchester Youth Theatre and Made in Sheffield Theatre Company, where she took lead roles in the shows and discovered her singing voice.

With a focus on her love of performing, she took ISTD modern dance lessons and focused all her attention on getting to London to pursue her dream of performing in the West End. She studied Dance/Drama and English at De Montfort University, travelling to London every three weeks to take private singing lessons there with the same singing teacher as Elaine Paige.

Achieving a 2:1 at university, she then went to London to work on her first Musical Theatre production Killing Rasputin, which boasted an amazing cast and really inspired her to move forward towards her dream.

Following this, she joined the European Tour of Magic of the Musicals for Flying Music Productions and then, after sitting for six hours at an open audition and being asked to come back six times, she was delighted to join the cast of Mamma Mia at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End.

During this time, she took regular singing lessons, went into schools to teach the Mamma Mia routines and was invited to teach street dance for a magazine article.

Amanda took a lead singing role in the UK Tour of A Night at the Musicals and then was thrilled to win the lead role of the Narrator on the UK National tour of Joseph and The Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat.

It was her intention to inspire the children in the choir on the show, so she contacted the schools she used to go to, to tell the story of her journey to reach her dreams and she is delighted to be here to join the Diverse Team and continue to inspire and encourage the students to do the same.

Her teaching experience stems from Stagecoach, to numerous after school dance clubs, summer schools, assisting with end of term shows, producing shows for awards ceremonies and sourcing talent for singing competitions.

She has featured on television for ITV on Coronation Street and The Jury and in the films Burke and Hare (directed by John Landis and starring Simon Pegg and Isla Fisher), Will (starring Damian Lewis) and commercials such as Homebase, ICS Learning, Butlins and Seatwave.

She has performed with bands and as a solo artist all over the UK and abroad, assisting in adding to her wide knowledge of Musical Theatre and pop songs.

Amanda is delighted to joining the team here at Diverse and is looking forward to passing on her passion for and vast knowledge of performing, something she has been doing professionally for the past 18 years! Shhhh… she can’t be that old surely!

Amanda teaches Mini Musical Theatre and singing.

Jared Bradley Jordaan (Dance)
Jared started dancing at a very young age at his Grandmothers’ prestigious dance school in South Africa.

A passion for performing as well as teaching runs deep in his family.

Jared went on to graduate from The University of Technology with a dance degree and specialised in numerous genres of dance.

Since graduation Jared has taught extensively at various studios and after-school dance programmes in South Africa for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels.

He taught a variety of styles including Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Commercial, Afro-Jazz and Show Dance (Adage).

Some of the highlights of his career include the following: lead dance role in the international touring cast of High School Musical Live On Stage Asia, played Bartholomew in Jesus Christ Superstar – Andrew Lloyd Webber (South Africa), South African Idol – touring with top South African recording artists, dance rolls in various South African movies, dance captain in numerous corporate events.

Some of the other highlights were performances alongside Cirque du Soleil solo artists, Edyta Sliwinska (Dancing with the Stars USA) and Broadway star Amra Faye Wright (longstanding lead in Chicago)

Since his arrival in Dubai in 2012 he had been performing at some of the UAE’s most prestigious venues and events. Jared had performed in opening acts for international artists such as Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dog.

He also performed at the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, My Music X, Alchemy Music Festival, The Oil Barons’ Ball with Heather M and the M People, Dubai World Cup Closing Ceremony, World Jiu Jitsu Championships Abu Dhabi (Assistant Choreographer), Dubai Rugby 7’s Opening Ceremony, Dubai National Day, Dubai Sports Awards, Sky Dive Dubai World Championships, Rolls Royce Launch, Mclaren Launch, Hyundai Global, Virgin Radio 20 Schools in 20 Days, USA Mayor Bloomberg’s Event, Dubai International Film Festival, Ahlan Hot 100 and the Middle East Event Awards to name a few.

Jared also choreographed shows internationally including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Seychelles and South Africa.

Eau J (Hip-Hop)
Eau J hails from Manila, Philippines and has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with specialisation in Computer Network Engineering. You read that right.

After completing his college education, Eau J, rather than continuing down the IT path, pursued a different interest.

After graduating in 2004, he flew to the United States to go to some of the biggest dance studios in Los Angeles and New York City where dance enthusiasts from all over the world come to train.

After acquiring the necessary skills, he flew back to the Philippines and became one of the few dancers and choreographers to possess a new and fresh style of dance.

Not being content w/ what he already knew, he went back to Los Angeles and New York in 2006 to further elevate his skills.

Eau J has worked as a choreographer for one of the biggest musical variety TV shows in the Philippines and has helped choreograph music videos & live performances for A-list celebrities.

He is also a sought after dance teacher & has held workshops all over the country. In his last year in Manila, he together with his wife, Joan, helped run a dance studio & had raving public reviews in just itsfirst year of operation.

Eau J has since moved to Dubai & is now involved with the biggest dance studio in the city: Diverse.

In his 1.5 years of stay, he has already done a variety of shows, dance workshops, and was featured in the 2014 August issue of Young Plus Magazine.

More than anything, Eau J’s passion is teaching. That is why he always looks forward to his classes where he can help bring out the best in his students.

Angela Karaseva (Performance Contemporary and Jazz Funk)
Angela has been dancing professionally for over 10 years.

She has over 12 years teaching experience in contemporary, hip-hop, jazz-funk and stretching. Originally from the Ukraine, she has danced, choreographed and performed in international musicals,, music videos, commercials and TV shows as well as alongside renowned artists.

Her achievements include: TOP Teacher at Dance Centre Myway, one of the largest and prominent dance studios of Eastern Europe. TOP 4 dancer in the TV show So You Think You Can Dance Ukraine, Season 3. Coaching instructor and choreographer at SYTYCD Ukraine, Seasons 4 and 5. Myway Dance Awards as Teacher of the Year (2011) and Dancer of the Year (2012, 2013).

More than 150 master classes given in numerous cities of Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan. Swiss National Circus “KNIE” (2014). Dancer and choreographer.

Angela brings fresh and exciting choreography with an individual and dynamic style to all of her classes.

Alanna Kajdi (Dance Fusion and Pop school)
Alanna began dancing at the Betty Wivell Academy and went on to receive the Mcdonald Egan bursary to train in contemporary at the Laban CAT scheme.

She won the Luis De’Abreu choreographic award in the ‘Creation’ Doreen Bird Choreographic competitions’ founding year for her work ‘Ophelia’ and received a scholarship for the Bird college summer school.

She furthered her training with a BA Hons in Theatre Dance at London Studio Centre, becoming a company member of Eileih Muirs Wavelength Dance Company while studying and toured under the direction of Robbie O’Reily with Jazz Co. 2012.

Post graduation she joined BirdGang dance company and performed in their ‘B Supreme’ UK tour.

During her time in London Alanna worked with Pascal Merighi of Tanztheatre Wupertal Pina Bausch, Mafalda Deville of Jasmin Vardimon, Sébastien Ramirez of Wang Ramirez & Simeon Qsyea of BirdGang Dance and performed as a featured soloist in RIOT! Offspring at Sadlers Wells.

She created her own contemporary physical theatre company ‘KAJDI’ in 2013 and her choreographic work ‘M.S.P.E’ was selected for the prestigious Cloud Dance festival at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre.

Parallel to her professional career Alanna began teaching at the Betty Wivell Academy in a variety of dance styles and continued her teaching at the Brit School, Italia Conte Associates, Stagecoach (Walton on Thames) & Kobika Dance School.

She choreographed for all ages and categories at the local Croydon Festival, with many entries winning trophies.

Alanna moved to Mumbai, India for a 6 month contract working in TV (Big Boss), Films (Tevar, Main Tera Hero) & Music Videos alongside many prominent Bollywood stars.

She then moved to Dubai and has since worked for many high profile brands including – Splash, Diesel, GAP, Hermes, Lux, Paul Mitchell, Call It Spring, Activia, Nutella, Jotun, DEWA, Sensodyne, Vilebrequin, Expo 22 and Global Village. She has danced for artists including The Game, Two Tone, Alyssa Edwards and Martin Sloveig & Martin Garrix at Sensation DXB: Ocean of White & Sensation DXB: Source of Light.

She has also choreographed in Dubai for brands GAP and Dunhill and artists Jamila & Ahlam.

With a commitment to versatility as a performer and teacher Alanna has spent summer 2016 training at the world renowned Millennium Dance Complex, Debbie Reynolds Studio, Movement Lifestyle Studio and Edge Performing Arts Centre in Los Angeles.

Expanding her knowledge from well known educators in a variety of styles including contemporary, lyrical, jazz, commercial, jazz funk, hip hop, popping, locking, vogue, house, waacking and dancehall,

Alanna is looking forward to continuing her teaching at Diverse Performing Arts School and sharing her expanding professional knowledge with the students.

Anelia Monova (Acro)
Anelia is a professional acrobatic gymnastic coach and choreographer.

She worked with the Bulgarian national team for over 10 years awarded ‘choreographer of the year’ 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011 by the Bulgarian Federation of sports acrobatics.

Anelia has a vast amount of experience having competed herself including becoming three times national champion of the Bulgarian national competitions in the category ‘women’s trio in acrobatic gymnastics.’

Anelia has been working for Diverse for over three years and has brought a new dimension to the children’s skill set getting incredible results from her students.