Meet the Team
At ESSOPA, we are proud to have a team of passionate and highly skilled teachers who bring expertise, enthusiasm, and creativity to every class.
Miss Ella
School Principal
Miss Ella is the founder and principal of ESSOPA, with over 10 years of experience leading the school. A graduate of a Specialist Dance College and a certified ISTD DDE instructor, she specialises in Tap, Ballet, Modern, and Acrobatic Arts. Her career highlights include performing for MTV and HMV.
She is dedicated to sharing her love of the performing arts and inspiring students to discover their potential.
Miss Jeni
Speech & acting teacher
With over 25 years of teaching experience on the Isle of Wight, Miss Jeni brings a wealth of knowledge to ESSOPA.
She holds a Licentiate Teaching Diploma from LAMDA, a Certificate in Education, and a Master’s Degree in Creative Practice. A former examiner in BTEC Performing Arts, she has inspired countless students to excel in both performance and life.
Miss Sesa
Yoga teacher
Miss Sesa is our yoga teacher, certified in Mindfulness, Children’s Yoga, and Teen Yoga, and currently working towards further qualifications in Early Years and SEN Yoga.
With a background in performing at iconic events like the Isle of Wight Festival, she specialises in helping young people gain confidence and calmness through movement.
Mr Charlie
Street dance teacher
Mr Charlie is an accomplished street dance teacher with OCR Level 2, 3, and 4 qualifications in Performing Arts.
With experience in modules such as Theatre in Education and Musical Theatre, he has choreographed standout performances, including a tribute for the Queen’s Jubilee.
His passion lies in igniting creativity and self-expression through dance.
Miss Ellie
Assistant
Miss Ellie, a Grade 1 & 2 Ballet Teacher at ESSOD, is currently working towards her ISTD DDE (Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education) in Ballet, Modern Theatre, and Tap. She assists Miss Ella in classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, bringing a fresh energy and dedication to the classroom.
Her favourite musicals include SIX, Mamma Mia, Newsies, and Grease. Ellie is also an avid traveler and recently became a qualified PADI Open Water Diver during an expedition to Kenya, where she helped the local communities, wildlife, and immersed herself in the culture.
Miss Evie
Saturday Assistant
Evie is a dedicated Saturday Assistant at ESSOD, where she helps in Parent & Me, Pre-Primary Ballet, and Primary Ballet classes. Having danced with Miss Ella since the school opened 10 years ago,
Evie brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for the school to her role. Her favourite song is George Ezra – Green Green Grass, and she enjoys helping younger students find their confidence in the studio.
In addition to teaching, Evie supports students with their technique, ensuring every child feels seen and supported.
Miss Poppy
Vocal Coach
Miss Poppy is a Vocal Coach at ESSOD, currently in her second year of studying Commercial Music at Chichester University. She holds qualifications in Voice Anatomy and Music Education from Berklee College of Music.
Poppy has been a professional singer for over 12 years and a vocal coach for 5 years, sharing her knowledge with students of all ages.
She has performed internationally and was once a touring contracted singer across Spain and the UK, bringing her passion for jazz and musical theatre to stages everywhere.
Mr Mike
Guitar Teacher
Mr. Mike brings a wealth of experience to his teaching, holding both a Master of Arts in Music Industry Innovation & Enterprise and a Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music. He is also qualified to Grade 8 in guitar.
With a passion for both performance and teaching, Mr. Mike has had the opportunity to perform at prestigious events like the Isle of Wight Festival. He also enjoys performing at weddings, which have always been a highlight of his career.
Mr. Mike finds great joy in seeing his students grow as musicians and reach their full potential.