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.
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 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 Iona AJ
Vocal Coach
Miss Ioana AJ is a Vocal Coach at ESSOD. Many students may already know her from her work as a Dance Teacher, and she is delighted to now be taking on the Vocal Coach role within the school.
Ioana has over 14 years of experience in the performing arts and a strong passion for singing. She is a multi-instrumentalist, playing the piano, guitar and bell lyre.
Ioana teaches because she believes the arts are a powerful way to express emotions, build confidence and create a strong sense of community. She is passionate about helping students grow in confidence and discover their own unique voice within the arts.
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.
Miss Phoebe
Class Assistant
Phoebe brings energy, experience and a genuine love for dance to every class.
Having trained since she was young and with a background in gymnastics coaching, she’s passionate about helping dancers grow in confidence, develop their skills and enjoy every moment.
Now settled on the Isle of Wight, she’s a friendly, supportive face in the studio and a great addition to the team.