MEET THE TEAM

Want to learn all about our dream team faculty?!

The people behind those happy, smiley faces and successful exam results...

Alicia afonso

principal & founder

Alicia trained at the Elizabeth Hill School of Dance and Drama in Merseyside, before taking a 3 year vocational course at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks.

After performing professionally in London’s West End for 8 years, Alicia is now the Principal and owner of Afonso School of Performing Arts Ltd and has most recently worked for Belinda King Productions as lead show teacher, teaching and directing the shows for the Seabourn and Princess cruise lines. She was also assistant casting director for the company.

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Alicia holds 5 Licentiate and 4 Fellowship IDTA teaching qualifications and is proud to have won three IDTA teaching awards including the Arthur J. Gallagher Bursary in 2014, as well as the John Knight Award for both Fellowship Theatre Craft and Modern Jazz. The IDTA have also nominated Alicia for the Carl Alan teacher award for Theatre for 2025, often described as "The Oscars of the Dance World".

Previously a full-time faculty member at Jelli Studios Theatre Arts College where she trained student teachers, as well as the Btec and HND courses. She is also certified with Acrobatic Arts and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).

Her professional credits include June in Chicago the Musical, Garrick Theatre, London; ensemble and swing in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, London; Liz in Chicago the Musical UK tour; dance captain in Dick Whittington at the Derngate Theatre, Northampton; ensemble in West End Rocks, Reading; ensemble in Cinderella, Bristol Hippodrome and Northampton.

As a child, Alicia was a championship dancer and is proud to have held the following titles:

Winner of Miss Dance of Great Britain 2004

Runner-up Miss Dance of Great Britain in 2002 & 2003

Winner IDTA Theatre Awards, Modern Jazz Performers Section

Winner of IDTA Ken Dodd Tap Award

Winner of the Janet Cram Awards, Premier Section

Winner of All of England, Modern Section

English and British Senior Modern Champion

Runner-up Star Tap Awards (Senior section)

ricardo afonso

creative director

Ricardo is currently playing the lead role of Gomez in the UK Tour of The Addams Family musical and is excited to return as guest entertainer onboard the luxury cruise line Seabourn, having produced his own shows ‘A Life Through Song’ and ‘Icons’.

This November Ricardo and his band, The Deccan Traps, will be performing their first ever live gig at The Stables in Milton Keynes. Tickets on sale here

Theatre credits and workshops:

Cardinal Dalla Costa in the world premiere of Glory Ride – Staged Concert (The Other Palace 2022); Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Barbican Theatre 2019, Regents Park Open air Theatre 2020 and Royal Arena in Denmark 2021); Zorro and Don Diego de La Vega in Zorro: The Musical In Concert (Cadogan Hall); Lead vocalist in The Classic Rock Show (Europe and UK tour); Frankie Belize in Carmen (London Workshop); Taxi Driver in Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre); Lead vocalist in From Hackney to Hollywood: The Don Black Songbook (UK tour); Alberto Beddini in Top Hat The Musical (Aldwych Thetare and UK tour); Lead vocalist in Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre); Lead vocalist in The Wonderful World of Captain Beaky and His Band concert (Royal Albert Hall); Galileo in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre); Lead vocalist in Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals (UK tour); Willie Lopez in Ghost (London Workshop); Lead vocalist in The Night of 1000 Voices concert (Royal Albert Hall 2007/10/12).

Recording credits (UK):

Lead vocalist of The Deccan Traps (originals band); Father Christmas in the Album Barry the Penguin’s Black And White Christmas by Lesley Ross and John-Victor; Satan in Paradise Lost by Lee Ormsby and Jonathan Wakeham; “One Not Two” for the album Surrounded by Sounds by Tim Prottey-Jones; “Dreamer” for the album based on the Terry Pratchett book Only You Can Save Mankind composed by Leighton James House; “The Meerkat Muchachos” for the album Bush Tales composed by Matthew Jameson; “Trial of The Heart” for the album Act One: Songs From The Musicals by composer Alexander Bermange.

Recording credits (Portugal):

Spirit in Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron for DreamWorks; Robin Hood in Shrek for DreamWorks; Cy in The Lorax for DreamWorks; Mighty Ducks opening title song for Disney; Beauty and the Beast end title song for Disney; Cruella de Vil song for 102 Dalmatians for Disney; Ducktales opening title song for Disney; Goofy and Son opening title song for Disney; Stanley opening title song for Disney and the album Pokemon for Nintendo.

Ricardo appeared in the BBC 1 The Voice UK 2013 on Team Danny.

www.ricardo-afonso.com

kate garvie

vice-principal

Kate is originally from Lancashire where she started dancing at the age of three, going on to train at Northern Ballet School in Manchester on the professional musical theatre course where she also gained her ISTD teaching qualifications.

Upon graduation Kate was cast in her first musical, West Side Story at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre. She has worked extensively around the world performing both onstage and on television in Paris, Berlin, Switzerland, Australia and cruising the world as dance captain for Princess Cruises. Her additional musical theatre credits include Cats - Hamburg, Disney's Beauty and the Beast - Stuttgart and a return to West Side Story as dance captain.

Kate has over 30 years teaching experience at local dance schools, primary schools and stage schools.

After taking a break to have her children Kate rejoined the industry teaching Fitsteps ( adults dance fitness classes www.fitsteps.co.uk ) and now plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the Afonso School of PA.

Kate is certified to teach Acrobatic Arts.

Abi colclough

teacher

Abi trained at Elmhurst Ballet School and Scottish School of Contemporary Dance.

After graduating she went on to work with the Latvian Ballet and Cork City Ballet companies, and has worked in many dance schools over the years, as well as running her own dance school back in 2011.

Abi is a fully qualified teacher with the RAD and IDTA as well as being certified with the Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). She more recently enjoys choreographing for local theatre companies including the Chesham Musical Theatre Company.

We feel very privileged to have Miss Abi as part of our team here at the Afonso School of Performing Arts!

Harmony Wilson

teacher

Harmony trained at MADD Performing Arts college on a 3 year Musical Theatre / Dance Course on a full scholarship. By the time she graduated she was already a fully qualified teacher with the BATD (The British Association of Teachers of Dancing). Harmony is also qualified with the IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) & AAC (Acrobatic Arts). Both Dance associations are accredited by the CDET (The council for dance education & training) which provide quality assurance for professional dance & musical theatre industries.

Harmony worked extensively on Cruise ships, danced abroad & across the UK. Over the year's she performed in many pantomimes- Aladdin, Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Peter Pan, Jack & the Beanstalk & Robin Hood to name a few. She played 'Morag' in the hit Midlands show 'Back to Back', travelled across Europe as one of the dancers & vocalists for 'State 51' & did two seasons at Wicksteed Park as a resident Dancer / Entertainer. Television & Film credits- Peak Practice, Crossroads, EYE TV, Soul Music, Macorns scottish popcorn, Nickelodeon TV & Asylum.

Harmony has been teaching for over 20 years & is a passionate & outgoing teacher. Many of her students have gained scholarships after receiving 96% or above in their dance examinations & many ex-students are now performing on Cruise Ships & in West End Musicals.

sophie grantham

teacher

Sophie is a young and dedicated teacher who graduated from DanceBox TheatreWorks 2020 having completed a 3 year degree course in dance and musical theatre.

Her passion lies in teaching the next generation whilst developing her love for choreography.

Our Thursday classes are much-loved with Sophie at the helm, teaching lyrical and commercial styles.

"The teaching staff are fantastic and it has such great family feel"

– Gemma, Parent of Rose & Sophie

"My girls love Afonso. The teaching staff are fantastic and it has such great family feel with the older children looking out for the younger ones. My youngest has been dancing there for 3 years and has come on so much. My other daughter has SEN and has found the summer school wonderful, super inclusive and is excited to try the main classes."

" she would never want to dance anywhere else"

– Lindsay, Parent of Holly

"My daughter has danced with Afonso for over 11 years. She has loved every minute! The support/encouragement of the staff, confidence building, friends and so many opportunities means she would never want to dance anywhere else. Thank you to all the staff, you are wonderful."

"it's really helped her confidence, love of music and even her reading"

– Sarah, Parent of Olivia

"My daughter does ballet, modern jazz and musical theatre with Afonso on Saturday mornings and really loves it! It’s really helped her confidence, love of music and even her reading (finally a reason to read on her terms, now she needs to read song lyrics!!)"

"it feels like one big family"

– Louise - Parent of Clementine

"Fantastic classes run by such lovely staff. My daughter absolutely adores her time here and her confidence has come on in leaps and bounds. It feels like one big family and what they managed to produce during lockdown was nothing short of amazing! Was so lovely to have something normal for them to do. Cannot recommend them enough."

Preschool

AGES 2-4

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Lower School

AGES 4-7

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Middle School

AGES 8-12

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Upper School AGES 13+

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Past Student Stories

Zara Garvie, Age 18
An original Afonso kid, starting at aged 7. Now about to start her professional training at the prestigious college, Laine Theatre Arts.

"I have loved my time at Afonso and wouldn't be where I am today without it and the amazing teachers".

Lillie Stewart, Age 18
Another Afonso original following her dreams. Lillie has just completed sixth form at Arts 1 and will join the Emil Dale Academy this September.

"Training at Afonso helped me to build the confidence to let my true passion for musical theatre shine out. I wouldn't be who I am today without the opportunities they have given me to perform and grow".

Faq's

Can my child try a class before enrolling?

Absolutely! We offer a 3 week trial period. Just book online or WhatsApp 07590348812.

What should my child wear for their trial?

Comfy clothes they can move in! Barefoot or sneakers are fine for most beginner classes.

Do you hold performances or showcases?

Yes! We hold our main show in a professional theatre every 2 years, plus class presentations and open musical theatre examinations in between.

How much are the classes?

The prices vary depending on the class type and length. Please enquire by email or WhatsApp us on 07590348812.

Is there a set uniform?

Yes, we have a set uniform for all classes. You will be given this information once the trial period is over and you decide to sign up.

Are exams and shows compulsory?

No. It is optional to participate in exams and shows, however, they are a HUGE part of doing dance and performing arts. Very few children opt out as they are very much the highlight of year. But we are very understanding of those that prefer not to, and those students are given equal opportunities in class during rehearsals and exam preparations.