MELISSA WALSH - DIRECTOR

Melissa has worked in the Performing Arts business for over 20 years. After gaining her BA (Hons) Degree in Dance at Surrey University Melissa enjoyed a successful career as a Professional Dancer, Melissa moved to Dubai in 2013, where she established The Dance Project.

With a passion for passing on her love for dance, TDP has grown exponentially. Having worked in 24 Schools in Dubai and 1000's of Dancers and Gymnasts over the years, Melissa has vast experience in the Middle East.

Melissa holds the following documentation: Full Police Clearance, Safeguarding Children Certificate, First Aid Qualification

OLGA IGNATOVA - BALLET

Olga teaches: Baby Ballerina's, Beginners Ballet, Advance Level Ballet, Adult Ballet and Stretch

In 1983 Olga was selected to join Bolshoi Theatre, where she danced until 1992. Olga has a wealth of knowledge and is arguably the most experienced ballet teacher in Dubai. Olga is result orientated and it is a great pleasure to watch her students develop year on year.

Olga has taken part in the performances of Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, Spartacus, Les Sylphides, Raymonda, Legend of Love, La Bayadere, The Nutcracker and many more.

Olga holds the following documentation: Full Police Clearance, Safeguarding Children Certificate, First Aid Qualification

DANISH ABU SULTAN SHAIKH - GYMNASTICS

Danish is a National medallist gymnast. Teaching Artistic Gymnastics and Acrobatic skills and lifts. He is a certified coach and national MAG judge.

Danish has 10 years experience as a gymnast and 6 years coaching experience. To the delight of students and parents he is working with our competitive and non competitive students from 5-14 yrs.

"I love working with kids and making classes joyful for them"

Danish holds the following documentation: Full Police Clearance, Safeguarding Children Certificate, First Aid Qualification

PAOLA FANTINATO - GYMNASTICS & YOGA

Paola is a certified Gymnastics coach from the Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) with over 20 years experience. She is also passionate about Yoga and holds several several Yoga Alliance

Certifications (Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Mandala Vinyasa, Yin and Aerial Yoga) for a

total of 650 hours of trainings and more than 4000 hours of teaching.

I am also a Pilates Mat Teacher, certified by the Federazione Italiana Fitness

(FIF), and a Yoga Fly instructor, with a diploma from BFIA- Body Fly

International Academy.

Paola has been in the world of gymnastics since she was a

little girl, first as an athlete, then as a coach.

"I devoted myself to teaching to share my experiences with the younger gymnasts. My goal as a gymnastics and wellness coach is to help children, teens, and adults to express themselves, through a conscious use of their body. I aim to teach them to develop awareness and command of their movements and coordination, gain self -confidence and trust in their own physical

and mental capabilities. Taking them on a transformation journey, uncovering their real essence"

Paola holds the following documentation: Full Police Clearance, Safeguarding Children Certificate, First Aid Qualification

DR. AHMED MAHMOUD EL JAFFARY - GYMNASTICS

Dr. Ahmed is a certified Gymnastics coach from the USA Gymnastics Federation. His objective is to lead and inspire young athletes, fostering a positive and disciplined environment. He achieves success through effective coaching, strategic planning and collaborating between students, parents and TDP Staff.

With a PHD in Physical Education Dr. Ahmed has a vast resume of courses in the development of children and their physical education. He has successfully completed all courses available in the Egyptian Gymnastics Federation and he is a certified Judge in Trampolining, Aerobic Gymnastics, Women's Artistic Gymnastics and Mens Artistic Gymnastics.

Dr. Ahmed has a proven track record promoting the growth and development of young gymnasts in both Egypt and Dubai as an experienced Lecturer and Head Coach.

Dr. Ahmed holds the following documentation: Full Police Clearance, Safeguarding Children Certificate, First Aid Qualification

SERGEY KHELIK - BALLET, JAZZ, CONTEMPORARY, LYRICAL

Sergey is a one of our newer staff members at TDP and we can not wait to see the results. We are blessed with such an amazing dancer and teacher. In the past few years, he has been a Principal Dancer and Guest Artist with companies such as Los Angeles Ballet, Los Angeles Opera, Cirque Du Soleil, Joburg Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet and for those young dancers who love Dance Moms, Sergey was on the faculty at the Abby Lee Dance Company in Los Angeles .

Sergey loves to share his knowledge and experience within the dance world, and he frequently teaches Ballet and Contemporary Master Classes, is invited to judge and watch performances globally. In short he is a super star in the dance world. He has taught for Youth America Grand Prix in New York, Asian Grand Prix in Hong Kong, Corella Dance Academy in Barcelona, The Ministry of Dance in Melbourne and Melbourne Academy of The Arts in Australia.

Sergeys history is fast, his training second to non and he is delighted to join the TDP team to pass on his skills to future dancers.

Sergey holds the following documentation: Full Police Clearance, Safeguarding Children Certificate, First Aid Qualification

LIZA CHAROYAN - ACRO DANCE & HANDBALANCING

Liza is an International performer and Master of Acrobatic Gymnastics. She has an enormous passion for teaching children in a safe and comfortable environment.

Liza holds the following documentation: Full Police Clearance, Safeguarding Children Certificate, First Aid Qualification

MAHMOUD ABD EL MENIEM - KARATE

Our karate academy is managed by head sensei Mohamed, who is 5 times Egypt champion, 7 times UAE champion and International Masters Cup gold medalist. Coach Mahmoud who holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a focus on martial arts.

He is also a black belt Dan 5 with over 15 years of coaching experience. He is an approved coach by Sharjah Education Academy, UAE karate federation as well as Egypt’s karate federation.

Mahmoud holds the following documentation: Full Police Clearance, Safeguarding Children Certificate, First Aid Qualification