Elen Brandão van Weegen

Dance teacher, choreographer and artistic director
Elen has trained as a dancer since she was 4 years old. She worked in Brazil as a dance teacher in renowned dance schools for 10 years before moving to Scotland. On arriving in Scotland Elen taught dance at Glasgow University, South Lanarkshire Council and Esporta (now David Lloyd Clubs) before opening her own school. Elen has a degree in Physical Education and Sports Science from Centro Universitario de Belo Horizonte - Brazil and she is a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance (ballet and jazz membership).

Elen has also worked as a personal trainer, PE teacher and Kindermusik educator. Elen has performed in several classical ballets in Brazil such La Bayadere, Carmen, Paquita, Faust and La Fille Mal Gardee and performed many jazz choreographies. She has conceived and directed many student dance shows here and in Brazil.

Elen is married and has two lovely children - Gabriella and Samuel. She is very interested in learning and developing her skills - she has recently graduated from HNC Business with an A at City of Glasgow College.

Jessica Foley

Dance teacher & choreographer
Jessica started dancing the age of three. She trained professionally at Ballet West of Scotland and graduated with a BA hons. After graduating she travelled all over the word with different dance companies, performing and learning different styles. In addition, she holds a higher national diploma in professional Stage Dance and has completed her Advanced II RAD grade. 

Hannah Cheales

Dance teacher 
Hannah started dancing when she 3 and has been attending classes at our dance school since we opening in 2007. She has studied ballet, tap and jazz and has achieved outstanding results in her BATD exams. Hannah's other main interest is drama. She is a member of Hamilton District Youth Theatre and performs regularly with them. She has performed in many shows including "All Shook Up", "Annie" and "Bugsy Malone". Hannah is currently studying International Business at Strathclyde University.

Caitlyn Gillespie

Dance and Admin assistant
Caitlyn started dance classes at the age of seven studying ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance. She joined our school in 2008 as a student and began to specialise in ballet. In May 2013 Caitlyn became a dance assistant working within our school. Caitlyn Gillespie completed an HND in advertising and PR and has recently graduated in BA ( Hons) International Marketing at Caledonia University. Caitlyn also works at Royal Concert Hall as a hospitality representative. 

Molly Cuthbertson

Dance assistant
Molly has been dancing since age 2 and joined our dance school in 2017. She has studied ballet, tap and jazz. When she leaves high school next year she hopes to continue her dance education at college. She successfully became a South Lanarkshire council dance leader in 2020 where the focus of this role is to encourage primary school children to be healthy, active and keep fit by dancing.

Alexandra Ford

Dance assistant
Alexandra started dancing when she was 3 and began with ballet and tap. In 2011 she joined Elen Brandao Dance School studying ballet and jazz. She has achieved good results in the BATD dance exams and participated in the annual shows. Alexandra has also taken lessons and completed summer workshops with the RCS. She is currently in S5 and is working towards her Higher exams

Gemma Bodin

Dance assistant
Gemma started dancing when she was 3 years old in 2010. She has studied ballet, tap and jazz and has achieved great results in her BATD exams every year. She is grade 4 in ballet and tap and going into grade 3 jazz. Gemma also has done a lot of theatre productions including Aladdin, Matilda, the greatest showman, musical and more.

Cara Boyce

Dance assistant
Cara has been dancing with the school since the age of three, she joined the school in early 2008 just a few months after the school opened. Cara studies ballet, pointe, tap and jazz and has achieved great results in her BATD exams. Cara has also taken part in several of her school’s theatrical performances, including Tam O’ Shanter, The Pied Piper of Hamelin and later this year, will be co-choreographing and performing in Oliver!