Testimonials

  • Nicola was first my teacher and later mentored my journey to becoming an RAD Registered ballet teacher. She is without a doubt the most inspirational and multi-talented person to have impacted my life, and the lives of many others, throughout her phenomenal career. In particular, Nicola’s knowledge of and flair for music, dance science, choreography and Character dance has armed her students and mentees alike with invaluable skills that are hard to come by these days. She has always endeavoured to understand her diverse range of students on such an intrinsic level that she can adapt her teaching methodology to each individual’s strengths and weaknesses in a kind and professional manner. Although we no longer work together or even live on the same continent, I am fortunate to still engage with Nicola in a collaborative and supportive creative relationship as her passion for continued learning in all relevant fields of this industry fuels my desire to always strive for excellence. She is truly a born educator and leader.

    Maxine Machado-Anderson

    BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre | RAD RTS | ABT NTC Certified Teacher | Silver

    Swans Licensee

  • I have known and worked with Nicola for over 30 years.  She is a teacher of the highest caliber who employs a holistic approach to teaching and dance education.  Her students benefit from her extensive knowledge of ballet and character technique, understanding of anatomy and human movement dynamics and child development, and her interest in music and the vital role it plays in dance performance and training.  Nicola taught in my studio and, after 10 years, when I became an RAD examiner, took over as Director – I was so relieved to hand the school over to someone I could trust would build on the ethos and vision we both hold dear. Over the years Nicola has inspired so many of her pupils to further their skills beyond high school and she has mentored them in their teaching careers.  Her knowledge and training will have stood them in great stead as they pursued their careers in dance education.  For this she has been recognized by the Royal Academy of Dance – an award well deserved. As she moves on in her career, I know the dance world will benefit greatly from her experience.  I have the highest of respect for her as a teacher and am proud to call her my friend.

    Lesley Shearer

    M.Teach (Dance) | B.Phil (Hons) Ballet | RAD Examiner | Director of Ballet program,

    Metropolitan School of the Arts.

  • I first met Nicola Trotter in 2007 on a trip to Dubai where we met to discuss the prospect of me teaching RAD syllabus at her well-established school of dance students. She soon became a mentor, supporter, and lifelong friend, offering her time and advice wherever required while I worked at her school for 6 years. She had a thorough approach to every detail in running a dance school and a caring attitude towards all students she taught. As a young teacher I was privileged to observe her skill in delivering ballet syllabus to a wide community of students and levels and choreographing for shows. More importantly, I observed her ability to bring out individual strengths, allowing students to achieve success in their own ways whether that was for examinations, performances, or university choices. Nicola’s teaching and life experience puts her in a unique position to support both individual students seeking coaching as well as mentoring training teachers to succeed. Her influence still shapes the way that I teach after some 15 years and I am still grateful we met on that hot dusty day for a coffee in Dubai.

    Nicola Lewis

    MA Ed| BA (Hons) | LRAD | RAD RTS

  • Being a performer and educator myself, I wanted to find a teacher for my daughters who would not only teach from the heart but also instil a passion and discipline for dance.  As Dubai can be a very transient place, I was grateful that my path crossed with Nicola Trotter when it did. Not only did I find a dedicated teacher who instilled a love for dance together with the discipline and commitment that is required in the performing arts, but in her, my girls found a friend for life! I had the pleasure of being the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) pianist for her school  for many years. The exams were conducted with impeccably high standards - from training to presentation, to an inspiring atmosphere, to timekeeping. Above all, Nicola made the examinations a rewarding experience for her students. I highly recommend Nicola for her attention to detail, work execution, and overall passion evident in her teaching.  Thank you, Nicola, for giving my daughters the gift and love of dance.

    Nerissa Lobo

    (M.A., B.A., A.T.C.L., L.T.C.L., G.T.C.L.)

    Section Leader/Pianist - Firdaus Orchestra

    Music Educator, Life Coach, Author

  • I met Nicola Trotter twenty-five years ago. In this time I have known her in the capacity of teacher, colleague and friend. No matter what role she plays at any specific time, it is a given that she is trustworthy and loyal. Nicola has the rare quality of going over and above to help someone, no questions asked. Once she commits to a task or a person, she will ensure that the end goal is met and, preferably, exceeded. With regards to her work as a ballet teacher and business owner, she is extremely knowledgable and committed to her school and her students. She cares for every individual, no matter if they will be the next prima ballerina or if they just want to dance for the love of it. Nicola nurtures every student and ensures that they flourish developmentally, physically, and emotionally. She generously imparts her knowledge and wisdom that she has acquired over the years. Every person working with — or alongside — her will leave with something new, specifically geared toward their wants and / or needs.

    Lyzelle Maasdorp

    BMus (Dance) | BA(Hons) Psych | PGCE | MSc (Applied Psych) | MA (Dance teaching) |

    RAD RTS

  • I have three daughters, all of whom have had a rewarding and enjoyable experience learning ballet with Nicola. My eldest daughter started in 2004 and all three of my daughters have subsequently been lucky enough to remain under Nicola’s tutelage since that time. Nicola has guided all of my girls through the RAD syllabus successfully and encouraged each of them to reach their potential, always in a positive and caring way and at a pace that suited them. My eldest daughter graduated at Advanced 1 and most recently Nicola has coached my middle daughter through Advanced 2, which was a really positive and enjoyable experience for her. She continues to teach my youngest daughter at Grade 8 and Intermediate. Nicola’s teaching nurtures physical well being, teaching awareness of the importance of good physical health. Nicola’s eye for detail alerted us to a scoliosis for one of my daughters very early on, which we were then able to take appropriate action to remediate.  A passionate and dedicated teacher, Nicola knows each of my girls very well and has always made sure that each of their individual needs are met both as dancers but also as individual personalities. She has been an inspiration to my daughters, encouraging them to be confident in themselves and their abilities, and has fostered in them a lifelong love of ballet.

    Nicola Neille

    BA | PGCE