Jacqui Tapsell – F.I.S.T.D

Jacqui began her training with Gillian Farr and subsequently with Susan Stephens. Upon completion of her training Jacqui worked as a professional dancer, and as a Fashion and Hair model across the UK and in Europe.

Jacqui began teaching over 30 years ago at the Susan Stephens Theatre Dance School, and later full time at Performers College. Jacqui taught at Performers for over 23 years (since it opened) and was head of all ISTD FDI Modern & Tap Examination work and during the last 9 years was also Co-ordinator of the Foundation course.

A previous winner of the Marjorie Davies Star Tap Awards, Jacqui has choreographed numerous winning dances for the Tap Awards and has taken classes for the Junior, Senior & Premier sections and then ultimately became an adjudicator for the competition.

Jacqui holds a ‘Fellowship’ of both the ISTD Modern Theatre and Tap Dance Faculties and was an Examiner for both for over 20 years. In addition to examining Jacqui was also proud to be on the ISTD Tap committee for over 8 years.

Choreographic credits include numerous pantomimes including The Wizard of Oz, Aladdin and cabarets for top London venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Grosvenor House, Savoy and the Royal Lancaster hotels. Jacqui has staged and choreographed T.V shows such as ‘Would I Lie to You’, ‘The Moment of Truth’ and ‘Surprise Surprise’ with Cilla Black.

Jacqui assisted with the Opening Ceremony of the ‘Euro 96’ Football Tournament at Wembley Stadium, and was proud to be involved in the opening ceremony of ITV’s 50th Birthday celebration show ‘The Avenue of the Stars’ filmed at Covent Garden with Kate Thornton, Dionne Warwick and Sir Michael Caine.

Jacqui has lectured at numerous Gala Days, Summer Schools and regularly adjudicates for Dance Festivals in and around the UK. Jacqui was honoured to represent the UK as part of an international judging panel at the National Tap Dance Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

Whilst in her position as Foundation Course Co-ordinator she found her true passion, working with would-be students and helping them to perfect their downfalls or weaknesses, encouraging them to progress and gain confidence in all areas, watching them grow into mature young adults and Efficient, Focused and Competent students.