Please read some kind words from some of Jackie’s past (and present) pupils and from those that have assessed Jackie’s students.
‘I recently spent two wonderful days examining DDE and Licentiate Tap exams at Jackie Barnes Teacher Training Centre.
To say the candidates had been well prepared would be an understatement of gigantic proportions. But what was most compelling, was that each candidate was able to give of their very best, while managing to maintain a personal connection to their own journey, their own personality, and their own passion as a teacher.
Their dedication and absolute love of the subject was abundantly clear from the first to last candidate. It was also clear that these candidates had been nurtured both as a group and as individuals – the sense of camaraderie and support was palpable, and one does not need a crystal ball to predict that some lifelong friendships will have been forged while studying at this professionally run centre.
For me, the one outstanding impression that I will take away from these two days was that of integrity. In this day of ‘one click serves all’, of the insatiable lust for quick learning and fast results, it is such a rare commodity to find amongst students of all ages, regardless of the level of study they are undertaking. This is especially true in a generation of learners that have had to cope with more than the usual stresses of exam preparation, but due to the pandemic, have had to take on a different level of responsibility with their own learning. This can only be achieved if the tutor is truly motivational, has an instinctive nurturing quality coupled with patience and empathy and a deep-rooted love and complete understanding of their subject. Jackie Barnes is such a tutor, mentor and I’m sure will be a continue to influence and guide her student teachers throughout their professional journeys.
Tereza Theodoulou – ISTD Lead Lecturer, ISTD Senior Examiner & past ISTD Modern Theatre Committee Chair
I feel very privileged to have been tutored by Jackie Barnes for my Unit 4 DDE in Tap and Modern and most recently my Unit 2. Jackie has inspired and encouraged me to always strive to reach my full potential as a teacher. Her passion for dance and teaching is unmistakable and compelling. Jackie’s exceptional knowledge, attention to detail, communication and continuous support has always made me feel that my learning was as important to her as it is to me. If you are lucky enough to be taught by Jackie Barnes you can rest assured, you are in very safe hands. Thank you Jackie xxx
Victoria Bishop
Learning from Jackie is an absolute joy. Have studied both Tap & Modern teaching qualifications with Jackie & have loved every minute. Jackie is extremely encouraging, supportive & understanding and I left each session feeling positive. She dedicates so much time to her students. I felt like she had complete confidence in me at all times. I felt so comfortable in classes, due to her warm and bright personality and felt so prepared for the exam. No question was ever left unanswered! Jackie does not only share her (enormous) bounty of knowledge with her students, but also prepares them to be the best teachers, not just in our teaching exam, but throughout our teaching careers and beyond! I had the best experience on my courses and made such wonderful friends because of the safe and friendly environment Jackie created. Thank you Jackie! You really are wonderful!
Katelyn Gray
Jackie is a wonderful teacher and mentor and over prepares us for our exams by covering every single possible scenario. This meant I was able to go into my exam with confidence and there were no surprises.
I completed my Unit 4 in Tap and Modern with Jackie and will in the future return to her for my Licentiate.
Jackie provided us with the skills to not only pass the exam, but to take this knowledge and actually apply it to our teaching.
The environment is so supportive and friendly and we all walked away with friends for life. Jackie has a huge amount of knowledge in both Tap and Modern and I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my education!
Anita Achillea
After completing my original DDI qualifications with Jackie, there was no doubt in my decision in choosing her for my further training for DDE.
Jackie is a fantastic teacher, her love for teaching shines through (even at 9am on a Sunday morning!!!)
Going into my Unit 4 exam is the most prepared for an exam I have ever felt!
The confidence Jackie instills in all of her students is inspiring and I cannot wait to continue my training with her for Tap!
Jasmine Osborn
I felt very supported by Jackie throughout the course and always felt comfortable in asking for help if ever I was finding something a challenge! The course is very well structured and prepares teachers in training excellently for the Unit 4 exam. I particularly liked learning about teaching approaches and how best to teach a certain exercise – what to expect from the students and what to look out for, corrections wise, in order to help and aid students.
Jackie’s outstanding teaching and constant reassurance throughout this course instilled a great deal confidence in me in the build up to my exam. It is thanks to Jackie I achieved great success with this exam!
Aoibh Pozsar
Jackie is the an extremely knowledgeable and kind-hearted lady who helped me to gain my Unit 2 qualification in a number of weeks after struggling to finish it previously.
I had been given a deadline from the ISTD to complete this unit if I wanted to continue entering students for exams, and Jackie helped me to get this done in the time frame without stress.
I had several zooms with Jackie as I don’t live near for face to face tutoring, but this didn’t have any impact on how much preparation I had. I felt very supported throughout my time completing unit 2 with her and I know even now if I needed any help she would only be an email away!
When doing this unit previously, I was loosing confidence and started to question my ability. Jackie spent time going through all my previous written work, talking through teaching methods and her encouraging nature helped to boost my confidence again. How she taught this unit made everything so much simpler to understand and it also helped me to grow as a teacher. I am super grateful for all of Jackie’s help and couldn’t recommend her enough to anyone looking for a tutor for their teacher training. I wish I had done all my DDE units with Jackie!
Lauren Budd
Jackie is the most wonderful teacher and I enjoyed every moment of my DDE courses even in a world pandemic when on Zoom!
She made me feel so confident before going into my exam and I have so much to thank her for with all of her inspiring words of teaching wisdom.
I would recommend DDE to anyone who wants to share their passion of dance to the next generation!
Matilda Rayner
It is said that the influence of a good teacher can never be erased, so I am very grateful for the support , the motivation, the enthusiasm and the professionalism that I received in order to pass successfully the Unit 5 – DDE .
Thank you so much for teaching and motivating me!
Konstantina Vasileiou
I cannot thank Jackie enough for all of the support with completing my DDE. Her professional tutor Katie and ongoing help along the way from Jackie, has made the process enjoyable and a great learning experience.
Thank you!
Beth Hammond
Re: DDE Ballet with Helen Steggles:
I have loved every moment of my teacher training with Helen. She creates a welcoming and supportive environment to share teaching ideas, improve your own classical technique and learn invaluable skills. Through DDE Ballet, I have also found myself a brilliant support network of incredible teachers, who will continue to inspire me as I move forward in my teaching journey. I would 100% recommend training with Helen, and I’m sure everyone with a passion for ballet and teaching will come away feeling inspired from her lessons.
Lucie Hills
Jackie is the an extremely knowledgeable and kind-hearted lady who helped me to gain my Unit 2 qualification in a number of weeks after struggling to finish it previously. I had been given a deadline from the ISTD to complete this unit if I wanted to continue entering students for exams, and Jackie helped me to get this done in the time frame without stress. I had several zooms with Jackie as I don’t live near for face to face tutoring but this didn’t have any impact on how much preparation I had. I felt very supported throughout my time completing unit 2 with her and I know even now if I needed any help she would only be an email away! When doing this unit previously, I was loosing confidence and started to question my ability. Jackie spent time going through all my previous written work, talking through teaching methods and her encouraging nature helped to boost my confidence again. How she taught this unit made everything so much simpler to understand and it also helped me to grow as a teacher. I am super grateful for all of Jackie’s help and couldn’t recommend her enough to anyone looking for a tutor for their teacher training. I wish I had done all my DDE units with Jackie!
Lauren Budd
I have been under Jackie Barnes' tuition for DDE Modern & Tap. Having a teacher who was part of the Modern Theatre Committee and an examiner gives you the best start to your teacher training; information is current and up-to-date. Jackie's vast knowledge and experience in teaching, examining and performing enables her to help you think differently about the way you teach and encourages you to draw on your own experiences, as a teacher or performer helping you have the confidence to put your ideas into practice, so when entering the exam room you are prepared for all questions! After a decade of performing in the West End it is exciting to have found a teacher who challenges and inspires you to be the best teacher you can be.
Markella Panayi - Childrens Director & cast member 'Lion King' Lyceum Theatre London & Resident Director of 'We Will Rock You' UK Tour'
I can't thank Jackie Barnes enough for all that she has taught me. Her teaching combines expert technical knowledge with an incredible sense of performance, style & awareness of the industry. Her teaching skill & personality helps bring out the best in every student. She is patient, encouraging and inspiring - always helping you go further and further. Her classes are challenging, thorough but above all fun. She does everything with passion, dedication and a fantastic sense of humour!!
Ben Darmanin - Assistant to Cameron Mackintosh & 'Hamilton' Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler
Jackie Barnes tutored me for 4 years, taking me through my DDI and DDE practical exams in Tap and Modern and also the observation units for both levels of qualification. I have learnt an incredible amount from Jackie and most recently went through an Ofsted inspection at work where I was so pleased that I was able to have a structured and professional conversation with them regarding the class I taught. There were so many cross-overs with what Jackie had taught me. I felt prepared and not flustered with having an inspector sitting in my class and I have Jackie to thank for that. I’ve loved training with Jackie so much that I want to do my Licenciate Tap with her too!
Emma Whittingham - Dance School Principal
Jackie Barnes tutored me through my CDE qualification now known as DDE. I found her not only to be a thoroughly professional person, but someone I could talk to; personally guiding me along the way to achieving a better understanding about myself as a teacher. I looked forward to each tutorial, gaining more depth of criteria to take away to my pupils. Jackie Barnes has such an extensive knowledge in her field that I would highly recommend her as a mentor to anyone wanting to pursue a teaching career, or to further your qualifications with the ISTD - you won't be disappointed. I look forward to continuing my licentiate studies with her very soon.
Victoria Gill - Dance Teacher - Ireland
I almost can’t put into words what a fantastic tutor Jackie has been to me. I have had the pleasure to have her coach me through CDE Modern and Tap and then through my Licentiate. Along with a few others it was down to Jackie’s encouragement that I have made it to where I am now with my teaching career. The depth of knowledge she has is really inspiring, I thoroughly enjoyed all my tutoring sessions and classes with her and I always felt she got the best out of me. Jackie was incredibly supportive as a tutor as well, always there to help and advice with anything. I am so grateful to have had a tutor like Jackie as I know that it’s due to her amazing teaching that I have become the teacher I am today. A wonderful teacher who any aspiring teacher would be lucky to have as their tutor!
Jessica Morgan-Beale FISTD ISTD Rep for Essex & South East.
Jackie Barnes was a tutor on my DDP Level 6 Diploma is Dance Pedagogy for the Unit 4 Practical Unit. She was extremely inspiring and was very thorough, with everything she covered with us. Jackie made sure we were fully prepared for the examination to make it an enjoyable experience. We went in with free amalgamations, and presentations on biomechanics & trends, and she went the extra mile to coach us on these. Jackie will challenge you and make sure she gets the very best out of you. Her expertise, knowledge and experience is second to none. She enhanced my confidence as a teacher and I feel very lucky to have been taught by her and hope to be taught by her again in the future.
Georgina Wootten - ISTD DDP Graduate
I am proud to say that the students were in awe when Jackie Barnes introduced our Maltese students to the wonderful world of tap. You had them mesmerised. They could not stop talking about it. An exhilarating class with exceptional demonstration. Wonderful! We can only hope you can join us sometime soon on our island.
Lucienne Camilleri - DLS Productions, Malta
I got my associate qualifications while I was at college at the age of 17, and in those days anyone that continued their qualifications were those that wanted to examine, not something I ever thought was for me. I've known Jackie Barnes for many years due to her being so heavily involved within the ISTD and every year at the ISTD Janet Cram Awards she would always ask me when I was going to continue my training. I always said I was too busy, but finally gave in. I never realised until I started working with Jackie how set in my ways I was as a teacher..... 16 years of teaching the same grades the same way, got the children good exam results but didn't help my students or myself grow. I am now working on my Licentiate training with Jackie, and if this means at some point carrying on to possibly apply to examine then brilliant, but at the moment I am finding the help and advice invaluable to both me and my students.
Leanda Shelton - Head of Dance The Company Performing Arts - Clacton
I have worked with Jackie Barnes on the DDI and DDE units throughout my studying during 2014 & 2015. Jackie was always very clear with instruction and always worked with me to find a way to help me fully understand so that my work and teaching would improve. I am really grateful for everything that Jackie has taught me along the way and feel I have become a much better teacher because of it. Jackie also helped me to build my confidence when preparing for my final teaching assessment, giving me lots of hints and tips. Jackie is a fantastic teacher and I am so pleased that I got the chance to work with her whilst working towards my DDI and DDE qualifications!
Carla Gentry - Gentry Performing Arts
I could not be happier with the guidance and training I have received from Jackie Barnes. After meeting her in 2013 during my time at Performers College and helping me with my observations for my DDI Modern and Tap, we re-connected in 2018 where I was looking for a tutor to help me with my DDEs. Living in Germany, it was a big decision for me to start the DDE Unit 4 preparation course in Modern with Jackie in England, having to fly over almost monthly. It has been a decision I never regretted. After two years of working very closely with Jackie, she has not only helped me pass my DDE Unit 4 exams in Modern and Tap with top marks in less than 2 years, she has also mentored me during my first big session of Modern and Tap exams with my own pupils which has been very successful. Overall Jackie has not just helped me with my qualifications, her knowledge and expertise has made me a better teacher.
Greta Donsbach - Tanz Etage, Bremerhaven, Germany
Jackie has been tutoring me for 4 years now, taking me through my DDI and DDE practical exams in Tap and Modern and also the observation units for both levels of qualification. I have learnt an incredible amount from Jackie and most recently went through an Ofsted inspection at work where I was so pleased that I was able to have a structured and professional conversation with them regarding the class I taught. There were so many cross-overs with what Jackie has taught me. I felt prepared and not flustered with having an inspector sitting in my class and I have Jackie to thank for that. I’ve loved training with Jackie.
Rebecca Christer
Jackie is the most wonderful teacher and I enjoyed every moment of my DDE courses even in a world pandemic when on Zoom! She made me feel so confident before going into my exam and I have so much to thank her for, with all of her inspiring words of teaching wisdom. I would recommend DDE to anyone who wants to share their passion of dance to the next generation!
Matilda Rayner
AUGUST 2021 'I recently spent two wonderful days examining DDE and Licentiate Tap exams at Jackie Barnes Teacher Training Centre. To say the candidates had been well prepared would be an understatement of gigantic proportions. But what was most compelling, was that each candidate was able to give of their very best while managing to maintain a personal connection to their own journey, their own personality, and their own passion as a teacher. Their dedication and absolute love of the subject was abundantly clear from the first to last candidate. It was also clear that these candidates had been nurtured both as a group and as individuals – the sense of camaraderie and support was palpable, and one does not need a crystal ball to predict that some lifelong friendships will have been forged while studying at this professionally run centre. For me, the one outstanding impression that I will take away from these two days was that of integrity. In this day of ‘one click serves all’, of the insatiable lust for quick learning and fast results, it is such a rare commodity to find amongst students of all ages, regardless of the level of study they are undertaking. This is especially true in a generation of learners that have had to cope with more than the usual stresses of exam preparation, but due to the pandemic, have had to take on a different level of responsibility with their own learning. This can only be achieved if the tutor is truly motivational, has an instinctive nurturing quality coupled with patience and empathy and a deep-rooted love and complete understanding of their subject. Jackie Barnes is such a tutor, mentor and I’m sure will be a continue to influence and guide her student teachers throughout their professional journeys. Tereza Theodoulou - ISTD Senior Examiner, previous ISTD Modern Theatre Committee Chair & ISTD Lead Lecturer
Tereza Theodoulou ISTD Senior Examiner
Jackie has been the most supportive tutor. I feel very fortunate to have been taught by Jackie and have been inspired by her knowledge.
Ella Price
