Alexandra Sherman

Dip RBS, TTC, ARAD, RAD Examiner, RAD – RTS, AISTD, DDE (CB, NB), Benesh Teaching Cert

Alexandra is currently an examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance, Teacher at Elmhurst Ballet School on their Young Dancers and Extended Programme, a cover teacher for the Royal Ballet School Associates in Bristol and Totnes, and Principal of Bristol Ballet Centre.  Alongside this, she coaches students privately from around the South West who are hoping for a professional dance career.

Alexandra began her training at Bristol Ballet Centre under Lorna Martin, before gaining a place at The Royal Ballet School in London.  She was also offered places at several top London colleges, including London Studio Centre, Arts Educational School, Urdang Academy, Italia Conti and West Street Ballet School.  Whilst at The Royal Ballet School, her achievements included teaching on the Junior Associate Programme all over the country, conducting auditions for both lower and upper schools and the National Youth Ballet, and acting as personal assistant to the ballet mistress, Dame Merle Park, on the annual school performance. In her final year, she was deputy Head Girl and won several awards including the Pamela Self Award, Gordon Edwards Charitable Trust award and a special award from Dame Merle Park DBE.

After graduating, Alexandra gained a scholarship to Arts Educational School in London for one year to broaden her knowledge of other dance styles, before going on to work with a ballet company in France.  On her return to the UK, she taught at The Royal Ballet School and the Central School of Ballet in London before moving back to Bristol in 2000 to take up the position of Principal of the Bristol Ballet Centre. Ex-pupils have attended the Royal Ballet School, Elmhurst Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Arts Educational School London, Northern Ballet School, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Ballet Theatre UK School and Moorlands International Ballet Academy .

“I have always been passionate about ballet and dance and feel so privileged to have the job that I do. From travelling the world examining for The Royal Academy of Dance, to being in the studio with my own students laughing, learning and having fun; from teaching Pre - vocational dancers at Elmhurst Ballet School; to establishing training programs with my private students,  I love every aspect of being able to share my 20 years of knowledge and experience. Watching young dancers grow into confident, well rounded, self-disciplined adults and being part of their journey at any stage is a privilege. We have so much fun along the way and it really does feel like an honour to be part of these wonderful students’ lives. “

When not in a ballet studio, Alexandra can be found out for a run (a new hobby having had to stop playing Hockey), anywhere outdoors, or curled up on the sofa watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ with a glass of something!    Still a ‘work in progress’ is the work/life balance, not doing everything at a million miles an hour and learning to talk more slowly – but those who know her well understand she always has so much to say.