Why Teachers of Dance Exists
Teachers of Dance was founded by Liza Kyriakidou to support dance teachers and studio leaders through coaching, mentoring, and thoughtful professional development. Teaching dance is more than teaching technique. It is education. Teachers of Dance was created from that belief - and from a long professional journey through dance teaching, teacher development, leadership, and coaching. This is a space for dance educators who want to grow with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.
My Story
I'm Liza Kyriakidou - a dance educator, mentor, and coach with more than three decades of experience in teaching, teacher development, and educational leadership.
I trained as a dance teacher at the Royal Academy of Dance in London, where I studied pedagogy, child development, and educational practice. That foundation shaped the way I have always understood dance: not simply as technique, but as a powerful educational process.
Over time, that understanding deepened into bigger questions:
-
How do students really learn?
-
Why do some teaching approaches empower students while others limit them?
-
How can dance education become more reflective, student-centred, and intentional?
These questions later led me to complete a Master's degree in Dance Education with the Royal Academy of Dance, validated by the University of Bath. Alongside this, I also trained as a professional coach through EKPA and became a Foundation Accredited Coach with the Universal Coaching Alliance. I have also supported the preparation of dance teachers through mentoring, supervision, and tutoring roles within Royal Academy of Dance teacher education programmes.
How I Work
My approach is calm, reflective, and personalised. I do not believe in quick fixes or rigid formulas. I believe in thoughtful conversations and meaningful support that respect both your experience and your context. Because lasting growth comes through awareness, clarity, and intentional change.
.png)
What Guides My Work
My work brings together five connected strands:
Education
Coaching
Reflection
Leadership
.jpg)
Dance
What Dance Teachers & Studio Leaders Say
Returning to ballet teaching after many years was a significant challenge. Knowing ballet was not enough; I needed to rediscover how to communicate my knowledge effectively, connect with my students and feel confident in the classroom.
Working with Liza was practical and completely tailored to my needs. Through shadowing her teaching, being observed in my own classes, constructive feedback and creating action plans together, I became much more intentional in the way I teach. Liza didn’t simply tell me what I could do differently; she helped me understand why a particular approach might be more effective and what I could try next.
I became more aware of how I give instructions and corrections, communicate with children and adapt my teaching to the needs and progress of my students. I also gained greater confidence and a clearer understanding of both my strengths and the areas I wanted to develop.
Most importantly, Liza’s coaching helped me build my identity as a teacher. She didn’t simply help me become a better ballet teacher; she helped me rediscover the joy and confidence of teaching.
— Fotini, Ballet Teacher & Professional Coaching Client, Greece
I met Liza during a particularly difficult period in my life, and working with her was enormously supportive, not only while I was going through those challenges, but long after our sessions had ended.
My experience with Liza was extremely positive and contributed significantly to my personal growth. She approached our work with professionalism, understanding and empathy, creating a safe and supportive space where I felt completely comfortable expressing myself and exploring whatever I brought to each session.
I always looked forward to our next conversation. Liza was consistent, attentive to my needs, and our sessions inspired me to make meaningful changes in my life.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Liza to anyone looking for a trustworthy and skilled coach to support their personal growth
— Rachil Topalidou, Personal Coaching Client, Germany
