PAT

I started dancing at the age of three at The Finch Stage School, under the tuition of the amazingly inspirational Betty Finch. By the age of five I was winning competitions and by six was All England champion. This continued up to the age of 17. From a very young age I assisted Betty and then ran her schools when she was on holiday. I knew that I definitely wanted to teach and took my first qualification at 15.

I have danced with many famous people during my training years, including Roy Hudd, Brian Blessed and Russ Conway, who played the piano for me to tap dance to. I took the lead roles in many pantos including Doc in the 7 dwarves, and have performed in many of the great London venues including the Royal Albert Hall and the impressive Scala Theatre (the Palladium of it's day). I was spotted at the age of 10 by Carroll Levis and asked to perform on his TV show 'Discoveries'. I also performed with Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas for the Queen Mother.

I have modelled alongside Miss World and was offered professional work in Europe. I was drawn to teaching professionally and took that route. Having studied Business at college I then combined both and opened Danceworld in 1982. The rest, as they say, is history. I continued to take further qualifications in all main dance styles and became a Fellow and Examiner of The BATD and The British Arts Association.

I hold the position of Treasurer for the BATD London Region, having formerly been both Chairperson and Vice Chair. I have travelled all over the country examining at other schools. I hope my passion for teaching has been passed on to my students, many of whom now teach at Danceworld. I take teachers' training courses and haved put hundreds of people through their qualifications. Long may Danceworld continue in the capable hands of my daughter Kerry Nastri and our amazing staff.