RLDC Faculty:
Inspiring Performing Arts Careers
RLDC is your gateway to an exceptional performing arts career. With award-winning faculty and comprehensive programs, we guide aspiring artists to achieve their dreams. Our focus on quality education and individual growth ensures you gain the skills needed to excel. Begin your journey to a successful performing arts career with RLDC today.
Ruby Lilly
School Principal
Ruby embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of two, quickly becoming captivated by the art form. Growing up in a large family in Somerset, she immersed herself in a diverse range of activities, including classical ballet, modern dance, and tap. In addition to her dance training, Ruby also pursued kickboxing, competed in judo, earned a black belt in Taekwondo, and participated in show jumping and cross-country events.
Her academic journey at City of Bath College required Ruby to focus on a specific path. While studying for a BTEC in Performing Arts, she diligently worked towards obtaining her advanced qualifications in ballet and modern dance. Upon completing her studies, Ruby took a brief hiatus to explore the music festival circuit before auditioning for prestigious ballet and performance schools. After receiving offers from multiple institutions, she chose to accept a place in the BA in Ballet Education program at the Royal Academy of Dance. During her time there, Ruby taught at various schools across London and performed for three years in classical ballet, contemporary ballet, and modern dance. In 2015, she had the honor of coaching a masterclass on "Swan Lake" at the Move It dance convention.
Regrettably, Ruby's performance career faced a significant setback due to severe hip and pelvic injuries, necessitating major surgery shortly after her graduation. Following her recovery, she transitioned to full-time teaching at several schools in Bristol and Somerset. In the summer of 2018, she underwent a second reconstructive surgery, after which she resumed her career as a professional dancer. This included appearances on the second season of "Flirty Dancing" and collaborations with the renowned dance group Diversity.
The onset of the pandemic brought new challenges, as Ruby became a solo parent to her daughter, Vivie, who is now four years old. Despite these obstacles, Ruby remains committed to enhancing her skills as both a teacher and dancer, as well as serving as a competitive dance judge. She takes pride in being a strong, independent role model.
Ella Pratten
Teacher
Ella began her dance journey at the age of three with the Stapleton School of Dancing in Bristol, where she studied Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Tap and Modern. Over the years, she successfully completed both graded and major examinations in all three disciplines. During her formative years, Ella also participated in numerous dance festivals for over a decade, culminating in three appearances at the All England National Finals, where she achieved first place with her Irish solo in 2018.
Ella furthered her education at Morea Performing Arts, where she spent three years honing her technical skills and gaining invaluable performance experience. During this time, she also began her teaching qualifications under the guidance of some of the creators of the ISTD syllabi. After graduating in July 2018, she completed her teaching qualifications at the Dance Station in Bristol, becoming fully qualified in ISTD Ballet, Tap, and Modern.
With several years of full-time teaching experience, Ella has cultivated a wealth of knowledge while instructing at various schools across Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. She is passionate about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential in dance classes. Ella is dedicated to inspiring her students and instilling in them her deep love for dance.
Claire Rutland
Teacher
Claire's journey in dance began at a young age at a local dance school, where she completed her ISTD examinations across various dance styles. Her talent and dedication led her to perform at prestigious venues such as Her Majesty’s Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, and Sadler’s Wells. While training at the BRIT School for Performing Arts, Claire honed her skills in a diverse array of dance forms, including Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Jazz Lifts, Choreography, and Improvisation.
After auditioning for several professional schools with a classical focus, Claire was offered places and scholarships at numerous institutions. Ultimately, she chose to join the Central School of Ballet (CSB), where she graduated in 2016 with a BA (Hons) Degree in Professional Dance and Performance. During her time at CSB, she also achieved her Advanced RAD Ballet qualifications and completed A-Level courses in Dance and Art while training full-time. Claire gained invaluable experience touring the UK with CSB’s company, Ballet Central, collaborating with professional choreographers. Following this, she toured with Northern Ballet and Ballet Cymru, further expanding her repertoire as a jazz dancer.
In addition to her dance career, Claire is a qualified personal trainer with a keen interest in weightlifting. She is passionate about the benefits of strength training for dancers and currently holds a powerlifting record in her weight class. Claire continuously challenges herself, pushing the boundaries of what women can achieve in fitness. As an inspiring role model for young dancers, she advocates for strength training, positive body image, and the importance of functional movement.
Claire began teaching at RLDC in the summer of 2019 and is deeply committed to contributing to the school's growth and success. Her passion for dance and dedication to nurturing the next generation of dancers make her an invaluable asset to the RLDC community.