Principal - Claire Beddow
Claire started her training at the age of 4 and went on to further her
Qualifications at Pattisons College, where she became an Associate of
the I.S.T.D and I.D.T.A. Claire has had a long career in the Performing
Arts in Musicals and Cabaret as well as choreographing numerous
shows and performances with her own dance troupe C’est Chic.
As a Choreographer she has worked with many Artistes such as
Danny La Rue and Cheryl Baker to name but a few.
She opened The Beddow Academy in 1994 and has had many
successful years with pupils taking dance, drama and singing exams
all with excellent results, as well as them performing in the West End
in local shows and at Euro Disney. Ex pupils have also gone on to have
successful careers in their own rights in the Performing Arts.
Claire is also a LAMDA Examiner.
Dance/Acro and Fitness Teacher - Clare Reed
Clare started dancing at the age of 9 and went on to obtain her GCSE in
Dance. She attended The Beddow Academy from 1996 until 2005.
She then pursued her career as a dancer working for Warner Hotels and the Hotel Burstin,she furthered her teaching qualifications at The Page
Mason School in Broadstairs.
Clare also went to LA with the England Dance Team
Clare is a fully trained Zumba, Powerhoop and Popdance instructor and Acrobatic Arts Instructor.
Street/Competition Dance Teacher- Taylor Munday
Taylor has been a student at Beddow Academy from the age of 9. She has since performed in Beddow productions and local pantomimes, and has passed many dance examinations throughout her time at Beddow Academy. Taylor now teaches street as well as continuing to further her dance qualifications at the academy.
MUSIC TEACHER - OLLY SMITH
Oliver is a graduate of Canterbury Christ Church University and he received a first class degree in commercial music. Since university, Oliver has been involved in many aspects of the music industry including working in Musical Theatre, being musical director for multiple pantomimes around the country, teaching vocals, piano, guitar, trumpet, drums, steel pans and ukulele. Oliver also has a wide experience of performing in live bands, both in small venues and big theatres.
THEATRE TEACHER - RUBY GRACE
Ruby began her performing journey at Beddow Academy Studios, where she discovered her love of performing at just six years old and has been involved in theatre ever since. Over the years, she has taken part in countless dance shows, musicals and pantomimes before continuing her training at JGH Academy of Theatre Arts. Ruby made her professional debut as Wendy Darling in Peter Pan at The Malthouse Theatre, and, following her graduation, made her West End debut in Cocomelon: Sing-a-long Live in Summer 2025. Ruby has also discovered her love for teaching, she particularly enjoys helping young performers build confidence, develop their skills and, most importantly find the same joy in performing that she discovered herself at a young age.