194-196 Abbey Hey Lane, Gorton, Manchester, M18 8TW
077427 46702
THE TEAM
FOUNDER &
HEAD CHOREOGRAPHER
Mercedes Jo
After gaining Dance and Performing Arts Diplomas at City College Manchester, I decided to take 2 years out and set up TDS Dance. It started as a way of expression, to help raise valuable funds for causes I felt strongly for.
After creating "Dance 4 Life 07 & 08" alongside numerous other performances, I then enrolled at Salford University to study a BA(Hons) in Physical and Dance Theatre whilst running TDS. In Summer 2010 I was accepted as a Senior Facilitator for Teaching and Managing Dance within Thomas Cook Entertainments Company and travelled Europe teaching Commercial Dance. When I returned I completed my university degree and my Martial Arts training and graduated in both subjects in 2012. I've been privileged to perform in many diverse Theatres and Performances ranging from Dance Theatre and Panto to backing dancing in the GMEX and Wembley Stadiums.
After graduating I decided to take my Fitness training to another level and become a certified Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer, it seemed the next logical step as Fitness and Kick Boxing have always been a huge part of my life. After qualifying I began teaching Fitness freelance in Gyms and local Community Centres. I also delivered Multi-Sports & Zumba Sessions in Primary Schools, High Schools & Colleges for the Governments Change 4 Life Program.
In 2018 I completed my assessor training enabling me to Award Young Leaders with a passion for Dance and Sport a level 1-3 qualification. The course itself lasts for between 10-12weeks and demands a lot from the young participants. These qualifications, once passed, contain credits they can use towards college or university to further their education.
Now I have a little girl of my own with boundless energy, Fitness, Health and Wellbeing has become even more important to me. I strive to create fun and energetic sessions that not only educate the children on Why they're doing exercise but that its actually quite enjoyable and something the whole family can do together!
When I first wrote this bio in March 2016 my last sentence was...
"My eventual aim is to own my own studio and deliver Dance and Fitness sessions to the Community I started in", but now, after completing that goal, the only thing left is for me to welcome you into our home and you can try the sessions out for yourself :)
STUDIO COACHES
My name is Jennie and I have been coaching gymnastics for 18 years. I am originally from London and moved to Manchester when I was 18 to attend University.
After gaining my degree in Sports Science I started work as an Assistant Gymnastics Development Officer in Salford. I spent 10 years in that position and then decided to become a freelance Gymnastics and Trampolining coach. I love coaching and am super passionate about sport and getting children involved in it.
I'm excited to be working with everyone at TDS and teaching the children some new tricks!
Hey my names Saffron and Ive been dancing with TDS for over ten years now.
When I first started I was really shy and nervous but attending TDS has really helped to bring my confidence on. Everyone is really friendly and Mercedes makes sure that everyone is made to feel welcome no matter whether your a total beginner or just love to dance, like me!
I was part of Mercedes first Comp Team - Infusion - and we competed and performed throughout 2014. I'm now part of the Senior Competition Team.
Dancing with TDS has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn't have got elsewhere.
I graduated with degree in Childhood Studies in 2021.
At the moment I coach two Performance Classes, and three Competition Teams.
Hey my name is Kayla!
I began my training in Dance and Drama at the age of 4 at Northern Kids Theatre Company and attended until I was 16. I had caught the dancing bug!
I carried on my studies throughout High School and then went onto Hyde Clarendon College where I completed with a Distinction and Double Merits.
Following this, I was taken on by my college tutor as an Assistant Teacher for her Dance School in Sale. I decided to take some time out when I found out I was having my little girl. When Scarlett was old enough I proceeded to find a Dance School and came across TDS. I wanted my little girl to share my passion. It was here where Mercedes asked me to become part of ProJeX the Senior Competition Team... I have since competed in several major dance competitions and have completed my level two Dance Leadership Award.
It has been amazing so far and the feeling you get teaching others your passion is just unreal.
From little acorns big trees grow.. and this is exactly what happens at TDS Dance. Our studio is a special place that feels like home as soon as you walk through the door.
I currently coach two performance classes and one competition team alongside my school dance teams in local primary schools.
