Where we started
Vibe Performing Arts was established by Louise Timmins who believes passionately in the benefits and impact performing arts can have on the artists themselves and the audience.
Committed to delivering professional and exciting singing, dancing and acting classes Vibe seeks to offer something for all students, whether that be foundation training for professional performance, unlocking hidden talents, building confidence or engaging children physically in learning.
All our dance and theatre teachers work professionally within the industry and are DBS/CRB checked.
Our Ethos
‘BEYOND THE PERFORMANCE’
We want to enrich the lives of children, teenagers and adults alike. We seek to inspire and nurture in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Because of this we can ensure all of our teaching goes ‘BEYOND THE PERFORMANCE’.
Our professional training is accessible for all ages, levels and abilities. It is offered at an affordable rate in turn producing a high standard of theatre and performance that builds creativity into the community,
The Team
LOUISE TIMMINS
Principal and founder Louise graduated from Kensington Performing Arts School in London, here she developed her passion alongside Carrie and David Grant MBE and worked professionally as an actress and singer in the UK. Completing 3 tours with Opera North and a 1 year tour with Riding Lights, her passion for teaching began as she took on a post at Leeds College Of Music, alongside working in theatre in education.
After teaching for the biggest stage schools in Yorkshire, Louise had a deep desire to make the arts more accessible and affordable, and to produce theatre that would positively impact young people.
Alongside pioneering the largest Performing Arts Summer Schools in Leeds City, Louise has worked with other professional artists – performing and providing workshops in a wide variety of establishments; from war ships, prisons, boarding schools and large theatres ! Leading young people and facilitating training in performing arts, she has produced outstanding pieces of professional theatre to audiences of over 300.
Louise believes she was “made for this!” in her words she states that
“being a teacher is such a privilege, to have the opportunity to impact a child or a young persons life in a huge and positive way….. I seriously couldn’t ask for more.”
GEOFF HEWITT
Geoff is a Leeds based Drummer and Percussionist with over 25 years of experience and knowledge. He has worked with a number of high class performers, such as, Steve Washington (Take That, Texas, Steve Williamson) and Myke Wilson (Corrine Bailey Rae).
Geoff graduated from Drumtech in 2003 and has performed drums & percussion in theatres, (London and Coventry) bands and workshops across venues the UK. He has supported many local artists including; members of Haggis Horns, Testament, Home-cut, Sam Hendricks, Terri Shaltiel & Danny Gough.
Geoff has years of experience working alongside various youth projects and in schools across the country. We are privileged to benefit from his talent and energy here at VIBE.
SARA RIBEIRO
BA (Hons) Northern School Of Contemporary Dance
Working particularly alongside our older students, Sara is a highly talented dancer, experienced choreographer and teacher at Leeds University. Sara also delivers Inter-generational classes to professional dancers and founded a physical theatre company alongside Nuno Mesquita.
Passionate about inspiring children, young people and the community, Sara loves sharing her theatrical techniques and choreography with Vibe.
CHARLOTTE GOFF
Charlotte graduated from Performers College in London, she has taught Musical Theatre, tap and ballet at SLP College, which has allowed her to follow an exciting journey where she has found her passion in developing and inspiring her students.
Charlotte is an asset to the team here a VIBE and has so far shown that she has a lot to offer as well as being an exceptional dancer and performer.
ADAM WILKINSON
Production & Finance Consultant
Having graduated as a qualified teacher of Design and Technology in 2011 at Sheffield Hallam University, Adam began his career as a teacher in Harrogate for a number of years.
More recently he has retrained as an Accountant, working as a Finance Manager for the last 6 years with a local Dementia Care facility.
His enthusiasm and love for the Performing Arts was clear from a very young age, having trained in both Ballet and Jazz with Katrina Hughes Dancers in Harrogate, Adam went on to join the Phoenix Players, and took part in many performances.
Adam recently moved to Leeds and joined Vibe’s No Limits Adult Classes in 2019. He is extremely excited to be working with Vibe and will assist the business with his financial expertise, as well as bring his creative influence and passion for the Performing Arts to his role as our Production and Finance Consultant.
DONALD EDWARDS
Guest Teacher
As a founder member of Phoenix Dance Theatre and RJC Dance, touring nationally and internationally, performing, teaching and choreographing. His projects include national and international works, BBC2 programmes for schools, Harlem Dance Theatre educational programme, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Ballet Hoo for Channel 4, Carnival Messiah, Olympics Games England and many many more!
Donald is the artistic director at Ruff/Cut Dance Theatre, teacher at Northern Contemporary and has just returned from performing at Sadler’s Wells. We are grateful for Donald’s incredible positive energy at VIBE as he shares our passion to inspire young people and enable them to be the best they can be.
MAGS DELGADO
Guest Teacher
Mags has a wealth of experience in both performing and teaching dance. She has performed with many people including Nelly Furtado, The Gorillaz and Jennifer Lopez, and came second in the Movie ‘Streetdance’ competition.
Mags choreographs for the Street Dance Society of Leeds University and since joining them, they have been nominated for and have won several competitions. She also teaches Hip Hop at Leeds Dance Centre, directs for a Yorkshire based dance company and choreographs regularly overseas.
MARY SANJURGO
Guest Teacher
Principal and Teacher (IDTA, Acadermy and Youth Dance Company)
Mary has always been focused on dance, starting at the age of 6, it was the Cathy Carroll Stage School that gave her the first taste of what she would later become a professional in. Whist there Mary obtained numerous examinations in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Singing.
Since Graduating with a BA(hons) in Dance (2005), Mary has taught, choreographed and performed for a number of prestigious and high profile clients, organisations and events including: BBC, Yorkshire Dance Centre, RJC Dance, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Sainsburys Active Kids, Kings Camp Foundation, Breeze and West Yorkshire Playhouse to name a few.
Alongside teaching for EXP Dance she is Curriculum Leader of Dance and Musical Theatre at Leeds City College. Mary continues to develop her techniques and skills by taking part in workshops, seminars and courses throughout England, she was also a part of the Channel 4 programme ‘Big Ballet’.
JESSICA COOPER
Guest Teacher
Since graduating from Leeds Beckett University in 2017 with a degree in dance, Jess has been teaching freelance across Yorkshire. Leading workshops in schools, colleges, performing arts establishments, Leeds Dance Studio and also teaches weekly adults classes.
Trained in a number of different styles including Street Dance, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz and Commercial, she enjoys sharing her knowledge with others, working with complete beginners to experienced dancers.
Vibe often eagerly awaits for Jess to bring her energy to the holiday workshops. Over the past few months she has thoroughly enjoyed working with the Vibe Performing Arts adults on a dance piece for It’s a Kind Of Magic, and is so excited to see it come to life on stage!
