Colette Puchalski
Colette Puchalski joins the Performing Arts department at Arcadia School with an impressive background in dance and theatre. A former professional dancer with experience on international stages and London's West End, Colette is a qualified ISTD teacher in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Jazz, and National Dance. She holds a BA (Hons) in Drama, Dance, and English Literature from De Montfort University. Her experience includes roles as Faculty Leader of Creative Arts, Head of Drama and Dance, and senior leadership positions in the UK and UAE. Colette will lead the Dance Program, teach Drama, and serve as Head of Year 8 and a member of the extended leadership team. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, dancing, and playing golf.
Louise Hughes is a dedicated music educator with a degree in Music Education from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the University of Glasgow. She has a wealth of experience from her roles as a Primary Music Teacher and Head of Music in schools across the UK and UAE. Louise is well recognised for her commitment to music education and her leadership in the field. She will be leading the Music programme in the secondary school, where her expertise and passion for the arts will make a significant impact.
Amy Hopkins has had a passion for the performing arts since childhood, performing on many stages throughout her youth and teenage years. This early experience fueled her desire to become a teacher, where she could inspire children and help them unlock their creativity. With a focus on fostering artistic expression, Amy is dedicated to nurturing young talents. For the past eight years, she has worked in Dubai, helping children discover their abilities and connecting with diverse students. Amy is excited to continue inspiring her students to explore their creativity through the vibrant world of performing arts here at Arcadia.
Emily brings a wealth of teaching and performance experience to her role as a Drama teacher, having taught in the UK before moving to Dubai, where she has spent the past seven years inspiring young performers. Alongside her teaching, Emily has led both school based senior and junior Dance Show Teams to win gold at prestigious national competitions.
As a professional dancer, Emily has appeared on stages across the UK and competed nationally and internationally. She began dancing at the age of three and went on to graduate in 2012 with a degree in Dance, Drama and Design, before completing her PGDE in Education. She is also a certified ISTD Ballet, Tap, and Jazz teacher. In 2014, Emily founded my own dance school in the UK, which has grown in numbers and success each year. Emily is passionate about nurturing creativity, confidence, and performance skills in her students and helping all to believe the sky is the limit. Outside of the classroom, Emily enjoy's traveling, dancing, and spending time with her husband and young son.
