Nicola Lakin- Owner/ Principal
Nicola is born and bred in Nottingham and her dance journey began in 1994 at the tender age of 6. Nicola studied various styles of dance and competed/performed extensively as a child. Her professional dance journey began at 14 performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at The Playhouse Theatre Nottingham. At 16 Nicola gained a scholarship to attend The Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama’s 3 year full time Musical Theatre training course which she graduated with Distinction in 2007. Whilst training she also studied for her teaching training qualifications with the IDTA gaining Honours. In 2015 Nicola took 3 months to study her craft further at The Broadway Dance Centre New York.
For the last 10 years, Nicola has been working as a professional performer and her credits include: ‘Spirit of the Dance’ 10th Anniversary U.K Tour, ‘Red Hot Broadway’ China Tour,’The Thursford Christmas Spectacular’ (2 seasons), ‘Headliners Theatre Company’ for P&O UK onboard The Oceana (Caribbean season), ‘Mirage Theatre Company’ for Fred Olsen Cruises onboard The Boudicca (Mediterranean season), ‘The Pacific Entertainers’ as Dancer/Swing for P&O Australia on board The Pacific Dawn (2 seasons). ITV’s ‘Surprise Surprise’ and not to mention numerous Pantomimes and Corporate events as a Dancer and Dance Captain. Nicola still actively works as a professional performer which brings the freshest knowledge and styles to Rhythm Nation Studios.
Whilst performing professionally she gained a wealth of experience teaching for various dance schools up and down the U.K and found not only did she love to dance herself, she loved to see her pupils achieve their goals even more.
She has a true passion for bringing out the best in every budding dancer wether they come to class just for fun or want to actively pursue their dancing, and has created a warm and welcoming dance studio for all children.
Miss Hannah – Studio Manager
Hannah started dancing at the age of 3 and has been dancing for over 20 years. Growing up, Hannah was no stranger to the stage alongside her yearly dance displays with her local dance
school she spent all her spare time working with numerous performance companies and performed in several musicals and pantomimes.
At 17, Hannah gained places at all of the leading vocational colleges including Bird, Laine Theatre Arts, Itali Conti and Performers, choosing Performers as the right place for her to further her training where she grew as a dancer and a choreographer graduating in 2020 with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance.
Hannah holds teaching qualifications at AIDTA level in Ballet, Tap, Freestyle, Theatre craft and Modern Jazz, gaining high Distinctions in all subjects.
Hannah has a clear and infectious passion for both performing and teaching and is thrilled to be sharing her love to all pupils at RNS as second in command of the ship.
Lisa Pendered – Facilities Manager and Cover Receptionist
Lisa, born and bred in Nottingham was one of Miss Nicola’s first ever ‘dance mums’ and has known and supported Miss Nicola since 2014, bringing her first child Amelia (then only 7) to a Street Dance Club ran from the Brickyard Community Centre. Fast forward to the Rhythm Nation Studios we know today, Lisa joined us officially as a staff member in November 2019 and can be seen covering our reception in Debbie’s absence and is in charge of keeping our fantastic facilities in tip top shape! Lisa is also a registered First Aider and chaperone with Rhythm Nation Studios. As a hard working mum, Lisa is an asset to the team and helps shape the family environment Rhythm Nation Studios has created.
Debbie Lakin- Client Care Manager
Debbie also born and bred in Nottingham is Nicola’s mother, (incase you haven’t guessed from the resemblance haha!) As a hands on ‘Dance Mum’ Debbie has experienced the whole journey with Nicola from taking her to her first class to helping her open the doors to her own studio. Her wealth of knowledge of parenting a child who is interested in dance is incredible and her kind and friendly approach to the studio really does bring a sense of home away from home. You’ll see Debbie at the Studio providing you with all the information you need, and welcoming you with open arms to our reception! What better person for parents to talk to, than another parent who’s experienced the process- right? She’s also a very nifty mover herself, and takes full credit for Nicola’s talent!
Miss Ellie – Instructor/Head of Jazz
Miss Ellie graduated from Stella Mann College with a first class degree, since then she has worked as a parade performer at Disneyland Paris, appeared in Little Wolfs pantomime production of Aladdin (2022) and Mother Goose (2023) at Derby Arena, in the ensemble and toured with Hot Rock Productions as an ensemble member.
Miss Ellie is excited to be Head of Jazz at Rhythm Nation and is very passionate about helping everyone to achieve the best kicks, leaps and turns they possibly can, whilst having fun and loving dance!
As well as being a performer, Miss Ellie has Family living in the US and Canada and loves to visit the when she can and has completed her personal trainer qualification, as well as her Pre and Post Natal Exercise Certification. Keep your eyes peeled for her exciting new adventure, MAMMI!
Miss Hollie – Instructor
Miss Hollie has been dancing since the age of 3, taking all genres and disciplines. Miss Hollie then decided to take up her vocational training at MADD (Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama), gaining a level 6 extended diploma in Musical Theatre.
After graduating, Miss Hollie went on to perform as a Dancer in Jamie Marcus’ production of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and fell in love with all things children’s Theatre. Currently, Miss Hollie is a Drama Teacher at one of the local secondary schools alongside teaching at the wonderful RNS.
As well as performing, Miss Hollie loves teaching the next generation and is very excited to be able to train pupils in all three disciplines; singing, acting and dancing.
Miss VV- Instructor
Miss VV is originally a rhythmic gymnast and rhythmic gymnastics coach with experience in artistic gymnastics, born and raised in Venezuela. She came to the UK at 16 and started preparing professionally as a coach a few years after.
After Miss VV retired as a gymnast she wanted to stay involved and pass on the amazing experiences gymnastics has given her over to others and after a few injuries and not being able to share this passion on a gymnastics carpet, decided that the best way to stay involved would be to teach.
Seeing the kids enjoy this art form I’ve enjoyed my whole life, and being able to be the provider of that fun outing for them is a blessing. Miss VV loves being part of the RNS team and you can see her on Tuesdays leading our Tumble and Tricks sessions !