Michelle Blair and Sarah Harvey teaching at Elmhurst during Spring 2012 term



Elmhurst’s Head of Jazz and Tap, Thorey Mountain, is taking a leave of absence from Elmhurst School for Dance during spring term 2012. Miss Mountain will be refreshing her knowledge of American/Rhythm tap in New York and the West Coast. She will also be observing current trends in jazz and tap in the United States to bring back to the school.

During her absence, Miss Mountain’s classes will be taught by Michelle Blair and Sarah Harvey. Elmhurst teachers Jenny MacNamara and James Grundy will also input into some of Miss Mountain’s classes.

Michelle Blair
Michelle Blair is a freelance director, choreographer and teacher. Her choreography credits include the international TV children’s show Hi5 (UK cast), XFactor and Playhouse Disney (UK tour). She has directed and choreographed numerous shows and pantomimes including Bluebirds (off West End). Her West End credits include Doctor Doolittle (Apollo Theatre, Hammersmith) and Into the Woods (Donmar Warehouse, London). She also played the part of Woodstock in Snoopy choreographed by Stephen Mear. Until recently Michelle was Artistic Director of Collins Performing Arts. She is often invited to assess and give workshops to the Sixth Form students at Elmhurst.

Sarah Harvey
Sarah is a former Elmhurst student. On graduation she danced in several productions including First Family Entertainment (New Theatre Woking) and Aladdin. Sarah now teaches tap and jazz full time. Her choreography for various events includes the successful coaching of students for the Janet Cram and Marjorie Davis Tap Awards.