Suzanne has been dancing since the age of 3 attending classes in jazz, ballet and tap at ‘Donna Brownes School of Dance’. She realised at a young age she wanted to pursue a career in dance and after 3 years at Telford College in Edinburgh, graduated with a Higher National Diploma in ‘Dance Artists in the Community’ in 2002. After leaving college Suzanne returned to her former dance school to teach full time in jazz, tap and street dance, choreographing for annual shows. Suzanne returned to Performing Arts Studio Scotland in 2014 to continue her studies and received a First Class Honours Degree in Dance.
In 2005 Suzanne set up her own dance school ‘Street Struck Dance’, with classes in West Linton, Loanhead, Penicuik and Peebles. As well as these classes she taught for Edinburgh Councils active schools providing classes to schools all over Edinburgh. Edinburgh Leisure, teaching street dance and cheerleading in leisure centres, conference motivator sessions, and events such as the Royal Highland Show, The Leith Festival, Transitions festivals and Edinburgh International Festival.
Suzanne has taught for ‘TFX Performing Arts Academy’, ‘Performers UK’, ‘Stagecoach Theatre Arts’, ‘Razzamataz Theatre School’ and ‘Take 3 Theatre Schools’. Her performances include Guys ‘n’ Dolls, Hansel and Gretel, Legally Blonde, Blood Brothers, Fame, Shrek the Musical, Bugsy Malone, The Wedding Singer, Into the Hoods and more. When Suzanne worked for Razzamataz Theatre Schools, she was promoted to work as the Acting principal and manager for the Edinburgh branch whilst the principal was on maternity leave. Suzanne was also employed as choreographer for ‘Cutting Edge Theatre Companies’ productions of ‘Honk’, ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘Aladdin’ all licensed by Disney.
Suzanne relocated to Inverness in 2015 and started her ‘Street Struck Dance’ classes in numerous areas and they are growing from strength to strength, with over 250 children attending weekly classes. As well as dance, Suzanne is a fully qualified Zumba Instructor and is also a Registered Tutor and Assessment Centre to provide Sports and Dance Leadership Awards Level 1 and 2 that are both recognised qualifications in the UK. Suzanne is also a baby massage practitioner.
Suzanne has been a dance tutor for ‘Strictly Inverness’ since 2013. The event teaches beginner dancers in ballroom and latin styles. They then perform their dances in front of a judge panel and 600 people to try and become Strictly champion. The event raises money for two local charities, Inverness Ice Centre and The Highland Hospice.
Suzanne is a firm believer in continuous personal development and is always looking to build on her skills and knowledge by attending dance classes, courses, including first aid and child protection. Suzanne is also a member of the PVG scheme, fully insured and First Aid trained.
Join the ‘Street Struck’ family now and find your nearest class.