About us

At TNA, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow in confidence, creativity, and self-belief within a supportive and welcoming environment. Whether taking their very first class or training towards performances, examinations, and competitions, every student is encouraged to reach their full potential while building friendships and creating lifelong memories.

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where it all began

Founded in 1982, The Nicholson Academy has been inspiring children and young people through dance and performing arts for over 40 years.

Originally established by Brenda Nicholson as The Brenda Lee School of Dance, the academy has grown into a thriving performing arts community led by Principal Natasha Zauscinski.

our journey

Our purpose-built studios in Droylsden provide a safe and inspiring space for children and adults of all ages to train in dance, musical theatre, acrobatics, fitness, and performing arts.

Our experienced and highly qualified teaching team are passionate about nurturing every student not only as performers, but as confident individuals.

At The Nicholson Academy, we are more than just a dance school — we are a family.

THE NICHOLSON ACADEMY

A Place to Belong. A Place to Shine.

We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities for our TNA family, including:

🌟 Professional theatre performances

📋 IDTA and LAMDA examinations

🎉 Dance competitions and festivals

✨ Workshops with industry professionals

🎭 Community performances and events

meet the team!

MISS NATASHA

PRINCIPAL

Natasha Zauscinski is the proud Principal of The Nicholson Academy and has been dancing since she could walk, appearing in her first show at just 18 months old. She gained her first teaching qualification in 2001 and now holds IDTA Fellowships in Tap and Contemporary Modern Jazz, alongside qualifications in Ballet, Theatre Craft, Street Dance, Freestyle, Acrobatics and more.

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Natasha is passionate about continuing to develop her knowledge and inspiring the next generation. She is committed to helping every pupil grow in confidence, technique and performance quality within a positive, encouraging environment where they truly feel they belong.

Miss Nicola

Dance Teacher

Miss Nicola began her dancing journey at The Nicholson Academy—then known as The Brenda Lee School of Dance—when she was just seven years old. After progressing from pupil to teacher, she is proud to now inspire and encourage the next generation of TNA dancers.

Miss Nicola holds her IDTA Licentiate in Ballet, along with Associate qualifications in Modern Jazz and Tap. She is also a qualified Acrotrix teacher. Her warm and nurturing approach helps pupils develop their confidence, technique and love of dance within a positive and supportive environment.

Miss Rachel

Dance Teacher

Miss Rachel began her own dance journey at The Nicholson Academy before continuing her professional training at university. She holds a BA (Hons) in Dance, Performance and Teaching, alongside IDTA Associate qualifications in Ballet and Modern. She is also a qualified Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner.

Miss Rachel specialises in Contemporary and Pointe, as well as teaching Tap, Ballet and Modern, private lessons and our Elite Competition Teams. Her passion, energy and creativity shine through in every class as she encourages pupils to develop their confidence, technique and individual performance style.

Miss Megan – Musical Theatre & Vocal Teacher

Miss Megan graduated from The Arden School of Theatre in 2020 with a First Class BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. Her professional credits include Jerry Springer: The Opera and To Wong Foo at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, where she covered and performed five different roles, as well as Nine the Musical in concert at The Lowry.

Megan brings her valuable industry experience into the classroom and is passionate about inspiring young performers. She creates a fun, nurturing and inclusive environment where every pupil is encouraged to build their confidence, creativity and self-expression while learning, growing and being themselves.

Miss Kayleigh

Student Teacher

Miss Kayleigh has been part of The Nicholson Academy family almost since she was born and has progressed from pupil and Head Girl to a member of our teaching faculty. After many years of training and performing with TNA, she is now beginning an exciting new chapter as a Student Teacher.

Kayleigh holds her Acrotrix Level 1 qualification and is continuing to work towards further teaching qualifications. She teaches Acrobatics and stretch private lessons, assists across a variety of classes and enjoys choreographing Street and Commercial routines. Her journey makes her a wonderful role model for our younger pupils.

"100% committed to the students in all that they do"

– Hayley Louise, Parent

"Another successful pass rate at The Nicholson Academy for exams this past June.... My daughters both attend and absolutely love their dance lessons. They enjoy everything about it and as a dancer myself for the majority of my life I know the thrill and love it brings to you personally.

The staff are 100% committed to the students in all that they do..... here's to more years at the school, more shows and more exam success"