Teachers

Jessica Westbrook

I initially started up Fairy Footsteps as I wanted to teach a class where mums, dads and carers could join in as well. Most ballet classes are aimed at older children and parents cannot join in. I being a mum myself looked for a mummy and me class with no luck.

I started Fairy Footsteps (Mummy and me class) in September 2008 with just 4 students. We now teach up to the age of 5 years old. In 2014 I met Christina and have since begun a collaboration of our two dance schools. With Christina working with myself at Fairy Footsteps, and also running her busy School- Impact Dance Studios. The children have the opportunity to complete their basic ballet training at a young age with myself and Christina, before moving up to Impact Dance Studios to explore different genres of dance with Christina. If you have any older children who may be interested in doing a variety of different dance genres then have a look at Christina’s website( www.impactdancestudios.co.uk )

Christina Kandrettis

Christina began dancing at the age of 4 and hasn’t stopped since. During her early years she completed exams in ISTD Modern and Tap, RAD Ballet, LAMDA Verse and Prose and LAMDA Acting, working her way up through the grades.

At the age of 16, Christina was awarded a place at the Arts Educational Schools in London where she took A Levels in Art, Dance, Performing Arts and Drama. It was here that she was given the opportunity to perform in various influential theatres in London.

After completing her A Levels, Christina went on to gain a BSc Psychology degree at University. It was while studying that Christina went back to her routes and began pursuing ways to get into dance teaching. She gained her ISTD qualifications in Tap and Modern in 2012 and began teaching full time at local schools and dance schools in Surrey and West London in April 2013.

‘Jess is wonderful at ballet with the little ones. She takes them under her wing and teaches them with the most beautiful music and cutest little ballet moves! It is all round cute overload. Jess is excellent when they are a little shy and nurtures them into independent, confident little ballerinas.’
T. CURRAN
My daughter absolutely loves Fairy Footsteps, she has been going since the mummy and me classes and still gets so excited before her class every week. Jess is fantastic with all the children and I really enjoy the parent watching week at the end of each term where the children perform a little show so we can see what they have been learning that term.
S. KELLY
My daughter has been coming to Fairy footsteps since she was 2, and being able to do the Mummy and me classes with her was lovely! She’s now 3 and goes to classes by herself. It’s wonderful to see how much she has learned and how happy she is. Thankyou Jess, for the fun-filled classes and for organising sessions for parents to watch all the dancing from time to time.
R. MATTOSO
My daughter absolutely loves fairy footsteps! Would really recommend. They hold an end of term show for the parents and it is so lovely to go and watch and see their ballet 🙂
R. KIRWAN
Both my daughters have been taught by Jess and have loved her classes! She’s a lovely teacher and really engages them. We love the end of term watching weeks and the ballerina necklace she gave to my daughter when she ‘graduated’ was such a lovely touch. I’d definitely recommend her classes, they’re super special
M. SCOTT
“My daughter has been taking ballet lessons with Jessica since she was 2 and they are the highlight of her week! It is has lovely to see her confidence grow with physical movement and the other children”
L. SCOTT-BAUMANN
My daughter has loved going to fairy footsteps. She’s usually quite reserved in new groups but Jess is so welcoming and engaging she quickly warmed up and it really helped develop her confidence. Can’t recommend the classes highly enough!
L. MCCLOSKEY
This is one of the loveliest classes my daughter does. Jess is a competent and warm and welcoming teacher who seems to just want to pass on her passion for dance. I highly recommend fairy footsteps.
L. HIRST
My eldest daughter started ballet with Jess when she was 18 months old and she has loved every class since day one. Jess ‘classes helped develop her gross motor skills and love of music and dance. Jess manages to capture her imagination and keep her energised and engaged every week. Two years on and my daughter still runs into ballet with a huge excited smile on her face to dance with Jess. Thankyou Jess, for giving her such a fantastic ballet experience. I can’t wait to start Mummy and Me ballet with my youngest.
J. SPENCER
Verity (4yrs) has been going to Fairy Footsteps for years. Jess is so magical with her, as she is a shy child. Verity can’t wait for ballet every week, happily attends and then ‘performs’ what she has learnt to us almost daily. It is a special place to learn, Jess really understands the needs of each child and how to motivate them in fun and creative ways. We love it.
F. LYNCH
I’ve taken Clemmie to quite a few toddler groups but this is the one that makes her the happiest! Jess brings so much enthusiasm to every class and gives the children so many things to try and play with that the half hour just whizzes by! I’ve recommended Fairy Footsteps to so many people now x
E. WILLIAMS
“Jess has been teaching my daughter ballet since she was a toddler – and now she’s at school. Jess has a wonderful way of keeping her classes fun and relaxed, whilst imparting her passion and experience to the group. I have watched my daughter’s confidence and love for ballet and dance grow over the years and Jess has been instrumental to this”
E. SMITH
“Willow absolutely adores Fairy Footsteps ballet classes. She’s only 20 months but Jess is a wonderful teacher and Willow is able to follow more and more – it’s so lovely watching her come along. Willow loves moving to the music and doesn’t even realise she’s learning coordination, taking turns and how to follow instructions. Highly recommend.”
D. JACKLIN-MEYER
Both my children have thrived in Jess’ classes. She creates such a warm and supportive environment, full of fun and engaging activities to help develop dance and musical skills.
C. CROSTHWAITE
My daughter absolutely loves her ballet lessons with Jess. It’s a small and nurturing environment and has been so beneficial for Isabelle’s confidence. Jess has a lovely calm manner with the children and watching week at the end of term, where we get to watch them perform, is always such a joy!
A. JEEVANJEE
My girls have loved their ballet lessons with you. You have developed such creative and fun ways to engage even the tiny tots. It is evident that you have instilled a great love of dance in my girls- they dance around the house practicing what they learnt in your lessons (& home schooling their little brother) thank you!
A. ABBOTT
I can’t recommend Fairy Footsteps enough ! Morgan is 2 and adores going to ballet. It’s all she talks about in the week. Jess is fantastic with the children and has a great variety of props that she uses for the different exercises, keeping the children’s attention & concentration , which is pretty hard to do at such a young age! Jess is teaching technique through fun & creativity & Morgan can’t get enough of it.
J. ALLCORN
My 3 year old little girl has just started and loves Jessica’s classes – full of fun and imagination. I wish we had started sooner!
Mrs Ingram, Surbiton
Thank you so very much for another wonderful term of Fairy Dance! Cordelia dances every day at home and that can only be because of you.

Thank you also for the last few years of dance, helping to prepare her for school by making her confident, bubbly and secure away from me – that means so very much to us.
Mrs Harber, Thames Ditton
Josie absolutely loves her ballet classes. She is so excited each week and has so much fun when she is there! You are an amazing teacher and really connect with the children. You make each class enjoyable for both children and adults. The classes are full of really imaginative activities, which all of the children love. Thanks for making our Tuesdays!
Mrs Perrin, Esher