Founder of Tiptoes & Tappers | Rachael Osborne

Rachael Osborne is the founder of Tiptoes & Tappers, with over 30 years of dance experience and 10+ years of teaching expertise. An ex-professional dancer, Rachael is highly qualified in a range of dance styles, including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary, commercial dance, and Spanish dance.

Rachael holds prestigious teaching qualifications, including:

  • RTS & Level 6 Teaching Qualification with BBODance (British Ballet Organisation)
  • Licentiate with the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance)
  • Licentiate with the IDTA (International Dance Teachers' Association)

After transitioning from professional dancing to raising her children, Rachael recognized a gap in the availability of progressive dance syllabi for younger children that weren’t limited to one specific style. This realization led to the creation of Tiptoes & Tappers – a school that offers a multi-disciplinary dance curriculum designed for young dancers.

Rachael’s extensive performance background and in-depth teaching knowledge allow her to deliver both syllabus-based training and creative free work. She is fully qualified to teach across a range of age groups and abilities and is passionate about providing a well-rounded dance education for every student.

Additionally, Rachael is fully DBS checked to enhanced level and holds a pediatric first aid certificate, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students under her care.

Dance Teacher at Tiptoes & Tappers | Penelope Simons

Penelope Simons (also known as Penny) has been passionate about dance since the age of 3, training in a wide variety of styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, ballroom, and Latin dance.

She trained professionally at The MTA (Musical Theatre Academy), graduating in 2015. Prior to her training at The MTA, Penny earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Drama from the University of Exeter.

Since graduating, Penny has worked as a choreographer and assistant director, with notable credits such as:

  • Assistant Director/Choreographer for The Wizard of Oz (Brewhouse Theatre)
  • Choreographer for Looking for Gatsby (The Other Palace Theatre)
  • Choreographer for The Extra-Ordinary Cabaret of Dorian Gray (Kings Head Theatre, Spiegeltent, Pleasance Theatre)
  • Choreographer & Ensemble for Carnival Dreams (Ashcroft Theatre)

Penny is currently advancing her professional development by pursuing a Level 6 Extended Teaching Qualification with BBODance (British Ballet Organisation).

Penny's Teaching Philosophy:

“I have loved teaching at Tiptoes & Tappers and have been immensely proud of our students' success in the recent exam sessions. I’m excited to continue fostering the growth of our dancers in this show year!”

Dance Teacher at Tiptoes & Tappers | Rosie Kitchingham

Rosie Kitchingham is a highly qualified dance teacher holding a DDE (Level 4) ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) qualification. Rosie recently graduated from Bird College, earning her BA(Hons) Degree in Musical Theatre and Dance. She is currently furthering her expertise by studying for her Diploma in Dance Education.

Rosie's professional dance and theatre credits include performances in:

  • Aladdin (2023)
  • Gypsy! (2023)
  • Two workshop musicals post-graduation

Rosie is passionate about teaching and loves watching her students grow, especially as they develop their tap skills. She says: "I absolutely love teaching at Tiptoes & Tappers and enjoy seeing the progress everyone has made, especially with their tap wings (haha)!"

Dance Teacher at Tiptoes & Tappers | Mackenzie Brewster

Mackenzie Brewster is a highly qualified dance teacher with a DDE (Level 4) ISTD qualification from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. Mackenzie began her dance journey at just 2 years old and trained at Bird College Upper School. She also attended Italia Conti Junior Full-Time Theatre School on a scholarship, further refining her skills in dance and performance.

Mackenzie has an impressive portfolio of professional credits, including:

  • Marvel Studios (ad campaigns)
  • West Midland Trains (ad campaigns)
  • AQA Exam Board (advertisements)
  • Matilda the Musical (feature film)
  • Numerous TV appearances and commercials

Mackenzie says: "I really enjoy teaching at Tiptoes & Tappers and love seeing the students improve and grow in confidence every week."