Samantha Bolsher
Principal
Samantha Bolsher started Dancing at the age of 5 at the Pauline Howard School of Dance in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. She studied Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre Dance until the age of 20, when she was given a role as a student teacher at LaSylvanie School of Dance in London.
Sam started her own school in Escrick when she and her family moved back to the UK in 2001, having spent time living in Australia and traveling the world with her young family.
She became an Associate of the ISTD and, as a member of the Yorkshire Teachers Group, regularly attends dance courses to keep up to date with the syllabus changes.
Sam is also a freelance dance teacher at St Georges School, York, Escrick Primary School, and St Wilfrid’s School in York.
Dani Cooper
ISTD Ballet Teacher
After many years dancing as a child in York, Dani attended Prestons' Dance Academy where she gained her teaching qualifications with the ISTD in Imperial Ballet and Modern Theatre. After graduating with distinction she has gone on to teach at various Dance Schools in and around the York area including the Italia Conti Associates in Hull.
Dani specialise in styles alongside Ballet and Modern such as Jazz, Lyrical, Tap and Street Dance. She is excited to share her knowledge, enthusiasm and experience with the pupils at Hot Tap Dance School and is keen to help them all reach their full potential.
Olivia Ellis
Street Dance and Musical Theatre Teacher
Miss Olivia began dancing at the age of three and danced in the styles of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary. She completed exams with the ISTD exam board and trained at the Phoenix Contemporary Youth Academy alongside these. She also began singing at a young age, training under both the ABRSM and Trinity exam boards.
Olivia went on to Drama School, training at Performers College in Birmingham, and graduated with a degree in Musical Theatre and Professional Dance in 2025.
Having almost completed her Diploma in Dance Education with the ISTD, and with her training and teaching experience over the years, Olivia is thrilled to be joining the HTDS teaching team and is looking forward to sharing her passion and enthusiasm for the Arts.
