Jackie Barnes

Jackie is an alumna of Performers College, having studied in the very first cohort in 1989. During her time at college, she was offered a professional performing contract, which enabled her to obtain her Equity card. She subsequently worked as a professional dancer and assistant choreographer for over nine years, working across television, theatre, cruise ships, fashion shows, and corporate entertainment.

Now leading Performers College's Dance Teacher Training Course - an external teacher training programme distinct from the college's degree offerings - Jackie brings both performing and educational expertise to dance pedagogy. She tutors Dance Teaching Examinations (DDE) Units Two and Four, and oversees provision across all DDE Units. As an ISTD Lead Examiner for Tap grades and Deputy Lead Examiner for Vocational Modern Theatre, she is responsible for training new examiners and setting standardisation marks across both faculties. Additionally, she serves as an External Quality Assessor, assessing approved dance centres nationally and internationally to ensure consistent and appropriate teacher training standards.

Furthermore, Jackie has lectured on ISTD syllabus content and examiner training in the UK, Germany, and Malaysia. She holds accreditation as a Mental Health First Aider and brings a student-centred, inclusive approach to dance education that combines rigorous technical standards with supportive mentoring.