Meet our team
Miss Sarah
Founder
Zayna Dance Academy was founded in 2021 by Sarah Ballingall, a professional dancer and qualified coach with extensive performance and teaching experience. A passionate ballet dancer from a young age, Sarah has performed in professional productions including La Fille Mal Gardée with Ballet Russe and toured Swan Lake and The Nutcracker with Ballet West. She founded Zayna Dance Academy to inspire young dancers in a safe, supportive, and community-driven environment.
Experience
Sarah holds a BA (Hons) in Professional Stage Dance from Ballet West Scotland and completed her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance, awarded by Dame Darcey Bussell DBE. She has coached competitive teams to Scottish and UK Championship titles and worked with children with additional support needs, shaping her inclusive and nurturing teaching approach. Her experience blends professional performance, competitive coaching, and child-focused teaching, ensuring every student thrives.
Qualifications
BA (Hons) Professional Stage Dance • Royal Academy of Dance RTS • Progressing Ballet Technique Certified • Acrobatic Arts Certified • First Aid Certified
Miss Jess
Jess discovered her passion for dance from an early age and achieved numerous distinctions in Ballet, Modern, and Tap (Imperial Society of Teachers in Dance) as well as Vocational Ballet (ISTD and Royal Academy of Dance). She competed locally and performed with her university dance team, winning 1st place in Ballet, Contemporary, and Tap divisions. Jess has been inspiring young dancers for over 10 years and has been a valued member of the Zayna Dance Academy team since its opening in 2021.
Experience
Jess combines her love of dance with her experience as a paediatric nurse in intensive care at The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, working closely with children with disabilities and additional support needs. This unique experience informs her teaching, allowing her to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students. Her teaching career spans competitive dance teams, vocational training, and community-focused dance education.
Qualifications
UKA Ballet Qualified • Acrobatic Arts Certified, Level 1 • Acrobatic Arts Aerial and Back Handspring • First Aid Certified
Miss Saskia
Saskia earned her BA (Hons) in Dance and Theatre Performance from Bird College. Following graduation, she performed internationally, portraying a range of characters at Tokyo Disney Resort and later with Disney Cruise Line, where she was cast as Lead Female Dancer in productions including Tangled, Twice Charmed - A Cinderella Story, Once Upon a Song, and Dreams. Saskia brings her professional experience and passion for performance to inspire students at all levels.
Experience
With over ten years of teaching experience, Saskia works with students of all ages, styles, and abilities. She continues to choreograph and perform regularly in Edinburgh, passing on her professional expertise to give her students a strong foundation for their own dance careers. Her teaching blends technical excellence with creativity and performance insight, ensuring every student thrives.
Qualifications
• BA (Hons) Dance and Theatre Performance • Extensive professional performance experience (Tokyo Disney Resort & Disney Cruise Line) • Over 10 years teaching experience across multiple styles and ages
Miss Molly
Molly began dancing at a young age and developed a strong passion for performing and choreography. She completed her professional training at The Live It Academy, graduating in 2025 with a HND in Professional Dance Performance. Molly trains in commercial, lyrical/contemporary, jazz, acro and more, and is dedicated to helping dancers grow in both confidence and technique.
Experience
Molly works as both a performer and competitive choreographer, with choreography qualifying for the Dance World Cup in 2024 and 2025. She has performed in various Edinburgh productions and continues to develop her craft in multiple styles. In the studio, Molly strives to create an encouraging and inclusive class environment, allowing dancers to explore creativity, refine skills and enjoy their training.
Qualifications
• HND in Professional Dance Performance • Acrotrix Certified
Miss Isla
Isla has been dancing since the age of 5 and has trained in contemporary, lyrical, jazz, ballet, hip hop, acro, heels, and commercial. She is currently undertaking full-time professional training at The Live It Academy, combining passion and performance experience to inspire young dancers.
Experience
With years of multi-style training, Isla aims to motivate dancers and help them feel confident and comfortable in their dance journey. Her teaching focuses on skill development, creativity, and performance, encouraging every student to grow at their own pace.
Qualifications
HNC in Professional Dance Performance • Currently working towards HND in Professional Dance Performance
Miss Ainsley
Administrator Assistant
