A Welcome from the Founder
At my school, I am committed to nurturing each child’s physical, emotional, and artistic growth in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Through a focused approach, students develop coordination, poise, grace, flexibility, and strength. Just as importantly, I strive to cultivate self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-respect—qualities that serve them both inside and outside the studio.
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I take genuine joy in celebrating every milestone and am wholeheartedly dedicated to each dancer’s journey. My philosophy is rooted in encouragement, because I believe it is the foundation for building confidence. Whether a student dreams of dancing competitively or simply wants to experience the joy of movement, I am here to guide them every step of the way.
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Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and pursue them with passion, perseverance, and pride.
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“Dance with your heart, and your feet will follow.”
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With warmth,
Miss Judith ✨
Meet Miss Judith – School Principal
At JK Ballet, every class is personally taught by our School Principal, Miss Judith. Her passion for ballet and dedication to her pupils are at the heart of everything we do. Unlike many schools where classes are divided among different teachers, JK Ballet families have the assurance that their child is guided by the same experienced teacher at every stage of their journey.
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Miss Judith began her training at the Caroline Robinson School of Ballet, where she achieved outstanding Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) examination results — with marks regularly reaching 99% and above. She further developed her training through prestigious associate programmes with Ballet Ireland and High Points Youth Ballet Company.
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Miss Judith is a fully qualified Associated Teacher with the Associated Board of Dance (A.B.D.), a credential that reflects her commitment to the highest teaching standards. Under her guidance, pupils have achieved a 100% exam pass rate, with the vast majority receiving Merits and Distinctions. Her pupils have gone on to perform at the A.B.D. Scholarship Awards in Birmingham and, most recently, have been selected to compete in the 2024 Scholarship Awards.
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In May 2025, two JK Ballet pupils — Ellie Kitson and Haley Dunn — were ranked among the Top 100 dancers across the UK at the prestigious UK Young Dancer Classical Awards, further cementing the school’s reputation on a national stage.
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In recognition of the school’s continued excellence, JK Ballet was named a finalist for Highest Performing School for Ballet at the 2024 Dance Awards NI. Miss Judith has also been nominated by several people for Dance Teacher of the Year 2025. She feels deeply honoured by this recognition and is excited to see the outcome, regardless of the result.She was previously personally nominated for Dance Teacher of the Year and the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award.
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At JK Ballet, every class benefits from Miss Judith’s personal attention, consistent teaching style, and high expectations. This ensures pupils not only make steady technical progress but also feel supported by a teacher who knows their individual strengths, challenges, and goals.
Miss Judith believes in nurturing every pupil as an individual, offering a supportive and encouraging environment where dancers of all ages and abilities can thrive — whether training for enjoyment, performance, or professional development.
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In addition to ballet, Miss Judith is a Northern Ireland and Ulster champion Irish dancer and founder of the Judith Keyes School of Irish Dance. Her Irish dance school is proudly cross-community, welcoming dancers from all backgrounds. Many JK Ballet pupils also choose to train in both ballet and Irish dance, enjoying the complementary skills and versatility that come from studying both styles.
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She is also a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer and Level 2 Group Exercise Instructor, with extensive experience teaching group fitness classes and working one-to-one with clients both young and old. This expertise is especially valuable in today’s competitive dance world, where strength and conditioning are essential for children and young people to perform at their best and compete with top dancers nationally and internationally.
Outside of dance, Miss Judith enjoys travelling, keeping fit, exploring new eateries, and (most of all) coffee — you’ll often spot her in a local coffee shop.
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At JK Ballet, families value the unique reassurance that every class — from beginners to advanced — is led by the School Principal herself. Miss Judith’s experience, warmth, and commitment to high standards create a truly special place to learn and grow through dance.
