Jeren Hogben, Principal

Jeren's passion for dance began at the Christine Anderson Theatre School (CATS) in Rugby, Warwickshire.

She studied here for 18 years, taking lessons in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, street dance, gymnastics, drama and musical theatre. It was at CATS aged 14 that Jeren started to assist with teaching baby classes, and later went on to lead the school's main baby class timetable on Saturday mornings.

Following the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) syllabus in ballet, and the I.D.T.A. for her other dance subjects, Jeren managed to achieve a high standard in all disciplines.

During her time at CATS, Jeren performed on many West End stages, including the London Palladium, Saddlers Wells and Her Majesty's Theatre, amongst some famous faces.

Jeren has also performed in the Magic Kingdom at Disneyland California, and Disneyworld, Florida.

She has taken part and learnt a lot through workshops delivered by famous dancer Wayne Sleep, U.S. Fosse choreographer Chet Walker, and Missy Elliott and Alliyah choreographer Patrick Chan.

Whilst working towards her Intermediate level dance exams, Jeren completed a three year degree in Communication Studies at Nottingham Trent University, achieving a 2:1 BA Hons.

She then took six months out to travel the world, with Hong Kong, Thailand and New Zealand being some of the highlights.

On her return in 2005, she met her partner Guy and moved to Leamington Spa to set up Jaykays Dance Company. At this point, she began her teacher training to gain the qualifications to teach from the I.D.T.A. syllabus and enter pupils for examination.

Alongside teaching the Jaykays timetable, Jeren has also worked with lots of other organisations including local authorities, health clubs, leisure centres, nurseries, primary schools and youth groups.

In May 2008 she gave birth to her first daughter Heidi, and is now progressing Jaykays Dance Company and hoping to offer pupils some of the enjoyment and opportunities that she received through dancing. 

Natasha Murphy, Teacher & Assistant Teacher

Natasha started ballet at the age of 3 although tap has always been her favoured subject! She studied ballet and tap along with disco for a number of years at Pattison College in Coventry participating in their annual shows at the Spa Centre, Leamington and in Coventry. Natasha has also taken part in the Bodies & Co Fashion Show's for many years as a model and a dancer.

She carried on to study for a short while at Studio La Pointe in Leeds then returned home and continued to dance as a hobby and joined Jaykays in 2006. Natasha now leads three Little Rascals classes on a Saturday morning. She works full time as Senior Office Administrator for Saint Martins School, Solihull.

Jemma Taylor, Assistant Teacher

Jemma joined Jaykays in 2006 taking classes in street dance. She has taken part in the school's shows, open days, performances and competitions. She now works alongside Jeren and Natasha assisting with the Saturday and weekday Little Rascals Classes.  Jemma also works full time as Supervisor at The Leopard pub, Bishops Tachbrook.

Zoe Coleman, Assistant Teacher

Zoe joined Jaykays in 2009 to take classes in street dance. Zoe's passion for dance began by Irish dancing, which she did for 13 years at The Connelly School of Irish Dance. She was an open grade Irish dancer who made it to the world qualifiers with her school. She now works as a Nursery Assistant for Woodland Nursery, Gaydon and assists with the Saturday morning Little Rascals and Baby classes.

Heather Cullinan, Assistant Teacher

Heather joined Jaykays in 2009 to take classes in street dance. She has taken part in the school's shows, open days, performances and competitions. She is a student at Warwickshire College studying Events Management. Heather assists the Saturday Little Rascals classes and weekday ballet & tap classes.

Chrissie Thompson, Assistant Teacher

Chrissie joined Jaykays in 2008 to take classes in street dance. She has taken part in the school's shows, open days, performances & competitions. She is studying for her A-Levels at Myton School. Chrissie assists with the weekday Baby classes.