About us

 

Amy Crawford BA Hons ARAD RTS

Amy, the Founder and Principal of The Northern Dance Company (NDC), established the organization to introduce the arts to the Northern Emirates, a region that had long been underserved in this regard. Driven by her passion for dance and a commitment to arts education, Amy created NDC to serve as a vibrant cultural hub and a beacon of creativity.

Her journey in dance began at the esteemed Ballet West, where she refined her skills and performed in renowned tours such as “The Nutcracker.” Amy continued her education with a degree in Professional Stage Dance and Contemporary from the Performing Arts Studio Scotland, and further enhanced her credentials with a Ballet Teaching Studies certificate from The Royal Academy of Dance. As a qualified and registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, Amy is deeply committed to nurturing new talent. She also serves as a Mentor for the Royal Academy of Dance in the Middle East, guiding undergraduate teachers through their practical teaching placements.

 Her career has also seen her take lead roles in musicals such as " The Wiz "  showcasing her talents in both dancing and singing. A true triple threat performer, Amy loves sharing her diverse knowledge with budding performers.In addition to her dance expertise, Amy is a certified gymnastics coach trained by the British Gymnastics Association, and she leads the Acrobatics program at NDC.

Amy's professional career has taken her across the globe, with performances in shows, musicals, and events on multiple continents. Despite her extensive experience as a performer, her true passion lies in teaching and choreography. She firmly believes, “Any great performer can shine on a stage, but it takes someone special to inspire and unearth young dancers' potential. There is no greater reward than watching students blossom"

 

 

Masa Ragheb 

Masa has a rich background in dance education, having studied under renowned Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) teachers, which contributed significantly to her achievement of the Vocational Royal Academy of Dance Examinations. Beyond her dance qualifications, Masa holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and has authored her own children's book.

Recently, Masa earned her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies from the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance and completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Liverpool John Moores University. A true triple threat teacher, Masa excels in multiple disciplines and brings a unique blend of expertise to her role.

Masa's infectious smile, positivity, and energy make her a firm favorite among students and a cherished asset to NDC. Her dedication to teaching and her vibrant presence enrich the learning environment and inspire those around her.

 

 

Rama Selo 

Rama's journey with the team began from the ground up, starting as a dedicated student and advancing through all of her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations to achieve RAD Advanced 2. Dance is truly a passion for Rama—she lives and breathes it.

Rama was among the first cohort to pursue the Certificate in Dance Teaching from the Royal Academy of Dance, having completed her initial examinations in Singapore. She continues to perform with Sharjah Youth Ballet, where her technical expertise and methodical, precise approach shine through. Her meticulousness in dance may well be influenced by her background in engineering.

In addition to her dance prowess, Rama excels in multiple areas of her life. She is an esteemed pianist, a trilingual speaker, and an avid creative. Her diverse talents and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the team.

 

 Sara Maria Barton 

International Guest Teacher 

Sara-Maria Barton, a distinguished Genée International medallist, boasts an impressive career with contracts from all major British ballet companies, including The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and Scottish Ballet. She is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD) and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).

Currently, Sara-Maria coaches the most elite dancers at S-MB Company, guiding them to success in leading competitions such as YAGP. Her students have secured prestigious scholarships and contracts with top full-time schools and companies worldwide. With her extensive experience and exceptional expertise, Sara-Maria continues to inspire and shape the future of ballet.

NDC have the privilege of hosting Sara- Maria annual to work with our ballet students, A first for the region. 

 

 NDC Guest teachers

At our dance intensives, competitions, and workshops, we proudly feature guest teachers who are distinguished professionals from the performing arts industry. Our guest instructors come directly from London’s West End, Broadway, Film , Television and other major stages around the world. They bring a wealth of industry experience and insights, bridging the gap between classroom training and a professional career. With their expertise and real-world experience, they offer invaluable perspectives that inspire and prepare our students for success in the competitive world of performing arts .