Meet the Team

All teachers at CPA are fully qualified, Garda vetted, first aid trained and follow our strict child protection policy designed to ensure the safety of every child that comes through our doors. With over 40 years combined teaching experience, we guarantee structured and professional classes in all our locations. Not only do our teachers have an extensive background in teaching, but each is a performer in their own right. Bringing to our students their own unique flare and creativity that they have developed from years of performing both at home and abroad.

Director – Katie Burke DipLCM, DipBTEC
(Singing, Musical Theatre and Drama Teacher)

Katie Burke (CPA)

Katie is a professional singer, teacher & IMRO registered songwriter. She holds both a Diploma in Contemporary Music Performance from BCFE and a Diploma in Music Theatre from The London College of Music. Katie has been teaching singing and musical theatre for over 15 years in various schools, libraries and youth groups throughout Ireland.

Katie recently signed a songwriters publishing deal with Notting Hill Music Publishing based in the UK, and with Gulliver’s Music Publishing based in Israel. Among her many TV and Radio credits is a recent appearance on RTE’s ‘The Hit’ where she performed as one half of acoustic duo, Jezzebelle. Katie has toured in Ireland, UK, Italy, Canada and the USA – bringing original music to the masses and flying the flag for Irish singers & songwriters! She has shared with (among others) Jack L, Don Baker, Eric Bell (Thin Lizzy), Jennifer Batten (of the Michael Jackson band).

Hannah Troy DipLCM, DDE
(Dance Teacher)

Hannah Troy

Hannah trained at WestSide Performing Arts. Through Westside Hannah has achieved her Diploma in Musical Theatre through London College of Music. She has gained her training with world renowned tutors, choreographers and directors with WestSide. hannah received scholarships through WestSide with Bodyworks (Cambridge), CPA (Essex). Hannah went on to study teacher training at Inchicore College. Hannah received her teaching diplomas in dance under the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance she has her Dance Diploma in Education (DDE) and Advanced 2 Modern. Under the Royal Academy of dance she has gained her Advanced ballet certificate. Hannah has many years of experience in musical theatre, commercial dance, contemporary and modern jazz. Hannah received many scholarships for example the opportunity to train at Impluz Tanz Vienna 2011. Hannah has done many TV, film and on stage performances from Bollywoods ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ (2011) to performing at Croke Park (2013) to playing lead roles in WestSide productions (Alice in Finding Wonderland 2012, Christmas Eve – Avenue Q 2014)

Sarah Dennis RTS, DDE, NCEF
(Dance Teacher)

Sarah Dennis

Sarah began her ballet/dance training with Ms. Pauline McGrath at 3years and then with The Debbie Allen School of Dance where she completed all of her vocational dance exams including ISTD Modern/ballet/tap and RAD Ballet. She has danced with the Irish National Youth Ballet for 6years and performed in many shows including The Nutcracker (the Flower Fairy), Coppelia where she performed the lead Swanhilda, she also performed with Ballet Ireland in their production of Swan Lake. Sarah performed on tour with the INYB around Ireland including The Cork Opera House with Monica Loughman. Sarah has danced in London studios center, Central school of ballet and the Yorkshire seminars. Sarah was lucky enough to be granted a scholarship to attend the Impultz dance festival in Vienna, Austria where she danced with famous dancers and teachers from around the world.

Sarah furthered her professional dance education with the Royal Academy of Dance in London where she successfully completed distinction level in Dance and Ballet Education and also received her Registered Teaching Status in ballet from the RAD. She then continued her training in Inchicore College where she has graduated with distinction in dance instruction and education in the Imperial Society of Teachers in Dance(ISTD) Modern. She is also a qualified Fitness Instructor with a First class honours Diploma from the University of Limerick.

Sarah also has a passion for make-up and is a qualified professional Make-up Artist with a Diploma in Fashion, Media and Theatrical make-up. She has worked for RTE in the production of Bram Stocker and For the Expose Christmas Fashion show in the RDS. She has worked for make-up companies such as INGLOT, Maybelline and L’Oréal. She uses these skills as a make-up artist in collaboration with stage performances.