When Was The Nicholson Academy Founded
TNA was founded by Brenda Nicholson in 1982 as The Brenda Lee School of Dance operating out of various community buildings. In 2005 Brenda’s daughter Natasha Zauscinski became co-principal before taking over fully in 2014 upon Brenda’s retirement. In 2012 we moved into our own premises which boast three multi- purpose studios, a reception/waiting area plus both male and female changing rooms.
We are a firm favourite due to the range of opportunities we provide our TNA family. Including shows at some of the area’s prestigious theatres, government recognised examinations through the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and London Academy of Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), local displays and workshops lead by industry professionals.
Our Partners
Our Principal
Natasha Zauscinski is a second-generation dance teacher and has been part of TNA pretty much since she was born and sometimes jokes that was born with a pair of tap shoes on. Natasha grew up within the academy and completed all her graded examinations before undertaking her very first teaching qualification in 2001 in Ballet and achieving her teaching qualifications in Tap and Modern Jazz in the next few years. Between 2008 and 2010 Natasha successfully studied for her Certificate in Education in the Post Compulsory Sector awarded by The University of Huddersfield. Natasha then decided in 2013 that she wanted to further expand her knowledge by pursuing additional dance teaching qualifications, firstly under the tutorage of Mr Phil Winston then under the continued guidance of Miss Mariyka Bolubasz. Natasha is proud that since then she has achieved her Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching for Theatre Craft and Licentiate qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Freestyle and Street Dance as well as attending training courses for Acrobatic Arts and Alixa Flexibility. Natasha is currently studying for her Licentiate qualification in Theatre Craft. Natasha is a member of both The International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and a mutually recognised teacher of The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
Natasha firmly believes that her wonderful TNA family only deserves the very best and strives constantly to provide this.