Meet Our Principal – Martine Canning, AISTD
Martine Canning began dancing at the age of three under Angela Allport and Nicola Barry, later training at the prestigious Masters Performing Arts College.
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A winner of both the Star Tap Awards and All England Dance Festival, Martine was also handpicked to perform in the ISTD Tap syllabus DVD, showcasing her exceptional skill and artistry.
Her professional career spans theatre, television, and international film, with credits including Scrooge the Musical, Blue Peter, Party in the Park, and multiple Bollywood films shot in London, Paris, and Mumbai.
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Martine later discovered her passion for teaching and choreography, working at Italia Conti, London Studio Centre, and numerous local schools. Her choreography credits include BBC’s The One Show (with Peter Andre), MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen, and countless showcases and Disneyland Paris performances.
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Martine’s vision for CAPA is simple — to provide exceptional, exam-accredited training in a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment where every student can reach their potential and shine.
About CAPA
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For over 40 years, Canning Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA), formerly known as Angela Allport School of Performing Arts, has inspired students to dance with confidence, passion, and purpose. Founded as a local dance school, the academy has grown into a thriving community that nurtures dancers of all ages and abilities. Today, CAPA is proudly led by Martine, a former student of the school, who now continues its legacy by running the academy with the same dedication and values that shaped her own training.
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At CAPA, we welcome boys and girls from 2½ years upwards, offering classes that balance fun, fitness, and formal training. Students can choose to dance recreationally or take ISTD-accredited examinations, where we proudly hold a 100% pass rate.
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Beyond the studio, dancers enjoy exciting performance opportunities, including our biannual theatre production. Many of our students have gone on to perform professionally, train at leading performing arts colleges, and appear in renowned productions such as Billy Elliot, Les Misérables, Shrek, The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Starlight Express. Some have even performed at Disneyland Paris and trained with The Royal Ballet.
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Our academy is built on values of inclusion, kindness, and encouragement. We create a safe and nurturing environment where every dancer feels supported and valued. Our dedicated team teaches with passion and professionalism, helping each student grow in confidence, technique, and creativity — both on stage and in life.
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All teachers are fully qualified with the ISTD, hold DBS/CRB checks and First Aid certification, and are committed to delivering the highest standard of training.