Teachers

Gaynor Stanley

​

Gaynor graduated at London Studio Centre in Ballet and Contemporary Dance Performance in 1990. She then went on to train with members of Les Ballets Africaines, which led to 15 years as a performer and workshop leader with West African dance troupes Kakande, Abeng and Wukulu.

Gaynor has also trained in Creative Movement with  Brighton's 'Carousel' and The Sherbourne Foundation which led to many years experience leading movement classes for children and teenagers with moderate to severe learning difficulties.

She is an R.S.A. qualified fitness instructor, a keen Salsa dancer and also trains in Tai Chi and Chi Gong.

Since moving to Portugal 10 years ago, Gaynor has continued to teach regular Dance classes to children and adults.

​

"I possess a commitment and dedication to dance and movement and the universal exhilaration and liberation that it brings to human kind.  My life’s passion is dance and the transformation that rhythm and movement can bring to each one of us. 'The Bela's De Alva Dance and Movement Retreat' is founded on 30 years of experience of diverse dance cultures, rhythms and learning styles. Just as importantly though, it is also founded on the past 10 years, challenged with keeping in shape mentally and physically, whilst bringing up my 3 beautiful daughters, building our own home and developing our Quinta in Portugal. I have discovered a myriad of diverse ways in which to incorporate dance and conscious movement into my everyday life, no matter what I am feeling or doing. I am so excited to be able to spend 5 days immersed in sharing these experiences which so enrich my life. I am also extremely blessed with the team of people who are supporting me in this project and making it possible. Love."

Tamzin Hale Hurley

Tamzin trained in Contemporary Dance at Chichester University and London Contemporary Dance School with teachers such as Kerry Nicholls and resident Richard Alston. Her dance training was complemented by training and working as a Fitness instructor, practicing Yoga and enjoying the jive social dance scene. She developed a specific interest and passion for Improvisation and Contact Improv and sought out workshops and residencies with teachers such as Rick Nodine, Charlie Morrisey, KJ Holmes and Katie Duck. Tamzin has taught for over 20 years in various environments, schools, youth centres, fitness centres, festivals and taught on courses at Sussex Downs College, Brighton University and Chichester University. In 2015 Tamzin became a certified Yoga teacher after completing a YTT with YHM in Scaravelli inspired yoga and went on to teach yoga movement, meditation and breathing practice in Brighton. Last year she moved to Portugal with her family and is currently establishing a quinta with her family, home educating her 3 children, teaching dance for children and yoga and dance on retreats and workshops