About The Team
Meet the Principal & Director
Joanne Tod
IDTA Fellow & Examiner
RAD RTS | AISTD | FIDTA | CFT | STOTT PILATES
With over 25 years of experience in professional performance, dance education and teacher training, Joanne Tod is one of Scotland's most respected dance educators. As Principal and Director of Nu Moves and JHM Dance, Joanne is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers and teachers, creating an environment where every student can flourish.
A Lifetime in Dance
Joanne's dance journey began at the age of three, training in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Disco before progressing through examinations with the ISTD and BATD.
At 17, she gained a place at Edinburgh's Theatre School of Dance and Drama (now Dance For All), where she completed the prestigious three-year professional dance course. During her training she achieved vocational qualifications in Ballet, Modern and Tap, while also studying Contemporary, Jazz and Drama. Alongside her practical training, Joanne studied anatomy, child psychology, dance history and music before gaining her teaching qualifications with both the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD).
Following graduation, Joanne began her professional career with Carnival Cruise Lines, performing in Las Vegas-style production shows throughout the Caribbean and the USA. This invaluable experience continues to influence her teaching, choreography and commitment to excellence.
Building Dance Excellence
After returning to Scotland in 2003, Joanne founded JHM Dance, growing the school from humble beginnings into one of Scotland's leading dance academies. Built on a philosophy of quality teaching, inclusivity and opportunity, JHM has become renowned for outstanding examination results, successful performers and exceptional dance training.
In 2025, Joanne proudly became Principal and Director of Nu Moves, bringing together two established schools that share the same vision—providing exceptional dance education for every student, from beginners to aspiring professionals.
Today, Joanne continues to lead both Nu Moves and JHM Dance, delivering the highest standards of dance training across a wide range of genres.
Developing the Next Generation of Teachers
Joanne's passion extends beyond teaching dancers. She is the founder of Scottish Dance Teacher Training (SDTT), delivering the IDTA Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary Modern Jazz and Theatre Craft.
Through SDTT, Joanne mentors aspiring teachers, supporting them towards nationally recognised qualifications and helping shape the future of dance education across Scotland.
Professional Qualifications
Joanne continually strives for excellence and has achieved some of the highest qualifications within the dance profession, including:
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IDTA Fellow – Ballet
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IDTA Fellow – Theatre Craft
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IDTA Fellow – Modern Jazz
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IDTA Licentiate – Tap
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IDTA Licentiate – Freestyle
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Acrobatic Dance Diploma
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RAD Registered Teacher
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AAM2
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AISTD
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iD Company
In 2025, Joanne reached one of the highest honours in dance education by becoming an IDTA Examiner. After six years of intensive training and assessment, she is now one of only two IDTA Examiners in Scotland, examining teachers and dancers while helping to uphold the highest standards of dance education across the UK
Award-Winning Leadership
Joanne's commitment to dance education and professional training has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including:
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Business Woman of the Year – West Lothian Chamber of Commerce
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Best Training & Education – Scotland's Business Awards
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Excellence in Dance Teacher Training – Scottish Dance Awards
These awards recognise Joanne's dedication to excellence, innovation and the positive impact she continues to make within the dance community.
Joanne's Vision
"Dance has the power to build confidence, resilience, creativity and lifelong friendships. My goal has always been to provide every student with the highest quality training in a welcoming and supportive environment where they can discover their full potential."
Whether students join Nu Moves or JHM Dance for fun, fitness, performance, vocational training or teacher education, Joanne is committed to helping every dancer achieve their personal goals while inspiring a lifelong love of dance.
Annabella Hishmeh
Studio Manager
Bella is a versatile dance artist with a strong classical foundation. She performed professionally from a young age, including performing as Alison Summers in Billy Elliot in London’s West End.
She trained at The Royal Ballet School and Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, graduating with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance. During her training, she performed with both The Royal Ballet and English National Ballet, including the role of Young Clara in The Nutcracker.
Following her training, Bella toured internationally as a performer with Cunard, visiting 62 countries worldwide. More recently, she has taught across the UK and the Middle East, inspiring students of all ages.
Alongside her performance career, Bella is a certified Pilates and yoga teacher, with additional qualifications in pre- and postnatal Pilates, dance teaching, and nutrition. Blending global performance experience with a passion for education and wellbeing, she brings a holistic and inspiring approach to teaching.
Jodie Lambie
Dance Teacher / Social Media
Jodie Lambie is a dance teacher and choreographer trained in a wide variety of styles, with a particular passion for Hip Hop and Commercial dance.
She completed her HNC and HND at New College Lanarkshire (2018–2020) before achieving a First Class Honours BA degree at Addict Dance Academy (2021–2022).
Since beginning her teaching career in 2021, Jodie has worked with students aged 4–18 across various performing arts schools and currently works closely with Nu Moves students and elite competition teams.
Her choreography has featured in numerous shows and competitions including CYD Regionals and Go Dance, as well as choreographing the Leicester Riders Basketball halftime performance.
Jodie has also performed at events including Barclays Bank World Culture Week and the Opening Ceremony for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow.
Holly Mason
Dance/Acro teacher
Holly is a passionate dance/acro teacher and gymnastics coach with a love for teaching and choreographing. She began dancing at just three years old, training in a variety of styles including Lyrical, Jazz, Ballet and Highland, alongside training in gymnastics.
Holly went on to train at Performing Arts Studio Scotland, where she graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Dance and Drama. During her training, she performed in college productions, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and with Unearthed Dance Company at the Theatre Royal Glasgow. She also had the opportunity to train and dance in New York City.
Following graduation, Holly became a British Gymnastics Level 2 Qualified Coach and an Acrotrix Qualified Acro Teacher.
Now teaching over 20 classes each week across Dance, Acro and Gymnastics, Holly works with students of all ages and abilities — from preschool beginners to our elite competition teams. With a warm and encouraging teaching style, Holly is passionate about creating a positive environment where every child can thrive, build confidence and develop the same love for dance she has.
