About Protègèm’s Founder

Gemma Wenman Ballan (FIDTA) is a qualified dance teacher  and ‘fellow’ member of the International Dance Teacher’s Association (IDTA) and is also a qualified Community Dance Teacher. Academically she has studied dance to degree level and holds the IDTA antomy certificate.  Her main area of interest in dance is choreography and she continues to enjoy experimenting to develop new ideas. Gemma’s dance teaching experience has developed over the years through working for local dance and theatre schools, choreographing for local theatre companies and also teaching within gyms, health clubs and schools / colleges.

Creating Protègèm Dance Company is a dream coming true, and springs from her experiences as a member of Surrey County Youth Dance Company and as founder, choreographer and member of P.A.C.E (Performing. Arts. College. Esher,) her college dance group.

Family and School friends will remember Gemma has insisted from a young age that one day she would have her own dance school! The consist hard work of Protègèm Dance Company members was just the push required for Gemma to set up her next big venture – The Dance School. Gemma gains a great buzz from creating new dance pieces and by nurturing young talent. The successes of Protègèm over the years have been fantastic – with 2 full school shows in 2006 & 2008 as well as all the Company successes, including Performances at Disneyland Paris, Her Majestys, Shaftesbury Theatre, Sadlers Wells….. be assured there is plenty more to come!

Protegem History

Protègèm Dance Company was founded in August 2003 to cater for the growing needs of young dancers.

Protègèm’s aim is to support, nurture and encourage young dancer’s talents and to provide them with Performance opportunities. Equally it strengthens youth activity and youth dance within London and the South East area, particularly Surrey. Protègèm Dance Company members gain their places through audition only.

Following the successes of Protègèm Dance Company, Protègèm Dance School was formed in September 2004. Our dance school offers dance classes to a wide range of ages in the Epsom & Ewell and surrounding areas.

Protegem follows the IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) syllabus for dancing exams and usually holds at least 2 exam sessions a year. IDTA is the largest dance organisation and recognised worldwide. All teachers are fully qualified and CRB checked.

After offering AQA GCSE Dance since 2005, Protegem gained accreditation as its own centre in 2008. Protegem hopes to broaden its range of nationally recognised performing qualifications over the years to come.

Whether attending our classes for recreation or to master the art of dancing in the hope of one day becoming a professional, you can be sure all Protègèm Dance classes are fun and friendly!