Our Dance Teachers

At East Sussex Dance, we believe that is that dancing is for everyone; that each student should be treated as an individual with their own unique contribution to the school.

Alexandra Costi, Fellow and Examiner ISTD

Born and raised in and around Brighton, Alex grew up with a love of Music and Dance. From an early age she was successful in local Arts Festivals and competitions, and performance became a big part of her life.

Alex took her first ISTD teaching exam at the age of 16 and soon became a popular teacher in the Brighton area.

She has trained hundreds of students over the years, leading many to competitive success, and she is especially proud that many of her pupils have also gone on to have a career in dance.

Alex is a Fellow and Examiner of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and has lectured for the Society in four faculties.

In 2020 Alex was invited onto the ISTD Sequence Faculty Committee and she continues to work hard to promote Ballroom, Latin and Sequence both in the UK and internationally.

For Alex, introducing new beginners to the world of dance is still what brings her greatest satisfaction.

Ayse Denizli, AISTD, AIDTA

Ayse started dancing at the age of 6 and grew up with a passion for dancing. She trained at various local dance schools across Sussex, where she took IDTA examinations in Ballet, Street, Rock'n'Roll, Tap and Freestyle. She took ISTD exams in Ballroom & Latin American.
Her competitive dancing successes incude 2nd place at the World Dance Masters Championships in 2014 and the 1st place at the European Championships in 2011.
Ayse works professionally as a dancer and choreographer for live gigs, fashion events for companies and music videos. She took her Associate dance teaching qualification with the IDTA in 2015 and qualified with the ISTD in 2016.
In addition to managing her own dance company, Ayse teaches children's classes at East Sussex Dance as well as providing Wedding dance tuition for adults. We are proud to have her on the team.

Camille Cooper, MA (Dance Performance)

Camille trained and competed with East Sussex Dance, predominantly in Ballroom & Latin, before going on to study Dance Performance at the University of Chichester. She gratuated from her BA with the Liz Aggis award for choreography and went on to tour with Mapdance as part of her Masters.
Camille now works as a dance artist and teacher, blending her experience in Ballroom & Latin with Contemporary Dance to create a fun and empowering way of moving.

Joe Thomasson, ISTD ATS

Joe began dancing in 2013, training in many styles of dancing but ultimately developing a strong passion for Ballroom and Latin. He continues to train and compete at a national level, enjoying regular success at high profile competitions.

He is registered with the ISTD Amateur Teaching Scheme, with the aim of continuing his development as a competitive dancer before progressing to become a professional ISTD teacher.

Alongside his own competitive training, Joe teaches a wide range of students, from young children to adults, including beginners, medallist dancers, and private lessons. He is passionate about creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment and takes great pride his students, helping them to build confidence, develop their skills, and discover a genuine love for dance.