Vice Principal & Teacher
Camilla Alicia Bates started her training at Cirencester Creative Dance Academy, as an associate member to The Urdang Academy and Laines Theatre Arts. At 18, she auditioned and gained scholarships at some of the best performing arts schools in the country. She chose to take up the course at the prestigious Bird College, where she trained intensely for 3 years in Acting, Singing, Dancing. She left Bird with a BA (HONS) Degree in Dance and Theatre performance.
Since graduating, Camilla has been actively pursuing a versatile performing and teaching career. Currently, Camilla is embarking on a year international tour with MAMMA MIA THE MUSICAL, travelling Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Some professional work highlights include dancing for Fleur East at Wembley Arena, filming for ITV’s “Nations favourite dance moments”, London Fashion Week for Meadham Kirchoff, EDF Energy awards show, dancing in several hit Bollywood movies, Positive Luxury commercial dancing alongside The Adam Garcia. Dancing for 2 years with London contemporary dance company “The Ashton Dance Collective” (directed by CCDA graduate Thomas Ashton). Performing in several shows with the company “A woman, her life and then…” “Flight” and Big bus Dance tour. Whilst Camilla has a huge passion for dance, she is a triple threat performer, choreographer, and teacher. She has performed in various Edinburgh Fringe productions, music videos, short films, plays, and has been involved with several BBC TV pilots.
Camilla has been teaching dance for over 10 years and has an extensive amount of experience working with children and adults of all ages and abilities. As well as working for CCDA, she has worked for several performing arts schools in London and is often invited to teach masterclasses at schools around the UK. She is very passionate about working with SEN children (which she has over 2 years experience in London schools) working closely with children with Autism. Camilla regularly re-joins as a fixture of the CCDA teaching panel and is extremely passionate about the school. Last summer saw her take on principal Miss Katherine’s role and choreograph the vast majority of our annual summer show, at The Sundial Theatre in July. A few choreography credits include; “Billy Elliot the Musical” for Cirencester College, “Another Openin’ another show” for MJ-UK, “90’s Kid” music video for Bristol based rapper Offbeat. Camilla is responsible for several of our unforgettable show numbers such as; “Powerpuff Girls” “Harry Potter” and “Doctor Who” dances for CCDA, all of which can be viewed on her Youtube channel.
Camilla, whilst with the school on a more regular basis, has been in charge of our CCDA Senior competition team whose current group dance “Voices in my head” has received much acclaim for its artistic and powerful message on mental health. With the singer VV Brown, whose track “Knife” is used, has posted about it across several of her social media platforms.
Camilla can be hired for private tuition, dance parties, first wedding dances, and choreographs festival/competition dances for our students. She is also in charge of the CCDA Summer school weeks; having successfully ran “The dance school week” and “The Musical Theatre boot camp week” for the last 5 years. Camilla is a fully qualified fitness instructor and Personal Trainer (level 3). She is qualified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Contemporary dance teacher for ID dance examination board. Camilla has also taken on the role of competitive dance judge and has been hired to judge several dance competitions around the UK.
