Emma and Nicola first met nearly 30 years ago in ballet class, practising their pliés at the barre, where a lifelong friendship was born. After training together at The Dance School of Scotland and later at the prestiges Laine Theatre Arts in London, they each went on to enjoy acclaimed professional careers spanning more than 15 years — performing around the world as dancers, actors and singers.

Nicola had a successful performing career and her credits include the West End cast of Mamma Mia! She later went on to become the Dance Captain on the Mamma Mia! international tour. Emma has performed internationally across Canada, China and America, bringing a wealth of global expertise and artistry to every class she teaches.

In 2011, they began teaching ballet together in London and the Home Counties, sharing their love of movement, music and creativity with young children. As fate would have it, both eventually found themselves back home in Scotland — where Little Lights Academy was created, a magical space for children to explore ballet, theatre, imagination and expressive storytelling through movement, music and play.

Emma is also a trained Pilates teacher, offering a deep understanding of body awareness and physical development, while Nicola continues to perform professionally and recently performed the lead role and served as Resident Director of the musical Nunsense at The English Theatre, Frankfurt.

Together, they bring decades of global performance experience, heartfelt passion and the strongest of partnerships — inspiring every little light to shine with confidence, creativity and joy.