Hello!

My name is Eleni Koutis, I’m 29, a professional dance teacher from North London and the founder of Elevate.

Dance first sparked a fire in me aged 14. I doubted myself for a long time, thinking I was too late, with dancers around me having started far earlier in life. However, with nurturing teachers, challenging classes and supportive circles, I was given the tools and confidence to realise my full potential.

This is why I started Elevate 2 years ago. Not only did I want to share my love and passion for dance, but I also wanted to help individuals grow, build confidence and express themselves within an empowering, safe and supportive environment.

The word ‘elevate’ means to rise up to a higher level, which, to me encapsulates all forms of growth and development, whether that be in physical strength, technical skill or in confidence and self-esteem, and my goal is to build upon all four of these with Elevate’s energetic and non-judgmental classes.

The dance industry has the ability to be extremely judgemental, toxic and competitive, and Elevate’s aim is to bring us back to why we dance in the first place; to move our bodies, have fun and express ourselves.

I love teaching, and have more than 10 years of experience in teaching Hip Hop, Contemporary and Lyrical dance across all age groups, as well as 2 years of Heels teaching experience. Connecting with my students, and watching them connect with one another through my choreography, sharing their unique stories, with their unique bodies, is what makes teaching so special to me.

In terms of qualifications, I have a Choreography degree from Middlesex University and a Level 2 Fitness NQV. I am DBS checked, fully insured and first aid trained.

Aside from teaching, my dance credits include: shows at Jackson’s Lane, The Place, O2 Arena, Peacock Theatre and Arts Depot Theatre, as well as work with ITV Studios, Twist & Pulse, Pete Tong, The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Channel 5 and Footlocker.