Our Faculty

Meet The Team

Taylor Yates
Director
Training: Addict Dance Academy
Meet Taylor Yates
With over a decade in the spotlight, Taylor Yates is a dance force to be reckoned with. Trained at the elite Addict Dance Academy, Taylor has carved out a vibrant career that spans the worlds of performance, choreography, and education.

From lighting up stages with global icons like Rita Ora, Mabel, Cheryl, Tulisa, and Take That, to electrifying audiences on X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, German Idol, The Voice, and even the Jingle Bell Ball—Taylor’s artistry knows no bounds. They bring the same bold energy whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes.

As a choreographer, Taylor has created standout routines for SeaCruise UK and Chloe Rose, and stepped in as assistant choreographer for none other than Il Divo. Their creative vision blends precision with personality—leaving a lasting impact wherever they go.

But it’s in the studio where Taylor truly shines. A passionate educator, Taylor has taught at some of the UK’s leading dance institutions including Urdang, The Dang, D&B Performing Arts, LMA London, Miskin Theatre, Base Dance Studios, and BOA.

Now as Director of Yates Academy, Taylor is channelling their energy and expertise into building a bold new space for training, creativity, and performance—empowering the next generation of dancers to dream big and move even bigger.

Proudly represented by Dancers Inc, AMCK, Kutes Agency, and Mass Movement, Taylor Yates is a name synonymous with creativity, drive, and unapologetic expression.

Massimo Solazzo
Course Co-ordinator , Ballet Teacher
Training: Bird College
Meet Massimo Solazzo
With nearly 30 years of experience and a journey that began at just five years old, Massimo Solazzo brings a lifetime of dedication, discipline, and dance to the heart of Yates Academy.

As Course Co-ordinator, he leads the qualification side of the programme—ensuring every step students take is grounded in excellence, structure, and purpose.

Massimo’s dance roots run deep. A proud graduate of the world-renowned Bird College of Performing Arts—where he earned a full three-year scholarship—Massimo trained under some of the industry’s most iconic names, including Frank Freeman, Lynn Wallis, Darren Parrish, and Antony Croome. He’s passed every Royal Academy of Dance exam from Primary to Advanced 2, and his expertise spans ballet, jazz, contemporary, character, tap, drama, singing, music theory, anatomy, and choreography.

Beyond the studio, Massimo has graced stages across the UK and Europe, performing in high-calibre musicals and classical ballet productions. His career also includes acclaimed work as a guest dancer and choreographer at prestigious competitions and recitals.

Now an RAD-registered teacher, Massimo is the quiet force with a fierce passion—devoted to mentoring the next generation of performers with precision, care, and unwavering commitment to quality. At Yates Academy, he ensures that talent meets training, and creativity is backed by credible qualifications every step of the way.

Charlotte Perry
Jazz Course Leader
Training: Laine Theatre Arts.
Meet Charlotte Perry

Born in Cambridge and raised in Hertfordshire, Charlotte’s love for dance began like many great stories do—in a local studio, just for fun. But it didn’t take long before that hobby turned into a calling.

Fuelled by passion and talent, she took the leap and trained at the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts, completing an intensive three-year course in musical theatre.

Since graduating in 2014, Charlotte has taken flight—literally. Her performance credits are a dazzling mix of stage, sky, and sea. She wowed audiences as a mermaid and aerialist in Magic Mike Live in both London and Berlin, and brought magic to life in productions like Cinderella, Aladdin, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with First Family Entertainment.

Her journey includes standout roles in Bodyguard Das Musical and Tarzan Das Musical, featured performances in Cats the Musical as the elegant Victoria, and appearances in seasonal spectaculars like Thursford Christmas Spectacular. She’s also made waves dancing aboard Royal Caribbean and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines with Mirage Productions.

Beyond the spotlight, Charlotte brings experience and leadership as an assistant for Mirage shows—installing and teaching productions with precision, passion, and professionalism. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Charlotte’s grace, grit, and show-stopping skill make her an unforgettable force in the world of dance and performance.

Olivia Lock
Musical Theatre Course Leader
Training: Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Meet Olivia Lock

A dynamic performer, choreographer, and creative leader, Olivia Lock is the definition of versatility. With roots firmly planted in Musical Theatre, she honed her craft at the renowned Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London—emerging with the skills, drive, and passion to light up both stage and screen.

Olivia’s stage credits showcase her bold creative voice. She’s choreographed high-energy productions like We Will Rock You Junior and Fame The Musical Junior, and stepped into the director’s chair for The Addams Family Musical, crafting performances that pulse with originality and heart.

On screen, Olivia’s presence continues to shine. She’s appeared in major titles including Disney’s Never Let Me Go, Netflix’s The Praying Mantis, and other high-profile projects—proving her talent is as magnetic on camera as it is under the stage lights.

Whether she’s leading a cast, teaching aspiring performers, or commanding a scene, Olivia brings depth, precision, and unshakable passion to every project. Her creative range and dedication to the craft make her a standout voice in the world of performing arts.

Amber Redman
Contemporary Teacher
Training: Bodywork Company Cambridge
Meet Amber Redman

A professional dancer, choreographer, and all-round creative force, Amber Redman lives and breathes performance. With an unstoppable work ethic and a deep love for the craft, Amber is constantly pushing boundaries—and sharing that passion with the next generation of dancers is what drives her.

Her stage and screen credits are a vibrant mix of movement, music, and media. Amber has served as Dance Captain for Get In The Game, choreographed by Eddie Slattery, and brought her dynamic style to workshops like Sunset Boulevard with Fabian Aloise. She’s performed at major events including Wave Awards 2023 and the Blackburn Christmas Light Switch-On with Pop Up Global, and dazzled in productions like Aladdin and with the renowned Dane Bates Collective.

On screen, Amber’s versatility continues to shine. She’s featured in the Amazon Prime film Purple Beatz, BBC’s Marriage Counselling, and brought characters to life in Mandy and video game voiceovers for Echo Games. She’s also performed at the O2 Islington Academy with Eleni C, starred in her Queen music video, and choreographed the high-energy live TV show Livin’ The Dream.

When she’s not performing, Amber is shaping future talent. She teaches and choreographs for Bodywork Company’s Level 6 Diploma course, Ignite Dance Company, and numerous other schools across the UK—including guest and cover work at iconic studios like Pineapple and Base in London.

Driven, creative, and full of spark—Amber Redman brings passion to everything she does, inspiring performers to work hard, dream big, and always dance like they mean it.

Get to know our expert team shaping the next generation of performers at Yates Academy Cambridge.