Academy Staff
Artistic Director
Judy Breen
"After nearly 40 years in the profession, I'm still deeply inspired by the medium of classical ballet. I've remained committed to bringing out the best in each of our students, giving them the opportunity through ballet to recognise, experience and affirm their inherently unique value as human beings."
Judy's History
Judy has always loved to dance and took her first class at the age of four, continuing through her teenage years to win medals and awards from national competitions and festivals.
She began her teacher training in 1979, when she was invited by acclaimed teacher and choreographer Adrienne Dellas to join the Ballet Department of Sun Hwa Arts School in Seoul, Korea.
Her unique training included an intensive teachers' course at the Vaganova Academy, St. Petersburg, and two additional courses with Marika Besobrasova at the Princess Grace Academie de Dance in Monaco. She has worked with international artists such as Oleg Vinogradov (Kirov Ballet former director), Sergiu Stefanschi (National Ballet of Canada ballet master), ballet legend Mireille Briane (principal dancer for Paris Opera), Geta Constantinescu (Rumania State Ballet former principal dancer).
Judy personally assisted Madame Dellas in founding Universal Ballet Company from the graduates of the Ballet Department and in 1984 the fledgling company had its premiere gala.
In addition to performing with Universal Ballet, Judy was invited to be Ballet Mistress for the company and was also soon offered the position of Director for Ballet in Sun Hwa Arts School, the official school for Universal Ballet.
Throughout her ten years as Director she coached students who were awarded places at top international schools, including Kirov Academy of Ballet, Bolshoi School of Ballet in Moscow and both the UK's leading professional schools Royal Ballet School and English National Ballet School.
During her time in Korea many of her graduate students went on to become soloists and principals in international companies, including Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, Universal Ballet of Korea, Boston Ballet and Zürich Ballet.
Returning to the UK after 17 years in Korea, Judy realised she passionately wanted to start her own school and in 2005 Hampton Ballet Academy was born!
Within the next few years of busy classes and regular performances, HBA had become renowned for developing students who went on to vocational schools, including Central School of Ballet, Legat School of Dance, London Studio Centre and Ballet Rambert. Many HBA students also successfully auditioned for both the Junior and Senior Royal Ballet Associates.
Most recently, two of Judy's students were awarded places at the esteemed Kirov Academy of Ballet and one of these, Oscar Frame, went on to complete his training at the world famous Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg.
Upon graduating, he received multiple contract offers and is now a member of the Bolshoi Ballet Company.
Former students Oscar and Sasha at HBA