Our Philosophy
At iSTAR Academy, our vision is to provide our students the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. We hope to provide this in a friendly, nurturing and professional environment to allow our gymnasts or dancers to shine with grace, finesse and character.
‘An opportunity to shine’
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About Us
iSTAR Academy was founded in 2007 by Maria Foster. Maria previously ran smaller dance and gymnastics classes, but wanted to develop and build a more professional space. iSTAR Academy was therefore established to enhance the level of training students could receive, from grass roots to international level in dance and gymnastics in a nurturing, friendly and professional environment.
Many students use the tools they have learnt from iSTAR Academy to progress to colleges, universities and employment opportunities specialising in dance, sport, circus arts and performing arts.
Our experienced and professional staff faculty include Olympians, High Performance Rhythmic Gymnastics Coaches, Commonwealth competitors and medallists, National Coaches and West End Performers.
We are extremely proud of the wonderful space we have developed at iSTAR Academy providing an opportunity for all our members to shine.
Our Team
Maria Foster
Head Coach, Director and Founder, High Performance Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach and International Brevet judge
Alina Maksymenko
High Performance Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach
Heather Etchart
Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach
Alice Gilmartin
Acrobatics and Gymnastics Coach
Rebecca Earl
Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach, Administration Assistant
Connie Mace
Dance Teacher, Acrobatics and Gymnastics Coach
Michaela Stakim
Dance Teacher
Lucie Jarvis
Dance Teacher
Claudia Vanni
(image coming soon)
Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach
Marianne Tarvainen
Welfare Officer
Image coming soon
Beth Adamson-Edwards
Acrobatics and Gymnastics Coach
Image coming soon
Charlie Spooner
Acrobatics and Gymnastics Coach
Image coming soon
Charlotte Lay
Dance Teacher
MORE OF OUR EXCITING STAFF TEAM COMING SOON …