EDA Principal: Mrs Katy Atzberger BSc (hons) ANATD LNATD
(and Artie Bear)
Led by Katy Atzberger, a professional dancer and UK qualified dance teacher from Norwich, England, the English Dance Academy, Wien aims to create imaginative and inspirational dance classes open to all ages and abilities.
Miss Katy trained at the now-named Anglia Region Theatre School (A.R.T.S), gaining Associate and Licentiate qualifications in Modern, Tap, Ballet and Disco/Freestyle and Street. She is currently training towards her Fellowship examinations with the aim of becoming an Examiner herself.
On successful completion of a BSc (honours) degree at the University of Lincoln Miss Katy embarked on her professional dance career performing worldwide on-board several cruise liners, as well as working as a character/parade dancer at Disneyland Resort Paris and various casino and theatre tours throughout the UK, Greece and Slovenia, including the Lady Legends UK Tour in aid of the NSPCA in 2009.
During her career Katy maintained strong links with Norfolk, teaching and choreographing both freelance and for A.R.T.S.
Choreography work includes local pantomimes for Saxlingham and Onward Players, Age Concern shows in Yarmouth and Spalding, cabarets throughout the UK, including her own dance troupe Hot Heels, shows in London (including Sadlers Wells, Her Majesty’s Theatre and The Royal Albert Hall), Disneyland Resort Paris, Port Aventura themepark in Barcelona and for production shows and cabarets on-board cruise ships.
Katy has led dance and musical theatre workshops in numerous schools and as part of local holiday programmes and has had the pleasure of choreographing the ‘first dance’ for the weddings of many couples both in Norfolk, London and Vienna.
After a successful Norfolk tour performing in ‘West End to Broadway’ with The Tigerlilys, including a solo role as The White Cat in Cats, Katy bid a fond farewell to Norwich and moved to South West London in 2010.
In London Katy taught for Chelsea Ballet Schools, The Laird Academy, The Stephanie Rossiter School of Dance, Vacani School of Dance and The Siegeris School of Dance, as well as private lessons, hen parties and children’s parties across London. She has also provided Breakfast clubs for Primary Schools in association with SportStart UK.
Shortly after the birth of her first son Katy founded her own dance school KtS Dance in SW London offering weekly classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Street/Freestyle (http://www.ktsdance.com)
In September 2014 Katy, her Austrian husband Stefan and son Lukas moved to the beautiful city of Vienna and welcomed Maximilian into the family 7 months later.
Katy continues to run the day to day admin of KtS Dance in London flying over as often as possible for exams and events but she was anxious to get back to teaching, so with the support of good friends (thanks to the VFN http://www.viennafamilynetwork.com), she launched the English Dance Academy (or EDA, Wien) with the aim of providing English speaking dance classes accessible to all ages, all abilities and all nationalities.
Katy aims to open the magical world of dance to as many children as possible and hopes her pupils in Vienna will be able to enjoy the same opportunities as the thousands of children she has taught throughout her 20 year career.
Previous pupils have successfully auditioned for the Junior and Mid-Associate programmes and for White Lodge at The Royal Ballet School as well as Tring, The Brit School, Bodyworks, LIPA, The Place and performances with The English Youth Ballet and professional productions including Oliver!, Miss. Saigon and Les Miserables. Others are now dancing professionally all over the world and 1 young ballerina was even bridesmaid for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (aka William and Kate!)
Katy has trained Disco/Freestyle pupils to Student and Associate levels, with 100% gaining Highly Commended.
Miss Katy’s aim is to nurture talent and develop technique in a structured way whilst still providing a happy and fun environment in which pupils can enjoy dance and parents can enjoy seeing the smiles on their children’s faces.
Testimonials:
“You managed to find the right balance between discipline and teaching ballet and still keeping it fun – it’s a highlight in Chloe’s week – THANK YOU!!!”
– Zizi and Chloe, Ballet Bears
“Thank you so much for all you’ve done for M throughout our dance classes. She loves you and going to dance! I hope we can find another teacher like you after we move.”
– K and M (Mini Bears and Little Bears)
“We truly want to thank you for creating this opportunity. Ballet has quickly become a passion for A, and we know that wouldn’t have happened without you. Your ability to guide and teach her in such a gentle, yet firm, way makes a huge impact. On top of that your patience for her is appreciated. You are a true role model for A – she aspires to be like you! And it’s ballet all day, every day in our home!
– J, J and A (Pre-Ballet)
“I loved the ballet classes. You made learning ballet fun and interesting. I am going to miss your classes and you, but I will enjoy my fond memories of my time in your class”
– Abigail (Ballet Bears)
Professional Qualifications and Training:
Vocational Training: Anglia Region Theatre School (ARTS), Norwich, UK
Professional Training under the Mentorship of Miss Victoria Wright ANATD LNATD FNATD (Examiner)
National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD)
1999: Advanced I/Associate Modern (Vocational/Teaching Diploma)
1999: Intermediate/Associate Ballet (Vocational/Teaching Diploma)
2004: Intermediate/Associate Tap (Vocational/Teaching Diploma)
2004: Associate Freestyle (Teaching Diploma)
2007: Licentiate Freestyle (Higher Level Teaching Diploma)
University of Lincoln
2002: BSc (hons) Degree in Psychology (Dissertation in Child Development)
Other Qualifications and Certificates
Enhanced DBS Check (UK)
Strafregisterbescheinigung (Austria)
Straferegisterbescheinigung Kinder- und Jugendfuersorge (Austria)
Child Protection and Safeguarding Courses
Pediatric First Aid (updated June 2019)
Public Liability Insurance