Shirley O’Neill
Dunfermline,Fife
Summary
Creative, compassionate, and committed youth practitioner with over 10 years’ experience working directly with children and young people in schools and community settings. Specialises in inclusive performing arts education, emotional wellbeing, and supporting young people with additional support needs. Extensive experience through Fife Council contracts and personal business delivering dance, fitness, and confidence-building programmes. Brings a deep understanding of youth engagement, behaviour support, and trauma-informed practice through both professional and lived experience. Now returning to Glenrothes and excited to support the wellbeing and engagement of pupils at Glenwood High School.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
6025
6025
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Founder & Performing Arts Teacher
O’Neill School of Performing Arts
Glenrothes & St Andrews
03.2013 - 10.2021
- Founded and managed a successful youth performing arts school, delivering dance, drama, and fitness classes to pupils aged 5–18.
- Created all curriculum content, choreographed shows, and developed a nurturing, inclusive environment.
- Worked with local schools, Active Fife, and community partners.
- Planned and ran annual showcases, supported pupil wellbeing, and oversaw safeguarding procedures and volunteer staff.
Dance Teacher
Fife Council
Methilhaven Road, Buckhaven
01.2019 - 09.2021
- Planned and taught weekly dance sessions to children aged 3–18 years in mainstream and additional support settings.
- Designed inclusive, progressive routines for all abilities and supported pupils’ social, emotional, and physical development.
- Worked closely with teachers and support staff to monitor pupil progress, encourage participation, and contribute to a positive school ethos.
- Enhanced students' dance skills by instructing diverse styles, including ballet, jazz and contemporary.
- Prepared choreography for annual school productions.
- Provided additional support outside of class hours to assist struggling students.
- Instilled confidence in students through constructive feedback during dance rehearsals.
- Organised extracurricular workshops to expose students to professional dancers and styles.
- Promoted health and safety in all dance classes, reducing risk of injury.
Dance Instructor
Active Fife – Disability Sport
Methilhaven Road, Buckhaven, Scotland
07.2019 - 08.2019
- Delivered tailored dance and movement sessions for young people with additional support needs.
- Adapted content to individual mobility and communication levels.
- Encouraged confidence, creative expression, and inclusion through group work and structured routines.
- Advanced professionalism in all classes by setting high standards.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by maintaining discipline and respect in classes.
- Led warm-up sessions to prevent injuries.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Dance Teacher
Fife Council
Leven, Scotland
02.2019 - 04.2019
- Taught Creative Dance to pupils aged 3–5.
- Developed child-centred sessions focusing on movement, self-expression, and confidence.
- Supported early years staff with active learning approaches in line with CfE outcomes.
- Promoted health and safety in all dance classes, reducing risk of injury.
- Provided additional support outside of class hours to assist struggling students.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans to improve student performance.
- Maintained regular communication with parents regarding student progress and areas of improvement.
- Tailored lesson plans based on each student's abilities and progress rate.
- Choreographed and demonstrated new routines to build dancer enthusiasm and enhance skill sets.
- Gave personalised feedback to help individuals improve performance and identify areas for further practice.
- Adapted teaching to suit students of varying ages and abilities.
- Inspired and encouraged students to explore different types of dance for creative expression.
Education
HND Professional Stage Dance - HND Professional Stage Dance
Edinburgh’s Telford College
Edinburgh2008
NC Foundation in Contemporary Dance - NC Foundation in Contemporary Dance
Dundee College
2008
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre And Dance
University of Hull Scarborough Campus
England /2010 - 01.2012
Skills
- Youth engagement & support
- Workshop & session delivery
- Safeguarding & confidentiality
- Creative arts education
- Behaviour and emotional support
- Team collaboration
- Session planning & organisation
- Parental communication
- Building trust with young people
Timeline
Dance Instructor
Active Fife – Disability Sport
07.2019 - 08.2019
Dance Teacher
Fife Council
02.2019 - 04.2019
Dance Teacher
Fife Council
01.2019 - 09.2021
Founder & Performing Arts Teacher
O’Neill School of Performing Arts
03.2013 - 10.2021
HND Professional Stage Dance - HND Professional Stage Dance
Edinburgh’s Telford College
NC Foundation in Contemporary Dance - NC Foundation in Contemporary Dance
Dundee College
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre And Dance
University of Hull Scarborough Campus
/2010 - 01.2012
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