Employee Testimonials

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Martina Coggins - Creative Director & Owner

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Hi I'm Martina and I'm the co founder of Tracing Steps and I'm dedicated to making the arts accessible to people of all ages and abilities. I attended Salford University studying Dance and Physical Theatre and was awarded their alumni award 'Leader in Creativity and Innovation' in 2025. I have had a varied dance career as a performer, which has taken me to many places, but have always had a passion for working in the community. In 2009 I travelled to Pakistan with the British Council as part of a Community Exchange programme sharing my practices in dance. I'm a culture pioneer for my home town of Middleton and also serve on Rochdale Borough Culture Networks Steering group. I'm also a proud mum to three girls. I hope to encourage everyone to take up more space.

 

Clare Riley 

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I'm Clare Riley I have been with Tracing Steps from the start. My role within Tracing Steps is as a Drama and Dance Teacher. I love working for Tracing Steps as everyday is different, we get to work with so many different people, across the community, as I said, no two days are the same. I love working with new people and getting to know them and working within different areas of the community. It's fast-paced and fun. 

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Alysha Lloyd

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My name is Alysha Lloyd, and I am a teacher at Tracing Steps. I have been working with the organisation for the past year and have a strong background in education. Over the last nine years, I have worked with children in a variety of roles, including a nursery practitioner, teaching assistant, and now a dance and drama teacher. My experience across these roles has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of how creativity, movement, and expression can support learning, confidence, and well-being for people of all ages.

At Tracing Steps, I teach dance and drama to a wide range of age groups. My classes include children from ages 4–16 as well as adults over 50. I also lead music and movement sessions in care homes, creating engaging activities that encourage participation, connection, and enjoyment through music and gentle movement. We also work closely with individuals who have additional needs, ensuring that our sessions are accessible, supportive, and enjoyable for everyone involved. My role is to create inclusive, engaging sessions where participants feel comfortable expressing themselves and building confidence through movement and performance.

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Emilia Malkiewicz

I am Emilla Małkiewicz, a 3rd-year Performance student at Performers College in Manchester. My role within Tracing Steps is that I am a teacher. I teach the younger classes on a Saturday morning at 9:30 and 11:00. I enjoy working with Tracing Steps as it pushes me to work with children, shaping them creatively, making lessons that are actively engaging. I get to participate in events at Tracing Steps, and overall, I feel like I’m developing as a creative.

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Currently awaiting other testimonials

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