​Donna Cuthbertson is the founder and director of Orkney Dance & Fitness Ltd, a social enterprise dedicated to making dance and fitness accessible, inclusive, and joyful for all ages and abilities across the Orkney Islands.

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Donna's passion for performance ignited at the age of nine during a school trip to see Starlight Express in London's West End. This early inspiration led her to formal dance training at the Hilton Hall Dance Academy at thirteen, culminating in a performance at Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket.

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Between 2000 and 2002, Donna pursued a BTEC National Diploma in Dance, gaining comprehensive training in dance, singing, and acting. She portrayed "Frenchie" in Grease the Musical at the Hazlitt Theatre and began teaching dance to primary school children in Kent.

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Her professional career commenced in 2003 with performances in Malaga, Spain, followed by roles on cruise ships and various entertainment venues across Spain. In 2005, she became a renowned Redcoat at Butlins in Minehead and Skegness.

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In 2007, Donna discovered Zumba, marking a new chapter in her fitness journey. After relocating to Orkney in 2017, she expanded her offerings to include Aqua Fit, Floorbarre, Zumba, Zumba Kids, and Clubbercise.

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The 2020 lockdown prompted Donna to innovate by transitioning to online classes, creating a comprehensive on-demand library and live-streaming sessions to ensure continued community engagement. She also used this time to up skill and obtained various qualifications. 

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In March 2022, she officially registered Orkney Dance & Fitness Ltd as a social enterprise. The organisation now delivers a diverse range of classes, including Parkinson’s Beats, Active Movers, and rebounding sessions, utilising community halls and mobile equipment to reach various locations.

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Donna is currently pursuing a Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualification. Her commitment to community well-being is evident in her efforts to reduce social isolation and promote health through movement.

In recognition of her contributions, Donna was named Scottish Instructor of the Year at the Heart and Soul Awards 2024 .

 

Join Donna in a class—online or in person—and experience the joy of movement in a supportive community environment.

 

​Qualifications and achievement's 

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• BTEC National Diploma in Dance

• IDTA Graduate Teacher in Modern Jazz

• IDTA Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology

• IDTA Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching Safe Dance Practice

• NVQ Level 2 in Customer Services

• Shallow Water Exercise Certification

• Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's Level 2

• Active IQ Level 2 in Fitness Instructing (Exercise to Music)

• Active IQ Level 2 in Understanding nutrition, performance and healthy eating

• Active IQ Level 3 in Designing Exercise programmes for Older Adults

• Active IQ Level 3 in Supporting pre and post natal clients with exercise and nutrition

• Chair based exercise for frailer older adults

• OTAGO strength and balance exercise programme leader award 

• Level 2 Drumtastic Instructor

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Certifications and CPD's

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• ICG Indoor cycling group certificate

• Zumba Basic steps level 1 certification

• Zumba Basic steps level 2 certification

• Zumba Kids certification

• Zumba Gold certification

• Aqua Zumba certification

• Zumba Step certification

• Zumba Toning certification

• Clubbercise Instructor certification

• Clubbercise Kids Combo (Family Clubbercise, U13's and U18's)

• Boogie Bounce Certified Instructor

• Boogie Bands Certified Instructor

• Boogie Bounce Kidz Certified Instructor

• NSPCC Certificate in child protection in Sport & Physical Activity

• Scottish Ballet Elevate Freelance Dance Artist

• Dance for Parkinson's Freelance Dance Artist with Distinction

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Achievements

 

• 2 x motions in Scottish parliament 

• Winner of Community Fitness Instructor of the year for Scotland 2020

• Finalist for Resilient Business of the Year Women's Enterprise Scotland 2023

• Winner of the Heart & Soul Awards Regional Instructor Scotland 2024

• Finalist for Heart & Soul Awards for Regional Instructor Scotland, UK Instructor and Inspirational Instructor 2025