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About Extra Gymnastics
Extra Gymnastics was founded by Francesca Di Bella with the aim of offering focused, high-quality gymnastics and dance training that complements regular classes. Drawing on experience gained through working with over 20 schools across London and a wide range of training environments, Extra Gymnastics was created to provide space for technical detail, strength development, and quality of movement that is not always possible within standard class settings.
The programme brings together gymnastics fundamentals and dance-based training in a supportive and structured environment, delivered by a small team of experienced coaches who share the same values and teaching approach.
FRANCESCA
Francesca is a gymnastics and dance coach originally from Italy, now based in London for the past ten years. She began her training in dance at the age of six and later undertook professional training at the Russian Ballet College of Genoa, following the Vaganova method, where she refined her technique under the guidance of teachers from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Alongside ballet, her full-time training included rhythmic gymnastics, shaping her approach to movement and technique.
After relocating to the UK, Francesca continued her professional development, training with the Royal Academy of Dance and completing Level 4 teaching qualifications with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD – DDE Ballet). She is also a certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor and holds a Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Pilates.
With over ten years of experience coaching gymnastics and dance, and holding British Gymnastics Level 2 qualification in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics and Level 2 in Freestyle Gymnastics, Francesca has worked across a wide range of schools throughout London. Her teaching experience includes RAD, ISTD, and IDTA ballet and tap syllabuses, as well as PBT, acrodance, jazz, and gymnastics training.
She has taught students in both recreational and exam-focused settings, entering students for ballet examinations and leading gymnastics squads to competitions, supporting them through structured training and competitive pathways. Drawing from a wide range of dance methods alongside gymnastics training, Francesca brings a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to her teaching, combining technical knowledge with a genuine love for the discipline and a supportive, encouraging coaching style.
ANNA
Anna is a key member of the Extra Gymnastics coaching team, with nearly ten years of experience working in the gymnastics field in London. She is a Level 2 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics coach and a Rhythmic Gymnastics coach, with a strong background in contemporary dance.
Anna began gymnastics at the age of seven and later performed internationally as part of an Irish display team, developing a strong sense of artistry, performance, and group work. She moved to London in 2016 to complete a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance, continuing to coach alongside her studies and gaining further qualifications.
Her dance training plays a central role in her coaching approach. Alongside gymnastics training, Anna choreographs floor routines and group displays, delivers ballet technique sessions, and supports both rhythmic and artistic gymnasts in developing flexibility, floor skills, and expressive performance.
Anna’s coaching focuses on the integration of dance and gymnastics, with particular emphasis on quality of movement, musicality, and clarity. She is especially passionate about helping gymnasts develop control, elegance, and confidence in their performance.
