our dance & performing arts school

BASED IN DERBY

Passion, practice, persistence… performing is our way of life!

Elevate your child's passion for dance & performing arts at our premier Derby-based studio! Immerse them in a world of diverse dance styles and performing arts classes, including commercial, lyrical, acro, musical theatre, singing, and drama. Our expert instructors foster confidence and skill development in every class, ensuring a transformative and empowering experience for your child.

Born To Perform is run by Shanley Booth - a passionate professional with 17 years of experience running successful theatre schools. The academy was created to build a close-knit local community of talented young performers.

A community that supports each other and believes they can achieve anything.

Want to get involved? We’d absolutely love to have you.
Browse our classes, timetables and pricing - and feel free to get in touch with any questions.

No matter your age or ability, we have a class if you have the passion. Our syllabus includes musical theatre, commercial dance and drama, dance technique, lyrical, singing and acro. We’re also delighted to be able to offer 1-1 sessions in all subjects.

We want to ensure our students believe that anything is possible if they put their minds to it - which means we’ll create a jam-packed schedule full of incredible opportunities. This includes an annual theatre showcase, performances at local events, termly workshops with industry pros, social events for each age group, and an annual awards ceremony.

All our teachers are current or ex industry professionals, who are so thrilled to be able to pass on their knowledge and skills to passionate students.
(All our teachers are DBS checked before running any classes.)

We’re also able to give students who wish to go on to vocational training the best foundation to start their wonderful careers.

MEET THE TEAM

Shanley Booth - Principal

image of derby dance school teacher Shanley Booth

Shanley started dancing at the age of 5 in her hometown of Blackburn at a local dance school. Throughout the years of her childhood she was regularly part of the child cast of the nearby pantomimes and at high school choreographed the productions.

At the age of 16, Shanley auditioned and was offered a place at Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama in Nottingham. Over the 3 years at MADD she worked hard to hone her performing arts skills and left with a 3 year musical theatre diploma.

Shanley worked professionally nationally and internationally as a dancer and singer for many years, and soaked up all the industry had to offer including cruise ships, casino shows and theme parks. She has 15 years of theatre school management and loves nothing more than inspiring children and young adults with her passion for the arts. This is a very exciting time for her and she cannot wait to see sparkle in her students eyes when they come to life through performing!! Shanley incorporates her level 4 advanced Personal Trainer and mindset coach to develop both physical and mental fitness and behaviours.

Megan Watson

The dynamic force ready to elevate your student experience! Megan's journey is nothing short of extraordinary – having honed her skills at Addict Academy , she took a deliberate step back before discovering her true calling in teaching. Her passion for education is not just a profession; it's a purpose.

Armed with a rich tapestry of experiences, Megan brings a unique blend of expertise. From her extensive training in Circus to dazzling audiences across two seasons in "Entertainment by the Sea," she's cultivated a versatile skill set that goes beyond the ordinary.

Megan's teaching prowess is not only grounded in knowledge but also fuelled by a genuine understanding of the student perspective. Having walked the path as a student herself, she is poised to guide you through the intricacies of theory while infusing vitality into your dance classes – especially commercial the technical aspects that make your skills shine.

Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her commitment to your growth is unwavering. Get ready for an immersive and inspiring educational journey, because with Megan, the adventure is about to begin!

Ellie ThornewiLL

Ellie started dancing at the age of 2 and has competed in competitions since the age of just 5 years old. Growing up she had the chance to do 5 professional pantomimes and even got the chance to be in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat the tour.

Whilst studying dance at A level. She found a love for contemporary and had the chance to take class with the Netherlands dance company and later go on to complete her ISTD contemporary training.

She was then offered a place at the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama and was quick to realise here that she wanted to become a teacher.

”Over the past 8 years of teaching I have realised that I’ve found a way to put a dream job and passion all in one and nothing excites me more than watching students over time achieve their goals. I’m so excited to be a part of the team at Born to Perform and can’t wait to see what we can achieve.”

Lilly Foo Black

Lilly is currently studying at Studio 79 on a 2 year Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts Course.

Ex BTPA student Lilly is currently teaching our Foundation & Intermediate singing & drama.

Her passion for musical theatre and singing is infectious and we love having her share her knowledge with our younger students.

She will be with us til summer when she has her sights set on a Performing Arts University 💜 We know that she will be a West End superstar in a few years 😍

Eboni Tinkler - singing and drama

Image of dance school singing and drama teacher Eboni Tinkler

I'm Eboni Tinkler and I have been involved with the performing arts since the age of 8.
Growing up I was part of Theatre Train performing in venues like The Royal Albert Hall and The 02 arena.

I then went to Midlands Academy of Dance and drama to graduate with musical theatre diploma.

Most recently , I have performed as Cinderella in Chaplins Panto making my professional debut.

I love teaching and having fun discovering hidden talents

Izzi Stockford - COMMERCIAL AND ITSY BITSY ACRO

image of dance school commercial teacher izzi stockford

Student teacher Izzi is commercial and Acro queen!

She joined us a student teacher from September and is improving constantly.

Her ability to take in feedback and implement it is a skill in itself.

She is currently teaching our Itsy Bitsy Acro, Foundation Commercial and assisting on Saturdays.

She has quite the quirky ambition.......Stunt Woman

SHENEA FAWZI-PERRIN - ACRO

images of acro teacher at derby dance school Shenea Fawzi-Perrin

A distinguished 3-time Acro World Champion, a former elite gymnast, a celebrated AcroPad Athlete, and a co-founder of the renowned Acro Dance Mastery. Shenea’s passion for performance continues to burn brightly, and is thrilled to share she recently graced the set of a thrilling Netflix movie alongside some of the industry's most iconic talents, including luminaries such as Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry.

In addition to her extraordinary performing career, she has been honoured to choreograph award-winning routines for the World Cup. Her expertise has been shared with students at esteemed institutions, schools, colleges, and academies, where she has had the privilege of nurturing the talents of the next generation. Shenea will undoubtedly continue to push the boundaries of excellence in the world of acro and dance.