OUR STORY
MEET THE TEAM
Passion, practice, persistence… performing is our way of life!
Passion, practice, persistence… performing is our way of life!
Born To Perform was founded by Shanley Booth - a passionate professional with 18 years of experience running successful theatre schools. The academy was created to build a close-knit local community of talented young performers. Our community supports each other and believes that we 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.
Born To Perform Academy is a welcoming Derby dance school and performing arts centre built around community, confidence and care. We are passionate about creating a supportive environment where children feel valued, encouraged and inspired to grow — both as performers and as individuals.
We offer classes in Musical Theatre, Commercial Dance, Lyrical, Singing, Drama, Tap and Acro, with options for all ages and abilities. For students who would benefit from extra support or challenge, we also provide 1–1 sessions across all disciplines.
Our students enjoy a wide range of opportunities throughout the year, including an annual theatre showcase, performances at local events, workshops with industry professionals and age-group social events.
Every class is led by experienced industry professionals who are DBS checked and genuinely invested in helping each child reach their full potential.
Above all, we want every child to feel part of the BTP family — supported, confident and proud of what they achieve.
MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
Shanley Booth - Principal & fOUNDER
At age 5, Shanley started at 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 years, soaking up all the industry had to offer including cruise ships, casino shows and theme parks. She has 16 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 - ASSISTANT PRINICPAL
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.
Lucy fearn - musical theatre & DRAMA
Lucy is currently studying at Performers University on a 3 year Performing Arts Degree.
Ex BTPA student Lucy is teaching our Foundation & Intermediate musical theatre & 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 until summer 2026 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.
IzzI BARLOW - ITSY BITSY CREW
Izzi is joined us as a student teacher in September 25’, she is currently in her second year at BTP College and has shown remarkable growth in her journey.
Izzi takes every opportunity to learn and refine her craft, bringing energy and enthusiasm to her training at college and we have no doubt that the Itsy Bitsy students are going to thouroughly enjoy classes with her.
Izzi will teach our Itsy Bitsy Crew and Acro and Foundation classes, as well as assisting on Tuesdays.
We’re so excited to see where her passion and talent will take her in the future!
SHENEA FAWZI-PERRIN - ACRO
A distinguished 4-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.
CRISCHAELA MASON - BALLET, LYRICAL & COMP CHOREOGRAPHY
Born in South Africa and raised in the vibrant city of Dubai, Crischaela's journey in the world of performing arts started at Scott and Lisa Marshall’s Diverse Choreography Performing Arts. It was here that she discovered her passion for performing and was inspired by her mentors to share her knowledge through teaching. Her dedication and talent led her to Laine Theatre Arts, where she not only trained but graduated with flying colours, earning a well-deserved distinction.
From flashmobs to pantomimes, Crischaela has graced various stages, enchanting audiences with her performances. Her melodious voice has become a regular feature at the renowned Archer Street in London. For the past three years, Crischaela has been an integral part of Performers College Birmingham, where she not only teaches Jazz and Musical Theatre but also lends her creative touch to choreography for end-of-year productions and in-house musicals.
ELLIE GORSKI - COMMERCIAL & HIP HOP
Ellie is a dancer, performer, choreographer, and teacher based in the Midlands. She graduated with a First-Class degree in Contemporary Dance before continuing her training with JME Dance Company in styles including jazz funk, hip hop, and heels.
Her credits include Soccer Aid 2025, Nickelodeon, Kylie on Show, Chappell Roan UK, Leeds Pride Main Stage, Area51 Entertainment, Camden Town Hall, Beach Fest Main Stage, Woodshrop Festival, Nottingham Pride, York Pride, O2 Academy Bournemouth, and Rescue Rooms Nottingham, alongside founding and directing The Movement Project, who have performed at festivals and events across the UK.
We are excited to see what a year with Ellie’s powerhouse energy will bring to Born to Perform.
HANNA BERHANE - TAP
We are thrilled to welcome Hanna to the Born to Perform Academy faculty .
Trained at the renowned Bird College under Doreen Bird, Hanna has built an incredible career performing across Majorca and Portugal, appearing in major music videos and TV shows including Top of the Pops, The Pepsi Chart, and Channel 4’s Record of the Year, sharing the stage with artists such as Shaggy and The Ones.
Her theatre credits include Aida at the Birmingham NEC and Babes in the Wood at The Grand Opera House, York. For the past 25 years, she has toured UK theatres in Stageheads’ long-running Madonna tribute Vogue / Into The Groove.
A former National Tap Champion, Hanna is now ready to bring her passion, performance experience and expertise to our tap students at BTP Academy — and we couldn’t be more excited!
LAUREN GRACE- BALLET, LYRICAL & COMP CHOREOGRAPHY
Lauren Grace graduated from Performers College in 2023 and holds an HND in Dance from Addict Dance Academy, with previous training at Vale Studios.
Throughout her training, she’s performed on the Move It Main Stage, been part of a CYD Super Convention winning team, and appeared in The Polar Express.
Lauren is passionate about strong technique and performance quality, with a particular love for leaps, kicks, turns, and powerful arms . Now focusing on teaching, Lauren finds the greatest joy in helping dancers build confidence, refine technique, and see real growth — both technically and artistically. She creates a supportive, motivating environment where dancers feel encouraged, challenged, and inspired to be their best.