OUR STORY

MEET THE TEAM

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

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.

Sarah beth williams - musical theatre & DRAMA

Sarah is a professional singer, musician and vocal coach with more than 20 years of experience performing pop, rock and classical music in theatres, concert halls and festivals.

She is the drummer and vocalist for indie-pop band The Research, who signed to EMI and spent several years touring and recording. Her extensive performance credits also include backing vocals for Gaz Coombes, Piney Gir, Sea Power and Peter Bjorn and John, as well as recording vocals for The Cribs’ second album, The New Fellas, alongside producer and musician Edwyn Collins.

Sarah trained as an actor at Bretton Hall and has performed on both stage and screen. She recently co-wrote the comedy series Gi Bach, which won Best Comedy Series at the Lit Laughs Comedy Festival.

Alongside her professional work, Sarah has taught vocals at Stagecoach and works as a private vocal coach. She is also a screenwriter and BIFA-nominated producer, with previous lecturing roles in screenwriting at Birmingham Metropolitan College’s Film School and Aberystwyth University.

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.

ELLIE THORNEWILL - BALLET/JAZZ & COMP CHOREOGRAPHY

Ellie rejoined us at the end of Term 3, 2026, and we’re so excited to have her back where she belongs.

With a wealth of experience in developing dancers and creating high-quality competition choreography, Ellie brings the passion, discipline and determination needed to help our performers reach the next level. She has a fantastic track record of producing competition-standard routines and inspiring dancers to achieve their full potential.

Ellie will be delivering Advanced Ballet & Jazz Technique, helping our senior dancers strengthen their technical foundations, whilst also choreographing for our Competition Squad throughout the season.

Her high standards, eye for detail and commitment to every performer make her an invaluable member of our team, and we’re thrilled that our students will continue to benefit from her knowledge and experience.

We’re so pleased to have you back, Ellie!

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!

Max cockcroft- lyrical & comps

Hi, I'm Max. I graduated from Performers College Manchester and am proudly represented by LA Management. I'm so excited to be joining the Born to Perform team and can't wait to share my love of the creativity and freedom of expression that dance gives us.

Personally, my favourite style is contemporary, because it lets you tell such beautiful stories with a wide range of emotion — and there's something so special about exploring that depth through movement.

When I teach, I want my students to have a safe place where they can explore and expand their skills with no fear of judgement. I want to keep curiosity alive in the space, and I can't wait to bring that energy to Born to Perform!