About Us
Centre Stage Theatre Academy, established in 2015, is a powerhouse of performance, education, and opportunity. Built on the philosophy that science and enjoyment go hand in hand, the Academy is a place where children don’t just learn steps—they learn to understand and love their craft from the inside out. With inclusivity, knowledge, and excellence at the core of every lesson, Centre Stage empowers young performers to reach their potential in a nurturing, professional environment.
Performance Meets Science: An Evidence-Based Approach
At Centre Stage, we begin by building strong foundations rooted in anatomy and performance science. Even our youngest students, starting at age five, learn the importance of landing on their sesamoid (“floating”) bones and understand which muscle groups are used during movements like pliés. This emphasis on safe, informed practice encourages longevity, proper technique, and body awareness.
Our scientific approach extends to our singing training, with the Estill Voice Method incorporated into our vocal curriculum. Following her five-day Estill course in April 2023, Miss Rachel is currently working towards her Figure Proficiency Exam. She has also undertaken advanced dance science training with Phillip Cutts, completing the Dance Medicine course, the En Pointe course, and the Pointe Shoe Fitting course, with plans to continue her professional development through specialised programmes such as the Hypermobility course.
Awards, Achievements & Recognition
Centre Stage was proudly named Best Dance Studio 2025 in the National Business Awards UK, and in 2023 Miss Rachel placed 3rd in the Associated Board of Dance Teacher Shield for Musical Theatre. The Academy has won numerous medals and trophies at competitions, holds a 100% pass rate in all exams, and was ranked No. 76 in Club Hub’s Top 100 Awards—a national recognition platform celebrating the UK’s best kids’ activity providers.
Faculty
Miss Rachel
Rachel Calvert, founder and principal of Centre Stage Theatre Academy, has been passionate about dance and singing since the age of three, winning numerous medals and trophies throughout her training. A multi-talented performer, she plays and teaches the piano, plays the clarinet, and brings a wealth of professional qualifications to her teaching. Rachel is a fully qualified dance teacher with the Associated Board of Dance, holds Module 4 of Alixa Flexibility, Module 1 and Preschool Acro with Acrobatic Arts, a Progressive Ballet Technique qualification, and has completed Dance Medicine, En Pointe, and Pointe Shoe Fitting training with Phillip Cutts. She is also a Bronze, Silver, and Gold Arts Award Adviser, teaches LCM Musical Theatre, is a recognised Centre of Delivery for the Mountview Musical Theatre syllabus, holds an Aerial Hoop qualification with Aerial Arts, and has completed Levels 1 & 2 of the Estill Voice Method.
Rachel believes that teaching through science and kindness is the best way to help students achieve their full potential. Her students have gone on to study at top musical theatre schools including ArtsEd, Urdang, Bird, LSMT, Italia Conti, and the University of West London, with many leading West End shows, performing on cruise ships, and working in film and television, including Ted Lasso, Silo, and Paddington in Peru. Rachel is immensely proud to lead an award-winning dance studio, where excellence, creativity, and care go hand in hand.
