CARLA WARREN
Cover
Performers College
Carla Warren is an ex student of Centre Stage Dance and Drama, and is currently training professionally at Performers College. She often comes back to Centre Stage to cover classes, along with running holiday workshops. She is thrilled to still be part of our wonderful school!
TEACHERS
Meet our talented team of qualified teachers at Centre Stage Dance and Drama Ltd. Focused on teaching exceptional technique and creating unforgettable experiences, our team is committed to our performer's success and satisfaction.
SHARON CORTEZ
Principal / Owner
Acro, Ballet, Tap, Modern and Drama
RAD Registered Teacher Status
BA Hons Ballet Education
Acrobatic Arts Certified, Module 1 and Module 2
Sharon Payne began dancing at the age of 6 and attained distinctions in RAD ballet, ISTD modern and ISTD tap examinations until the age of 16. After performing in several shows, Sharon decided to undertake a BTEC National Diploma in Dance, which broadened her dance abilities by additionally training in contemporary, street and musical theatre. Achieving triple Distinction at completion, Sharon progressed to the Royal Academy of Dance which allowed her to train at professional level and graduate in 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Ballet Education. With official teacher status, Sharon then went on to further expand her dance knowledge by qualifying with Acrobatic Arts in 2015. For the past 11 years, Sharon has been teaching 6 days a week at various dance schools, and also has the pleasure of mentoring student teachers from the Royal Academy of Dance who are training to become qualified dance teachers. Since January 2021, Sharon has felt absolutely honoured to have taken over from Suki Turner, and looks forward to continue bringing new and exciting plans to Centre Stage!
HELEN PENNICARD
Tap and Modern
Fellowship of the ISTD in Tap
Licentiate of the ISTD in Modern Theatre
Helen Pennicard has been teaching tap and modern at Centre Stage Dance and Drama for over 12 years and also teaches at other local dance schools. She has been dancing since the age of 3 at the Phoenix School in Bandstead and at Laine Theatre Arts and went on to qualify at Kingston Teachers Training College and at DanceTeachersInc where she gained her ISTD qualifications. Helen is delighted to hold a Fellowship in Tap and is currently working towards her Fellowship in Modern Theatre. Helen is well-loved at Centre Stage and would be delighted to meet you!
SALLY HAMILTON
Ballet, Tap and Modern
Sally Hamilton teaches Grade 1 Ballet, Tap and Modern on Tuesdays at the Oxshott Village Centre. She looks forward to introducing you to three of the most common classical dance styles!
JORDAN FARRELL
Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary and Urban
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance
Jordan Farrell graduated from Laine Theatre Arts in 2019 with both a Musical Theatre Degree and a Diploma in Dance, studying Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Street, Tap and MT. During his time, he also passed his Advanced 1 ISTD Modern and his Intermediate RAD Ballet, before beginning his journey to take his ISTD DDE Teaching Qualification. Since then, Jordan has performed on cruise ships on three continents as well as at pantomimes nationally across the country. Most recently, Jordan has been teaching at local schools such as Showdown Theatre Arts, Guildford School of Acting Associates, Laine Theatre Arts and many more. Jordan began teaching at Centre Stage in 2023 and is very grateful to have such enthusiastic students and a supportive faculty around him!
SUKI TURNER
Founder
Associate of the RAD
Licentiate of the ISTD
After 30 years of working professionally as a performer in the Theatre, Suki Turner "borrowed" 4 children plus her son in tow and started Centre Stage Dance and Drama in Barnes, South West London. As well as teaching, choreographing various shows in drama schools, adjudicating festivals and more, Suki moved to Stoke D'Abernon. In 1995, Centre Stage Dance and Drama came into force at the Guide Hut in Oxshott. At the same time she instigated dance at Bevendean Pre-Prep School in Oxshott, eventually ending up as Head of Drama at Danes Hill School. After 30 continuous years, Suki felt it was time to hand over Centre Stage Dance and Drama to someone younger, who will look at the school with fresher eyes, modern ideas whilst keeping the ethos she has always tried to instil: excellent and inspired teaching and dedicated pastoral care. Suki is still keeping busy, and has now formed an organisation called COAD - Community Of Adult Dance, using her dance experience in care homes, day centres, independent living for the elderly, dementia and Parkinson's care. She also teaches RAD Silver Swans ballet classes, tap classes and SITFIT classes to the overs 55s! Suki will also carry on being a mentor for young people and keep TheatreTrain on Saturdays at the Royal Kent School. Suki is still very much a part of the school and will forever be at the heart of Centre Stage Dance and Drama.