Meet the teachers
We are immensely proud of our resident, guest choreographers and teachers, working hard to regularly introduce new experiences to our students. Renton Dance Studio offers students a uniquely enriching breadth of shared knowledge from across the industry. From established staff with unsurpassed knowledge to West End and Global performers, our aim is to offer an 'all-round' education in Performing Arts.
Staff deliver regular formal Grade and Vocational classes alongside themed workshops, vacation training and competitive dance choreographic work as well as private audition preparation for college.
Senta Renton
founder
Senta's journey in dance education began in the mid-1960s, extending to the late 1990s, when the Renton Dance Studio was established in a redeveloped former Barclays Bank site on Alexandra Road.
Under Senta's leadership, Renton Dance Studio became synonymous with high standards in RAD and ISTD syllabus work, as well as success in national-level competitions. The school has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the dance world's most outstanding creative talents, including Emma Rogers, a worldwide Director and Choreographer, and Artistic Director at Performers College, and Nick French, Vice Chair of the ISTD Tap Committee, ISTD Theatre Faculty Board member, ISTD Examiner, Head of Musical Theatre at Bird College, and West End Choreographer. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the school into the respected institution it is today.
Senta remarks “Having dedicated so many years of my life to dance education, I hope to leave my indelible mark on the community, with a legacy that continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers. I am delighted that Olivia takes on Renton Dance Studio with the same enthusiasm to lead the school for future generations of dancers.”
Olivia's passion for dance began at the young age of 6 when she joined RDS, where her talent quickly blossomed. Over the course of 7 years, she became an associate at the prestigious Royal Ballet School, a period that culminated in her performance with the renowned Bolshoi Ballet in "A Pharaoh’s Daughter." Her dedication and skill were further recognised when she won the South East Final of the RAD Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition. Olivia also excelled at the Wells Summer School, where she earned the title of ‘Best Choreography.’ Representing Renton, she showcased her abilities at the All England Dance Finals, solidifying her reputation as a promising young dancer. Olivia's journey continued with a scholarship at London Senior Ballet, where she spent two years honing her craft.
Olivia later graduated from Bird College with a First Class BA Hons Degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. During her time at Bird, Olivia performed at the prominent ‘Move it’ exhibition and was cast in leading roles in the musicals "No No Nanette" and "42nd Street," staged at the Gardyne Theatre in Dundee. Her time at Bird allowed her to work with esteemed choreographers such as Rachel Kay, Simeon Qsea, Matt Nicholson, Kieran Donovan, and David Leighton, further expanding her versatility and expertise.
Olivia’s professional credits are extensive and diverse, including a tap dancer role for the "42nd Street" BBC One Show, and ensemble and understudy roles in "Mamma Mia" and "Saturday Night Fever." Her talents have taken her to the skies as an aerialist in "In The Air" and “Blue Planet” productions by Royal Caribbean. She then toured prestigious stages as part of the ensemble in "Puttin' On The Ritz" alongside stars like Pixie Lott, Ray Quinn, and Robin Windsor. She has also delighted audiences in the ensemble of "Jack and the Beanstalk" at the Hereford Courtyard.
Beyond her performing career, Olivia is committed to the well-being and safety of those she works with. She holds an enhanced DBS, is qualified in counselling skills, and is trained in Paediatric First Aid, making her a responsible and caring professional.
Acquiring Renton Dance Studio in 2024, Olivia says, "I am incredibly excited and deeply privileged to continue the legacy of this wonderful dance school. It has always been a place where passion for dance is nurtured, and dreams are brought to life. I look forward to building on the school's rich history and inspiring the next generation of dancers to reach their fullest potential."
olivia willis
owner & PRINCIPAL
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Paula Chalmers
Resident Teacher
Ballet, Tap, Modern
Paula trained at the Arts Educational School, Tring and then at the Lladro School of Dancing in Farnborough. Whilst at Lladro she attended additional exam classes right here at Renton! Paula then went on to travel the world in her professional dance career which took her to places such as Dubai, Oman, Portugal, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Spain, Greece and India. In 1999 she was in the touring cast of 'Casper the Musical' directed by David Bell, which then premiered at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End in 1999 and 2000.
Paula settled in Somerset and gained her RAD teaching certificate in 2006, she is also an affiliate member of the IDTA. Whilst teaching in Somerset Paula ran her own dance company 'Destination Dance' for 10 years, providing dancers for corporate events worldwide. In 2016 she sold the company which is still going strong but continued her passion of teaching. Paula is delighted to be moving back to the area and joining the Renton team, bringing her passion for dance right back to where it all started.
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Kate Webster
Resident Teacher
Ballet
Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Theatre from Guildford School of Acting (GSA) after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dance in 2009 and has been coaching Vocational RAD Ballet at the Central School of Ballet, London for over 10 years.
Additional teaching experience includes degree level Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary at GSA, further supporting beginner and advanced pupils aged 8 and up at the GSA Saturday school.
An internationally experienced performer, choreographer and teacher, Kate has worked with the likes of Rod Stewart and Ashley Banjo from Diversity and on stages in Europe, Asia and South Africa. She performed with The English Ballet and Darcey Bussell for the 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony "Spirit of the Flame" dance in front of a live stadium audience and worldwide television broadcast.
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Charlotte Steele
Resident Teacher
Singing
We are thrilled to welcome our new Singing teacher Charlotte Steele. A homegrown talent, Charlotte began her journey right here at Renton Dance Studio and she made her West End debut aged 10 as ‘Jane Banks’ in the original cast of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. Charlotte is also one-third of the acclaimed country-pop band, "Remember Monday."
The band has enjoyed significant success, including numerous No. 1 singles on the country charts and reaching the quarter finals of "The Voice" in 2019, where they established a lasting connection with their coach, Jennifer Hudson. In 2024, they were featured on the "Jennifer Hudson Show" and have performed at iconic venues like the O2 Arena and British Summer Time Hyde Park, opening for legendary artists such as Billy Joel, Natasha Bedingfield, Sir Tom Jones, and Dasha. Their social media presence is equally impressive, with over 10 million likes on TikTok and support from stars like Brian May and Shania Twain.
Charlotte's expertise extends to choreography, with credits including productions of Animalphabet (UK and Asian Tour, Edinburgh Fringe), and numerous pantomimes and musicals at South Hill Park, including Jack and The Beanstalk, Cinderella, Shrek, and more. Charlotte brings with her a wealth of experience, having trained at The Academy of Contemporary Music and worked at various prestigious drama and dance schools for over a decade, including serving as Deputy Head of Artemis College.
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HANNAH CLEEVE
Resident Teacher
Jazz, Commercial
Hannah Cleeve began her professional journey as Ballet Girl Sharon Percy in Billy Elliot The Musical and has since built an impressive career performing alongside stars like Tinie Tempah, Demi Lovato, and Camila Cabello at events such as the MTV EMA's and BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards. She has also graced television screens on The Jonathan Ross Show and The Graham Norton Show.
With performances in Magic Mike Live London and the League Of Legends Semi-Finals Opening Ceremony, as well as international appearances on MUSIC STATION in Japan and Germany's Das Supertalent, Hannah brings a wealth of industry experience. Trained at Tiffany Theatre College and the Millennium Dance Complex, she is excited to join the Renton Dance Studio team as our new Jazz and Commercial dance teacher, ready to inspire the next generation of dancers.
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Sian Turner
Resident Teacher
Tap, Modern
Sian graduated from a 3 year Musical Theatre course at Performers College, Essex, in 2011 where she was awarded a Dance And Drama Award to study. She then went on to gain a BA (Hons) Degree in Dance and Professional Practice from Middlesex University. Before training at Performers College she trained from the age of 3 at the Renton Dance Studio in Farnborough. Whilst at Rentons Sian completed her RAD and ISTD exams and won the class prize at the Star Tap Awards.
Theatre Credits Include:Dancer - London Children's Ballet production of "Faithful Gelert". Various Pantomimes – Princes Hall, Aldershot and The Anvil, Basingstoke. Dancer/Choreographer ‘Christmas in New York’ – Impact Artists. Dora in Dora’s Dance Party – Ultim8 Productions. Choreographer for ‘West Side Story’ The Grove Theatre, Dunstable. Dancer - Musical Theatre shows at Potters Leisure Resort. Dancer – ‘Wave Dancer’ Cypriot Boat Show and Touring shows in Cyprus – SMKB. Dancer – ‘Viva’ – Mountain Entertainment. Dancer – EDC Festival – Live Nation for Steve Aoki, Tiesto, Avicii. Dance Workshop Leader, Dance in a Day – Princes Hall Theatre. Bollywood Dancer – Venues include Royal Festival Hall, National History Museum, Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane, Westminster Plaza Hotel, Barcelona and Luxembourg, Edinburgh– KSPARK. Backing dancer - Eurovision Song Contest Show for Acts Past and Present – Café de Paris, London. Choreographer – MAD Academy dance programmes for children and adults.
TV Credits Include:
Dancer at the Malta Eurovision Song Contest for Malta's 2012 winner Kurt Calleleja. Dancer – BBC Asian Live Network (Televised) - Hammersmith Apollo – KSPARK. Dancer for MTV music video “Hide and Eat” - Glamour Manifesto Produced by Ear Candy Music UK. Channel 4- Grand National Ident , BBC – Babylon and The C word (with Sheridan Smith), ITV- Mr Selfridge.
Sian is looking forward to meeting you all and can't wait to be part of the Renton Team again!
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Charlotte Birth
Resident Teacher
Modern
Charlotte is a dynamic and versatile dance teacher with a Diploma in Musical Theatre from Italia Conti performing arts school. She also holds an Acrobatic Arts teaching certificate and has advanced training in Ballet, Tap, and Modern dance.
After completing her full-time training at Italia Conti and Liberatus School of Performing Arts, Charlotte graduated in 2019, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to her teaching career. Her broad expertise across multiple dance genres allows her to inspire and challenge her pupils, making her a cherished member of our team.