Meet the Staff

Centre Stage would not be able to create this incredible community hub without the help from our dedicated and passionate members of Staff. Meet our amazingly talented staff here:

Megan Elliott

Owner & Founder of Centre Stage Academy of dance

Principal & Head Choreographer of Centre Stage

BA HONS-Dance Performance, Post Graduate Certification in Education- Dance, Acrobatic Arts Certified, Aerial Arts, Yoga 200hrs Certified.

Megan founded Centre Stage in 2009, after choreographing her first pantomime the year before at the age of 16, whilst studying dance GCSE at Glossopdale. Megan then went on to graduate from The Manchester College with a Triple Distinction BTEC in dance.

Since opening, the dance academy has grown strength to strength, moving to their own studio in 2010. Shortly after, Centre Stage started to compete around the UK & Europe, becoming European Champions in 2014,2016 & 2017 in Germany & Paris.

After Megan finished her professional dance training at Phil Winstons Stage School & Renaissance Arts, Northern Ballet and graduated from Staffordshire University with her PGCE, Megan then continued to develop her teaching skills, becoming teacher of Urban Arts at The Manchester College and The Arden University. Centre Stage then outgrew their premises and moved to their new studios, at Woolley Bridge- Hadfield.

Over the years, Megan has continued to develop and expand her teacher training and experience and qualified in Yoga (200 YTT), Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks & Acrobatic arts and continues to offer such classes at the Academy.

Alongside her teaching work, Megan continues to work as a professional Dancer/Choreographer/ model and dance judge in the industry, working with a number of agencies which have supported her in professional contracts around the UK, Los Angeles & India. Megan has created relations and contracts with various companies, charities and local communities who she continues to work with on a regular basis. In her career, she has worked alongside stars such as Tinchy Stryder, Lemar, SClub, Nicky Clarke,Hrithik Roshan and worked for well-known companies such as KEY 103, Coronation Street, Scuzz TV, John Lewis, Asos, MTV, Adidas , Nike & Virgin Active.

A little note from Megan

"Find something that you are passionate about & surround yourself with people that inspire you "

Niamh

Teacher of Centre Stage Academy of Dance & Admin

Acrobatic Arts Certified

 Sports Leadership Level 1 & 2
BTEC in Sports and Exercise Science.

Niamh first became involved with Centre Stage at the age of 14, assisting gymnastics classes in 2013. An Elite Gymnast with extensive training experience, she quickly progressed to leading her own Dance Bounce Fitness classes after qualifying through a specialist fitness programme, while simultaneously completing her Sports Leadership Level 1 and 2 qualifications.

Following her graduation with a BTEC in Sports and Exercise Science, alongside certifications in Fitness Instruction and Coaching, Niamh discovered her passion for the Aerial Arts. Since beginning her aerial career, she has performed alongside the Centre Stage team on numerous occasions and has collaborated with organisations such as Hilton Hotel, the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Freight Island Manchester, Club Impossible, and Bez from Happy Mondays.

In 2017, Niamh was instrumental in introducing Fly High Fitness Aerial Company to the local community and becoming an Aerial arts facilitator. Under her leadership, the team has achieved significant success, delivering exceptional performances and cultivating a strong and dynamic aerial community within Centre Stage.

Niamh continues to teach Aerial Arts exclusively for Centre Stage and is a qualified Acrobatic Arts Syllabus Instructor, offering specialised one-to-one training to students.

In January 2025, Niamh became a full-time member of the Centre Stage team, expanding her professional remit to include administration, event coordination, and reception management, working closely alongside Megan to support the continued development of the organisation.

Josh 

Teacher of Centre Stage Academy of Dance
 Post Graduate Certification in Education- Dance

Josh has been a valued member of the teaching faculty at Centre Stage since 2016, specialising in Street Dance. He is a professional dancer, choreographer and educator represented by DanceFusion Agency, based on the outskirts of Manchester.

Josh has undertaken extensive training across a range of dance styles, including Commercial, Urban Dance, House, and Contemporary Fusion. His professional performance career includes appearances on Channel 4 and collaborations with major companies such as Boohoo, BoohooMAN, MTV, and Virgin, among others.

A graduate of Pendleton College, Josh achieved Distinctions in the BTEC in Dance before progressing to develop his choreographic and pedagogical skills through the delivery of workshops at a number of regional dance schools. He currently leads the Urban Dance syllabus at The Manchester College, where he continues to shape and mentor emerging talent.

With over a decade of teaching experience, Josh has also pursued ongoing professional development, training at internationally renowned studios including Millennium Dance Complex (Los Angeles) and Global Dance Studio (Amsterdam). He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), further evidencing his commitment to excellence in dance education and lifelong learning.

Jade

Teacher of Centre Stage Academy of Dance

BA HONS in Dance Performance 

Nat

Teacher of Centre Stage Academy of Dance

Acrobatic Arts Certified 

Nat first became involved with Centre Stage in 2016 as a dedicated and experienced dance professional, Nat graduated from college in 2007 with a BTEC in Dance before advancing her training by achieving ISTD Honours in the Supreme Award for Latin and Ballroom.

After joining the Centre Stage teaching faculty, Nat discovered her passion for Acrobatics and gained her Acrobatic Arts qualification alongside other members of the team. She is now one of Centre Stage's regular Acrobatic Arts Instructors, leading soloists, duos, and teams to continued success.