Johnny Shentall-Lee

A.I.S.T.D
DPA Creative Director and Choreographer

Johnny trained at the prestigious Performing Arts ‘Performers’ College in the UK, gaining his teaching qualifications and a professional diploma in Performing Arts, before going into the commercial dance industry and becoming a successful dancer for artists such as Diana Ross, Robbie Williams, Steps, Atomic Kitten, Five and Sophie Ellis Bexter. He has performed on numerous TV shows such as The Brit Awards, Stars In Their Eyes, Shooting Stars, Abba Mania, CDUK and Top of the Pops, to name a few. Other TV credits include the ITV series ‘Celeb Air’ and MTV series ‘Totally Scott-Lee’.

Following his career as a commercial dancer, Johnny then went into the Music business and signed his first record deal with the band Boom! enjoying a top 15 hit and supporting Steps and Five on their UK Arena tours. He then signed his second record deal with Hear’say, achieving a No.6 hit in the official UK charts, as well as touring and recording in Europe and America.

Johnny made his Musical Theatre debut with the first UK tour of Starlight Express playing Hip Hopper 1 and Greaseball. He made his West End debut in the original West End Cast of Footloose, playing the principle role of bad boy ‘Chuck’ and also understudied and played Ren and Willard. Other theatre credits include the ‘Jack’ in Jack and the Beanstalk, the ‘Prince’ in Snow White for Qudos and the ‘Prince’ in Cinderella for Bill Kenwright.

Johnny has gained extensive teaching and adjudicating experience, including 2 years at London’s ‘Arts Ed’ as their Street Dance Teacher, Head of Professional Diploma dance at PPA Academy UK, along with guest teaching at Performers College, Masters and Guildford School of Acting. He is known for his dynamic teaching style and his classes are very popular with his students, both in the UK and Dubai. His students have gone on to achieve successful careers in TV, Music and the West End, including three of the Les Mis Cast, which recently performed at Dubai Opera in November.

Johnny is Founder of Dubai Performing Arts Academy, fondly known as DPA, with his wife Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps, and also runs his DPA Events company alongside, utilizing his skills and talent as a Creative Director and Choreographer in the music, stage and fashion world. He has produced, directed and choreographed catwalk shows for the likes of River Island, House of Frazer, BHS, La Senza, Porsche Design, Hugo Boss, Salam Stores, Karen Millen and Harvey Nichols. Recent events include Rugby 7’s, UNICEF Charity Gala Ball, Jumeirah Beach Hotel Halloween Flash Mob, Yas Mall Abu Dhabi Fashion Week and lots more. Johnny is able to provide his DPA students with numerous performing opportunities throughout the year, regularly featuring in his professional events with local and international brands, acts and performers.

Lisa Scott-Lee

A.I.S.T.D
DPA Founder and Principal

Lisa is a member of the successful British pop group STEPS, who have achieved worldwide sales of over 20 Million records and performed to audiences over a Million, earning them the prestigious Brit Award amongst numerous awards and Platinum record discs, having achieved global success.

Steps have performed and produced 6 sell-out UK Arena tours and World tours. As a result, Lisa is an accomplished performer with many years of experience in the TV, Radio and Music World, gaining valuable years of experience as a Professional Singer, Dancer, Creative Director and Producer. Over the last 10 years, Lisa has performed over 1000 shows across the UK and Europe, China and Australia as a solo recording artist. She has appeared on, and presented, numerous TV shows.

Steps embarked on their 20th Anniversary celebrations in 2018 to mark their 20 years in the Music Business and the Entertainment Industry, which resulted in 2 further sell out Arena Tours and a No.1 Platinum selling album ‘Tears on the Dance Floor’ and 2 sell out European Arena tours, including a performance at Dubai Opera.

Steps new album What The Future Holds was released 27th November 2020 which enjoyed a No.1 UK iTunes chart position and global success. Steps are looking forward to their UK Arena Tour in 2021 and celebrating their 25th Anniversary in 2022.

Lisa is a qualified Teacher of Dance with the Internationally recognized examination board ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) based in London and has successfully entered students for Musical Theatre, Dance and Drama Examinations.

Lisa has over 150k followers on her social media platforms and is a well known Celebrity and Influencer. Aside this, Lisa is extremely passionate about The Arts and passing on her wealth of knowledge and experience to the youth of today and the talent of tomorrow.

Sarah Sutherland

DPA Operations and Business Director

Sarah has recently joined the DPA team as Operations and Business Director.

Upon attaining her Bachelors in Sports and Exercise Science from Robert Gordon’s University in Aberdeen, Scotland, Sarah was offered the opportunity to make her dream from 14 years old come true; and moved to Dubai in 2011 to set up a swim school.

After 3 successful years for the swim school, the company elaborated and added more sports under Sarah’s guidance, and included sports such as gymnastics, karate and multi-sports camp.

Sarah then moved on to join the team who established the NBA brand in the Middle East where she was an integral part of the team which opened, operated and managed the NBA Basketball School in Dubai. Starting with Camps in early 2018, the team were eager to open a full time Basketball School from September 2018.  Working with a team of knowledgeable coaches and operations staff, the team grew the School from 40 players in September 2018 to 290 players in May 2022. 

Sarah is delighted to be working with Lisa, Johnny and the whole DPA team, and is looking forward to getting to know the DPA students and families. 

Fiona Claire Shields

Technical Manager

Fiona was born and raised in the West of Scotland. She took her first dance class at the age of 3 at the Juliann School of Dance. Here she attended classes and completed exams in Latin American, Ballroom, and Freestyle Disco. Fiona furthered her training at the Ian McLeod Theatre School in Jazz, Ballet, Street, and Contemporary to Intermediate level. Fiona graduated from university with a BA Honors in Law whilst completing her professional teacher’s qualifications under the BATD (British Association Teachers of Dancing).

Fiona has been very fortunate to have taught within the UK, across Europe and the Middle East gaining a depth of experience in working with children and adults of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, Fiona has run workshops, teacher training and adjudicated for the BATD within Scotland.

Upon moving to Dubai in 2016, Fiona joined a school teaching fulltime and heading up the Events within the academy. She organized multiple events throughout the calendar year; annual shows, workshops, and major international trips and competitions such as World Dance Competition, Florida.

Fiona joined DPA March 2021 as Operations Manager. She is thrilled to be on board and is passionate in supporting the teaching team and talented students of DPA.

“I do believe the most rewarding part of teaching will be what you don’t necessarily see, in that the lessons and memories given will be passed on to someone else, the everlasting art.”

Hannah Bunes

Operations Manager

Hannah is originally from a tiny town in the UK called Deal in Kent, on the South East coast.

She started dancing as a child in ISTD Ballet, Tap and Modern and then eventually Irish Dancing at the Dean Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA). During her time as a Student, Hannah was fortunate enough to perform in various pantomimes, Ballets and large-scale productions at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, UK and in the Palace Theatre, London for Stephen Gately’s Memorial Concert.

Hannah showed a natural interest in teaching and choreographing from a young age, and went on to complete my ISTD Diploma in Tap Dance, as well as being Assistant Choreographer for various shows and productions. The students that she taught Irish Dancing to also went around the Country performing at various high-profile events, including The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert at the Savoy Theatre London.

In 2013 Hannah took the leap and moved to Abu Dhabi as a Dance Teacher for RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern and Tap, as well as Irish Dancing, before returning to the UK where she undertook her Early Years training. Being in the UK and missing the buzz of the UAE, Hannah returned to Dubai in 2017 to work in Early Years Education.

During the last 5 years Hannah has been Deputy Manager and Operations Supervisor for a leading EYFS nursery here in Dubai, and spent a year as a Nursery Manager in Johannesburg, South Africa. During this time, she also taught various Ballet and Dance classes to younger children.

Hannah is delighted to be at Dubai Performing Arts, where she can put to use her years of experience in the world of Performing Arts, together with Operations and Customer Service skills, as part of the Office Team.

Adele Duffy

Professional Commercial Dancer Modern, Tap and Street Dance Teacher

At just 5 years old Adele started dancing at Julie Young Dance Studios in her hometown of Perth, Scotland. She took part in many showcases and regularly travelled the country to successfully compete in Tap, Modern and Ballet competitions.

Adele then decided to move to London to pursue her passion to become a professional dancer. She began training at Performers College, where she was selected to dance in many TV performances including BBC Children in Need, ITV Text Santa and ITV Splash.

After graduating from Performers with a Trinity Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre, Adele was chosen to dance alongside Olly Murs at the Brit Awards. Adele was then awarded with her first opportunity to dance and travel the world as a professional dancer onboard P&O Cruises.

Adele moved to Dubai to be part of the company at The Act Theatre for two years, playing the lead role of Alice in Alice in Wonderland in Dubai’s longest running and most successful theatre dinner show. After settling in the UAE, Adele has been asked to dance in a number of events including the Opening of Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, dancing for artists such as Enrique Iglesias and Florence and The Machine, The Rugby Sevens and at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE.

Adele loves performing and is grateful that she is able to continue to showcase her talents alongside her passion of teaching Dance. Whilst travelling the world performing, she has always found time to teach and enjoys working with children to help them follow their dreams. Adele is a valued and popular full time member of the DPA Team. She loves passing on her experience from her vast professional background and is looking forward to sharing her determination, energy and experience with each and every student.

Beth Fedorov

Head of Ballet

Beth is originally from the UK, here she trained at The Hammond School in Chester – gaining her National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. 

Throughout her training she continued her Grades in RAD Ballet (Advanced 2) and ISTD Tap and Modern.

Upon graduation in 2011 Beth went on to dance professionally across the world working in many shows such as Spirit of the Dance (US and Canada), Puttin’ on the Ritz (USA), New Jersey Nights (USA) and Santa Claus the Musical (Singapore). 

Beth then spent 10 years working onboard Cruise Ships with companies such as P&O, Cunard and Holland America Line as Dance Captain and Company Manager. 

Amongst her performing Beth gained her teaching qualifications for ballet through both RAD and IDTA and Tap and Modern through ISTD. She has been teaching across numerous schools across the United Kingdom and Dubai as both an RAD and ISTD teacher and entering students into annual examinations and competitions with 100% Pass rate. 

I am so thrilled to be bringing my passion and experience to all the students at DPA as Head of Ballet .

Beth Hawkes

Head of Dance and ISTD
Beth grew up in London and fell in love with dancing at the age of four, at The Del Sarto School of Ballet, studying Cecchetti with Juan Sanchez.

She went on to train at Redbridge Classical Dance Studios, where she trained to an Advanced Level in both RAD Ballet and ISTD Modern and Tap. Alongside this, she gained her Gold Bar in Latin American and Ballroom with the IDTA competing and medalling in numerous competitions across the country.

At 18, Beth gained a place at the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey where she continued her dance training. Beth achieved her Diploma in Dance Instruction in Ballet, Tap and Modern is currently furthering her training studying for her Diploma in Dance Education.

Beth has taught in Dubai since 2014 and is DPA ‘Head of ISTD Tap and Modern Department’. The ISTD are one of the world’s leading dance examination boards with the widest range of dance genres available. The creative and inspiring syllabus provides all rounded training, encouraging students to reach their full potential to create the best dancers they can possibly be. Beth has been entering students with the ISTD for 6 years, entering hundreds of students from Primary to Advanced 2 with fantastic results.

Beth is absolutely delighted to be the DPA team as Head of Dance. She is excited to share her enthusiasm, passion and energy with you all, and she can’t wait to guide the talented students at DPA and see what they can all achieve together.

Bridgette Angelique

Bridgette is a talented, passionate and experienced Award Winning Vocal Coach from Long Island, New York, USA.

With a versatile vocal journey spanning over 30 years between the Music Industry & Performing Arts, Bridgette has established herself as a professional Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist.

She has also been a Lead Singer for various bands in live entertainment, and in leading actress Musical Theatre roles.

Bridgette is also a music panelist on Dubai Eye Radio 103.8FM.

Bridgette’s musical passions lead to her releasing 2 Solo Albums and collaborative Single tracks with other artists. Bridgette was proud to receive a ‘Global Music Award’ for Excellence in World Music.

Bridgette also has a passion for mental health and wellness, and is a vocal coach with a modern holistic approach. Bridgette is a certified Mindhacking Lifestyle Coach, in which through learning of the hypnotherapy method, she has learned the importance of mindset and how the subconscious mind plays a big role in singing and performing.

Her mission is to help others unlock the possibilities of their voices not only for singing and performing, but to lead their best lives and spread love and joy through their voices and music.

Cyrus Brandon

Cyrus embarked on his dance journey as a Hip-Hop Dancer, touring the UK’s arenas with the dance group Urban Strides. Driven by his passion for dance, Cyrus decided to elevate his training and successfully earned a full scholarship to the prestigious ‘Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.

There, he secured his Professional Diploma in Dance & Performing Arts, laying the groundwork for his impressive 10+ year career as a versatile performer in London’s West End, Germany, and various global venues.

Cyrus made his West End debut in the musical ‘I Can’t Sing – The X-Factor Musical’ at the London Palladium. After this Cyrus ventured to Germany for ‘Starlight Express,’ where he took on the role of Hip-Hopper 1, a character initially portrayed by Johnny Shentall in the first UK tour of Starlight Express. Returning to the UK, Cyrus joined the cast of the Regent Park Open Air production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the Barbican Centre. Cyrus’ talents has also taken him beyond the stage and appeared in TV commercials for Google Pixel 6. For the past four years, Cyrus has continued to shine on stage with ‘The Roller Boys,’ showcasing his roller skating skills while touring worldwide for prestigious clients such as FIFA World Cup, Disney, Samsung, Hapag Lloyd, and performing for The Royal Family of Bahrain. Notably, they also graced the stages of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and, most recently, ‘Holland’s Got Talent.’ While maintaining a thriving performing career, Cyrus has dedicated the past 15 years to teaching and sharing his knowledge with various schools and colleges across the UK. His excitement for the future now extends to joining the DPA team, where Cyrus is looking forward to bringing his enthusiasm to us. Cyrus eagerly anticipates imparting the wealth of knowledge and insights gained throughout his remarkable career to the next generation of performers.

Holly Campbell

Performing Arts Teacher

Holly has recently graduated from Bird College in London with a BA Honours degree in Dance and Performing Arts.

She has been passionate about performing from a young age and has experience in professional work and success at competitive levels.

Holly performed as a dancer in 2 runs of ‘The Real Glesga Dance Mums’ at the Pavillion Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland. She won various championship titles during her competitive dancing years, including Song and Dance Champion and Tap Champion in Scotland, England and Wales.

Holly has also taught in local dance schools, preparing students for examinations and performances, sharing her knowledge and experience.

She is excited and honoured to begin her International career at Dubai Performing Arts and share her passion for Performing Arts with students in the UAE.

Nay Stroud

Performing Arts Teacher

Naomi grew up in the small seaside town of Weymouth in England, where she began her dance journey at the age of 2. 

She then continued her performing journey aged six with Jill Tindale at Quay Theatre Arts, where she trained under the ISTD syllabi for modern, ballet and tap. From 6 years old to 18, Naomi completed her Modern and Tap examinations up to Advanced 2 gaining distinctions in every exam. 

Alongside her technical training, Naomi was invited to join the competition team at QTA aged 6, where she would represent her dance school in solos, duets, trios, quartets and group dances across the country. Over the years Naomi competed in hundreds of Dance Festivals leading her to the All England National Finals at Hackney Empire every other year, where she would place against the leading talent in England. Prior to professional training, Naomi performed at other prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall as apart of the BBC Proms.

At 18, Naomi successfully gained a place with a full scholarship at the world renowned Bird College in London. During these 3 years, Naomi was tutored and mentored by industry professionals as well as leading choreographers in all areas of dance, singing and acting with numerous performance opportunities. In her second year of training, Naomi was selected to perform at the 100th birthday of Park Lane by Hilton where she performed alongside legendary West End performers.

Naomi graduated from Bird College in 2020, with a high distinction gaining a Level 6 Diploma in professional Dance and Musical Theatre. 

Since graduating amidst the global pandemic, Naomi worked professionally as a dancer and lead vocalist at Rixos Ras al Khaimah. She then went on to perform in Abu Dhabi and most recently around the UK with Made to Measure Productions.

Miss Nay is absolutely thrilled to be back as a part of the DPA team and is excited to continuously motivate and inspire the young performers of DPA. She cannot wait to see the progression in each of the talented student’s journey, and is so enthusiastic to professionally guide them in order to fulfil their potential as performers.