About Us

Showstoppers opened its doors on September 2nd 1996. My aim was to run a school that offered a high calibre of teaching where I could pass on the knowledge I had gained as a former teacher and performer and be a yardstick for young performers, giving students a friendly environment where they could express themselves freely through the performing arts and grow in confidence as performers and young adults.

Being part of the British Arts Association gives me the opportunity to give students the experience of exam work in an exam environment from a young age, for students to be involved in competitions both locally, regionally and nationally and to learn the lessons of competition (both the highs and the lows).

We pride ourselves on presenting an annual show of a very professional standard, teaching students commitment, hard work and life lessons not just performance lessons.

I have had many students pass through the door who have gone on to full-time vocational training. We have had students go onto Millennium Performing Arts, London Studios, Stella Mann, The Brighton Academy, Elmhurst School for Dance, The Royal Ballet School, Tring Park Arts Educational, Rambert, Bird etc. From there our students have gone on to work in a variety of professional companies, cruiselines, shows, cabarets, modelling and teaching. Visit our alumni page to meet some of our former students.

Finally and most importantly, I hope that Showstoppers is a fun place to train and when you leave you feel that you have achieved being the best that you can be and along the way you have made memories that will stay with you always!

Meet the teachers

Miss Caroline Principal, Owner and Founder of Showstoppers (TMBA)

Caroline trained in London at The Corona Stage School after attending NGAD from the age of 3. She worked on stage, screen and modelling during her professional performing years in the West End and went on to teach privately in London whilst performing. 

Caroline took a break from teaching and pursued a career with Virgin Atlantic where she was lucky enough to work as one of Virgin’s promotional team travelling the world. During this time Caroline became an examiner for dance and sat on the board of many festivals.

In 1996 Caroline returned to her true passion of teaching and opened Showstoppers. Caroline has won or been runner up as Leading Teacher/School at The British Arts Association 15 times since opening.

Miss Harriet (AMBA)

Harriet completed her dance training at Showstoppers and has been with us since our very first lesson which she attended at the age of 2.5. At 18 Harriet attended The Brighton Academy and completed 3 years professional training.  She then attended Chichester University where she achieved her musical theatre degree and a PCGE. 

Harriet has worked professionally and internationally as a dancer and has worked as a dance captain. As well as teaching at Showstoppers Harriet is Head of Science at the Undershaw School in Hindhead. 

Harriet teaches acrobatics, contemporary, intermediate ballet, tap and modern, senior tap and modern, pre-junior ballet and modern and junior ballet. 

Miss Anna (AMBA, ISTD)

Anna trained at Kim Ellen School of Dance until she was 16 and then attended The Brighton Academy for 3 years.

Miss Kirstie (AMBA)

Kirstie trained at Showstoppers from the age of 6. At 18 Kirstie attended Bath Spa University where she completed her musical theatre degree. On leaving university Kirstie went to work professionally and was lead vocalist for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. 

Kirstie runs her own private singing school KLS vocals, and teaches singing at HTC, Priory, The Petersfield School and Bohunt Schools. 

Kirstie teaches baby ballet, tap and modern, mini musical theatre, junior musical theatre and senior musical theatre.

Miss Ellie

Ellie completed her training at The Alverstoke School. At 16 she attended The Brighton Academy where she did 3 years professional training.

Ellie has worked professionally as a dancer and joined Showstoppers as junior acrobatics teacher.