about us
about our school
our story
Phoenix Dance and Drama, based in Upton on the Wirral, isn’t just a dance school — it’s a family. From the youngest pupils at two and a half right through to our adult classes, everyone finds a place where they belong, with classes offered in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street, Acro and Drama.
Established in 1989 the school has gone from strength to strength celebrating a 100% pass rate in RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap and Modern, LAMDA Acting & Musical Theatre and ADA Medal Tests and the staff couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and commitment from all of our pupils.
Over the years pupils have had the opportunity to perform at a variety of venues across the UK, as well as performing in Disneyland Paris. Particular highlights include performing in the Disney Parade, competing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, and our school shows in the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight.
All staff are highly qualified and are all licensed matrons with the Wirral Borough Council as well as having enhanced DBS checks. We also have first aiders on site at all times. The school also has comprehensive insurance cover but parents, if they wish, may take out their own insurance.
Meet The Team
OUR teachers
Principal
Mrs Gillian Stott
A.A.D.A
L.A.M.D.A
A.I.S.T.D
R.A.D
Gill Stott started dancing at the age of 4 and graduated from Smith Stage School in 1987 gaining all her teaching qualifications. She quickly became principal of Phoenix School of Dance in 1989.
Since becoming principal Gill has created many opportunities for the students of the school, including the chance to dance in Disneyland Paris, The West End London, Manchester Palace Theatre and The Liverpool Empire to name but a few.
Deputy Principal
Mrs Alyssa Mackenzie
F.A.D.A
A.I.S.T.D
Zumba
L.A.M.D.A
Acrobatic Arts
Alixa Flexibility
Alyssa started dancing at the age of 2 and then went on to study dance full-time at Merseyside Dance & Drama Centre where she graduated in 2010.
Since then Alyssa has been to Egypt to perform as a dancer and spent a couple of seasons working for Park Holidays UK as a singer and dancer on their holiday parks. She is now a full-time teacher at Phoenix and is working towards being a qualified dance examiner with the Allied Dancing Association.
Dance Teacher
Mrs Samantha Williams
A.A.D.A
Sam joined Phoenix when she was 7 years old. She went off to University to study Spanish then came back and gained her teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Disco with the ADA.
Street Dancer
Mrs Melanie Mortin
A.A.D.A
Mental Health First Aider
Mel has been dancing at Phoenix since she was 2 and then went on to compete around the UK with the Lancaster University Dance Society before being elected to be part of their Dance Executive Committee. Mel is the Street Dance Teacher at Phoenix.
Dance Teacher
Miss Erryn O'Brien
A.A.D.A
A.I.D.T.A
Erryn has been dancing at Phoenix since she was 4 years old and then went on to train full-time at Dolphin Dance Studios in Liverpool. Erryn has her teaching qualifications with the IDTA and ADA
Acro Teacher
Miss Grace O'brien
A.A.D.A
Acrobatic Arts
Grace joined Phoenix when she was 2 years old, becoming Head Girl in 2020. After leaving she gained her teaching qualifications in Acrobatic Arts and ADA Modern and now teaches the Acro classes at Phoenix.
Receptionist
Mrs Elaine O'Brien
Elaine has been part of the dance school for over 15 years and has had 4 children go through the school. She has always helped out with our shows and events and is now the receptionist for Phoenix and runs the school shop.
Drama Assistant
Mrs Jill Breckon
Jill has been involved in amateur drama on the Wirral for over 50 years. She has acted with several societies playing a variety of roles from panto to Shakespeare.
She has written & directed many 1 act plays for young people some of which have won awards in local drama festivals. Jill also makes theatrical costumes & has been wardrobe mistress for the open air Shakespeare productions at Hillbark for the last 10 years.
She enjoys helping with the Phoenix drama groups & hopes she can help children to recognise their potential.
