About Us
Why Choose Us
The Natalie Woods School of Theatre & Dance was established in 1999 by Natalie Woods, teaching classes in Drama, Singing, Jazz and Musical Theatre. Classes were held in several church hall buildings around the South Manchester area.
In 2002, Anna Berto joined Natalie, working as a member of staff teaching classes in Ballet, Tap and Modern Dance. The schools now offer a large variety of classes across many genres of dance and performance.
In April 2013, Natalie and Anna joined forces to form The Natalie Woods School and AB Dance Studios. They expanded the business further by moving to their own purpose converted studios on Heaton Mersey industrial estate.
Our studios are now home to the Manchester region, official ISTD courses and training.
Heartbeat of the Studio
Our Promise – Vision & Values
Where every step sparks joy, every smile builds community, and every dream finds its rhythm.
We are a warm, safe haven where every child can have fun, make friends and truly enjoy being in our venue. Natalie Woods School/AB Dance provides inclusive, inspiring dance training across all genres, led by highly experienced and qualified teachers. Our friendly, approachable team welcomes every child, building confidence and a sense of belonging in our happy, opportunity‑filled studios.
Our classes welcome those who join in socially, as well as budding performers who dream of a full‑time career in theatre and dance. We recognise that each child has their own journey in the performing arts, and we celebrate that individuality with gentle guidance, creative freedom and a supportive community. With an exceptional, high‑pass rate in all examinations, we provide the skills and confidence every student needs, while offering plentiful opportunities to shine through competitions, shows and stage experiences.
Whether your child joins us for the pure joy of dance or pursues an intensive, elite pathway, we nurture each student’s individual journey, help them reach their full potential, and celebrate every achievement along the way. Our hope is that every pupil leaves with a love for the arts, a sense of belonging, and the courage to pursue their dreams, both on stage and in life.
Our Facilities
Purpose Converted Dance Studios
The schools boast 3 spacious studios with sprung dance flooring, mirrored walls, ballet barres, changing facilities and a reception area.
The schools offer over 60 classes a week in:
- ISTD Ballet, Tap & Modern
- Musical Theatre
- Jazz
- Body Conditioning
- Commercial
- Acrobatic Arts
- Contemporary, Lyrical and Creative Dance
- Boys Only Street Dance
- Adult Ballet & Tap
- Adult Dance Fitness
- Private Vocal Coaching (Adult/Children)
- Performance Team
- Solos/duets/trios choreography
- Private lessons
Mirrored Walls
Fixed Wall Barres
Sprung dance/performance flooring
3 Studios offering a wide range of children & adult classes
Separate male and female changing rooms
Parent's waiting area
An operating intercom door system for safe arrival and departure from the building
Holiday clubs
In-house dance uniform shop
Cinema/disco nights
Children’s Dance Parties
FREE Car Parking
Meet Our Team
Our Professional Teachers & Creatives
Our teachers have been carefully selected to ensure that your children receive the best possible dance and performance training.
All teachers are fully qualified in their own specific areas of Dance and Performing Arts.
All staff are DBS checked, hold their own teaching insurance along with the schools policies. All instructors have fully completed Level 1 Safeguarding training and there is always a fully qualified Paediatric First Aider on the premises.
Both Natalie, Anna and all the team are dedicated to providing a warm positive teaching environment with professional tuition to create lifelong memories for all pupils.
Natalie Woods
Co Principal
Alongside her dance training, Natalie developed a successful career as a studio session singer, recording numerous jingles, commercials and pop music samples. At the age of 16, she completed a three-year Performing Arts National Diploma, achieving a Distinction. As part of her studies, she worked briefly in the marketing department at the Palace Theatre Manchester — unaware at the time that this venue would later host all 40 of the large-scale productions she has since produced.
During the summer before beginning her degree in Media & Performance, Natalie advertised part-time Musical Theatre classes for children at a local church hall. On the very first day, 60 children enrolled, and the school has continued to grow and flourish ever since.
Natalie now teaches Musical Theatre for all ages, Mini and Little Stars dance classes, Dance Fitness for Adults, and Private Vocal Coaching. Many of her pupils have gone on to pursue professional careers in stage and screen, while others have gained confidence, creativity, and lifelong performance skills — along with memories she hopes they will treasure forever.
Natalie is also the Executive Producer of NW Theatre Productions and has hosted the annual event Stars for Tonight since 2002 at the Palace Theatre Manchester, bringing together young performers from across the North West to celebrate talent, dedication, and the joy of performance.
Anna Berto
Co Principal
Anna is the principal of AB Dance Studios at the school and is head of the ballet, tap and modern classes that are offered. Anna teaches all ages groups within the school from the Little Star 3 year old’s, right up to the 18 year old senior students.
Anna began dancing at her local dance school at the age of 4 where she studied the ISTD and RAD syllabuses in Ballet, Tap and Modern dance. She studied here until the age of 16 and then moved onto dance college in Preston to further her dance training.
Anna trained for 3 years to qualify as a fully certified professional teacher in ‘The Imperial Society of teacher of Dancing’ examinations board, obtaining her Associate levels in teaching ballet, tap, modern and national dance.
After graduating from college, Anna worked for many different dance schools across the Northwest teaching classes in ballet, tap, modern and National dance to children of all ages. She met, and began working with Natalie at her school in 2002.
Anna later returned to college to further her dance training to receive higher level qualifications, obtaining Certificates in Dance Education in all four Dance Genres.
Anna is currently studying to further her teacher training and working towards her Licenciate qualifications. Licenciate exams allow teachers to not only teach children but also train students to become qualified ISTD teachers themselves.
Anna is committed to providing professional dance training to all students in a fun, relaxed environment and strives to get the very best out of each and every child.
Leia Bethell
Studio Administration, Accounts Manager + Supply Teacher
In 2014, Leia returned to our team as a teaching assistant, supporting our younger classes in ballet, tap, modern, and jazz. She has since expanded her role, taking on administrative responsibilities as our Studio Administrator & Accounts Manager.
Leia is fully trained in our ISTD syllabus and regularly covers classes across the school. Additionally, she is first aid trained and provides support to our students while managing our dance shop and school administration.
Megan Bibby
Commercial Jazz - Contemporary
After graduating Megan played the principal role in Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime touring Birmingham, lead vocalist and dancer at Mediterranean entertainment on various Greek islands and then went on to work for Luna Rossa Productions on a cruise ship as a singer and dancer.
After performing Megan went to Studio 10 Dance and Drama School finishing her qualifications in ISTD DDE Modern and Ballet.
Niamh Halpin
Acrobatic Arts & Contemporary
Niamh started her dance training at just 2 years old where she found her passion for the arts. She then joined a local dance company, Torque Youth, where her devotion for dance grew.
As a young dancer, she had the chance to perform in many famous theatres around the country including Her Majesty’s Theatre and Blackpool Winter Gardens. One of Niamh’s greatest achievements was training with the English National Ballet in the making of an original film, which was shown at the premiere of Akram Khans Giselle.
She then began auditioning for stage schools around the country. Niamh chose to continue her training at Phil Winstons Theatre Works where she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre and many more styles. She then attained her IDTA teaching qualifications and began teaching at schools around the North West.
Niamh hopes to continue budding as a young teacher and wishes to keep inspiring children in performing arts.
Holly Heart
Ballet, Tap, Modern, Commercial
Holly started her training at the ‘Natalie Woods School’ at the age of 4 years and progressed through all her grades in ISTD Ballet, Tap & Modern attaining high grades in all examinations taken.
At the age of 16 Holly went on to do A-Levels in Business, Sociology and Dance and sustained her training at the school part time. She then went on to University at ICTheatre and studied for a year in Musical Theatre. At the age of 19 Holly realised that her true passion was to teach dance and choreograph so successfully auditioned for the Northern Ballet School in Manchester. Holly is currently in her final year on the Jazz and Musical Theatre pathway and has also qualified as a dance teacher in ISTD after completing her teaching diploma in dance education in June 2024.
Holly is one of our main school teachers and teaches Ballet, Modern, Body Conditioning, Contemporary and Commercial Jazz. Holly also assists in all Musical Theatre Classes and choreographs for our Intermediate show/competition team.
Susie Power
Acrobatic Arts Teacher
Post university Susie qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte; and is currently a Relationship Director in the Commercial Banking team at Lloyds Bank. Moving into a job share role recently has unlocked capacity to pursue her love of acrobatics and dance; and she’s delighted to be part of the Natalie Woods School & AB Dance Studios family. Susie is also Acrobatics Arts certified.
Lewis Tigran Hacobian
Boys Street Dance Teacher
Lewis Tigran Hacobian is a professional dancer and DJ based in Manchester. Lewis has been an active and established member of the UK street dance scene for nearly ten years, with a series of battle and competition wins under his belt.
Lewis began dancing at a commercial school when he was 11 years old, later receiving a two year scholarship to further his training. After years of developing himself as a freestyle dancer alongside his scholarship, Lewis was invited to train with and later join a London based freestyle crew called UMA. Here he trained as a specialist in popping and began to perform and compete with his crew across the UK and Europe. This includes: World Of Dance London; Hip Hop Kingz Holland; Disneyland Paris; BBC Young Dancer, and more.
Fast forward to present and Lewis has firmly cemented himself as a rising favourite within the UK scene, delivering workshops, choreographing group sets and judging competitions across the country.
Rachael Wray
Modern + Tap
Rachael grew up in Manchester and started her dance journey at the age of 2 1/2.
She later graduated from ‘The Hammond School’ in Chester in 2008 and worked professionally for ten years In various counties and as a dancer with Costa Cruises.
She returned to England in 2018 and completed her Diploma in Dance Education / ISTD teaching qualifications in Tap and Modern Dance at North Liverpool Dance Academy.
Rachael is a freelance teacher at the Northern Ballet School in Manchester and regularly lectures on Tap for the UK Dance Class Championships.
Alana
Ella
Caitlin
Testimonials
Karen Smith
Google Review
The schools have an been amazing experience for both of my children and has given them so much confidence that they are able to use in daily life. I would highly recommend.
Nicola Thompson
Google Review
My daughter is 10 and absolutely loves going to dancing – this is her 5th year with Natalie and Anna and it’s a real community that she feels part of. The annual show at The Palace Theatre is brilliant and such an amazing confidence builder for the children
Nicky Jane
My daughter has been dancing here for just over 1.5 years. She absolutely loves it. It has built her confidence, helped her social skills and taught her some great dance moves! Thank you Natalie and Anna x.