The Team
United by a shared vision for positive change in the dance world, this team brings together a rare combination of commercial, technical, scientific and artistic skills.
Their understanding of the global dance industry is strengthened by a background in architecture, planning, law , education, project management, and fundraising. This blend of creative insight, social purpose, and strategic thinking will ensure a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
This project grew from our shared journey in dance and a belief that the industry can do better—for people, for health, and for the future.
Meet the Founders
Rachel is a strategic leader with over 25 years’ experience across the arts, education, and commercial sectors. She has worked with organisations including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London City Ballet, LIFT, Coca-Cola, and Schweppes, and has led growth and secured UKRI funding in education.
She specialises in strategic marketing, audience engagement, and delivering sustainable, community-centred and financially robust initiatives. Rachel studied Modern History at New College, Oxford, holds a PGCE, and achieved a Distinction in the AMCIS Diploma in Schools Marketing & Admissions.
Rachel Shaw
Iaroslava is an elite professional dancer, coach, and championship adjudicator with top-level international ballroom experience, including a Top 31 WDC Professional world ranking representing England. She brings extensive expertise in dancer development, performance standards, wellbeing, and long-term progression, shaped by years of global training and competition.
Alongside her dance career, she holds formal qualifications in Architecture and postgraduate design, giving her a unique understanding of how environments support excellence, health, and sustainability. This rare combination of artistic leadership, technical knowledge, and strategic vision positions her to lead the Centre as a world-class, future-focused institution for dance.
Iaroslava Perederii
Our Team
James and Kelly Prouton
Competition Consultants
James and Kelly bring extensive international competitive experience to the project. James is a former UK Ten Dance Champion and World Championship Top 10 finalist, while Kelly, originally from Australia, became a Queensland Champion at 18. Now based in England, they lead a successful dance school and run the Britannia Open Titles, one of the UK’s leading competitions.
Peter Morgan
Film & TV Consultant
Peter is an operational engineer and broadcaster with nearly 20 years’ experience at ITN and the BBC. Having worked across studio galleries and control rooms on programmes including Daily Politics, he brings strong technical and creative expertise. As a consultant and broadcast engineering lecturer, he advises on lighting, sound, and broadcast adaptability.
Kate Thalenko
Architecture Consultant
Kate is an experienced architect specializing in retail and commercial design, with a focus on sustainable, organic spaces that integrate modern technology and innovative materials. She brings strong expertise in on-site project implementation and continues to play a key role in the project’s architectural development.
Connor Harris
Rehabilitation Consultant
Connor is a fully registered osteopath and sports massage therapist based in Surrey, specialising in injury, trauma, and rehabilitation. He works with a wide range of clients, from everyday patients to elite performers, including Team GB athletes, Paralympians, and international ballroom champions.
We are fortunate to already have a strong and growing group of supporters behind this project, but we believe its impact can be even greater with wider support. This initiative is designed to benefit a broad and diverse community, and together we can make it a reality. If you share our vision and come from the worlds of dance, dance rehabilitation, television, Strictly, or if dance has positively changed your life, we would love to hear from you.
We also welcome those who wish to get more involved—whether by contributing professional skills, offering consultancy, or supporting the project in any other way. If you feel you can help, please reach out. Every form of support brings us one step closer.
Backed by the dance world
Leading figures of the dance world have come together to champion this project, lending their expertise, credibility, and vision to its success. Bringing experience as international competitors, Pro-Am mentors, choreographers, and educators, they represent a wealth of knowledge across Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Exhibition, Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary dance. Their combined insight into performance, training, and event management— alongside a deep commitment to fostering the next generation of dancers—provides a powerful foundation to realise this vision and create lasting, positive impact within the global dance community
