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Founded in 2016, Sorelle Academy opened its doors with a mission to make a lasting impact, quickly establishing itself as one of the most successful and contemporary theatre schools in the industry.

OUR STORY

Founded by sisters Rachel and Jessica, Sorelle Academy is driven by a shared passion for the performing arts. With a wealth of professional experience spanning West End musicals, European tours, cruise ships, television, and commercials, they bring a rich background to their teaching.

Having graduated from the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Rachel and Jessica are dedicated to passing on their knowledge of show business to aspiring young stars eager to learn and grow in the performing arts industry.

 

At Sorelle Academy, we teach children aged 3 to 16 in all aspects of performing arts, including jazz, street dance, musical theatre, acting, and singing.

We offer personalised one-on-one coaching, alongside annual performances in theatres, holiday clubs, and workshops with renowned casting directors and choreographers.

We take pride in providing professional, enjoyable training in a nurturing environment where children can build lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories.

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Every child has something special to share; our job is to give them the confidence to and step forward and shine.

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Meet the Team

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Co Founder, Principal & Dance Teacher

Rachel Simmons

Rachel trained at Italia Conti Academy, with professional credits including Qdos pantomimes, international tours, cruise ships and performing with girl group Rouge, who reached No.12 in the UK charts. She has danced for artists including Kylie Minogue and Peter Andre, appearing on shows such as Celebrity Big Brother, A League of Their Own and Dirty Dancing: The Time of Your Life.

With years of experience in teaching and choreography, Rachel now proudly leads Sorelle Academy while being a devoted mum to her daughter, Sadie.

Rachel trained at Italia Conti Academy, with professional credits including Qdos pantomimes, international tours, cruise ships and performing with girl group Rouge, who reached No.12 in the UK charts.

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Drama Teacher

Andrew Cockcroft-

Charles

Andrew Cockcroft-Charles is a British-American actor and theatre director based in London. Having graduated from East 15 Acting School in 2023, he has worked over stage and screen as well as directing plays for his own theatre company, formed in 2024. Andrew has also been the resident drama teacher at Sorelle Academy London since 2023.

Andrew Cockcroft-Charles is a British-American actor and theatre director based in London. Having graduated from East 15 Acting School in 2023, he has worked over stage and screen as well as directing plays for his own theatre company, formed in 2024. 

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Teaching Assistant

Amy Harrison

Amy was one of the very first students to join Sorelle Woodford, training in dance, drama and singing. Today, she remains an essential part of the Sorelle team, assisting with classes, workshops and parties.

Having now graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy, Amy is beginning her career in paediatrics, where she’ll be supporting children with neurological needs. We’re incredibly proud to have watched Amy grow from Sorelle student to graduate and valued team member.

Amy was one of the very first students to join Sorelle Woodford, training in dance, drama and singing. Today, she remains an essential part of the Sorelle team, assisting with classes, workshops and parties.

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Teaching Assistant

Elle Murphy

Elle was one of the very first students to enroll at Sorelle Woodford and now teaches as a class assistant. Elle has recently graduated from University with a Degree in psychology and has now begun her career on the Royal Mail Graduate Scheme.

Elle was one of the very first students to enroll at Sorelle Woodford and now teaches as a class assistant.

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Class Receptionist

Heather Simmons

Heather is a proud mum to Rachel and Jessica and a much-loved part of the Sorelle family. Based mainly at Sorelle Woodford, she plays a huge behind-the-scenes role and is always on hand to help with whatever is needed. Alongside being a full-time grandma, Heather brings over 30 years of experience in foster care and childminding. Her warmth and caring nature shine through in everything she does, and she is adored by both students and parents alike.

Heather is a proud mum to Rachel and Jessica and a much-loved part of the Sorelle family. Based mainly at Sorelle Woodford, she plays a huge behind-the-scenes role and is always on hand to help with whatever is needed. 

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Co Founder, Principal & Dance Teacher

Jessica Sidoli

Jessica trained at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy, studying all aspects of Performing Arts. Her theatre credits include The Bodyguard (UK & international tours), The Bodyguard – Das Musical (Germany), Ishq (Sadler’s Wells), Aladdin and Cinderella. She has performed at the Royal Albert Hall and appeared on TV shows including Big Brother, A League of Their Own and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Jessica has also featured in music videos for Jessie J and Snoop Dogg, alongside commercial work for brands including L’Oréal and Boux Avenue. Now a proud mummy, Jess combines her passion for performing with her love of teaching and inspiring young performers.

Jessica trained at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy, studying all aspects of Performing Arts. Her theatre credits include The Bodyguard (UK & international tours), The Bodyguard – Das Musical (Germany), Ishq (Sadler’s Wells), Aladdin and Cinderella.

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Singing Teacher

Sophie Walters

Sophie trained in Musical Theatre at Laine Theatre Arts and began her professional career as Dance Captain in Aladdin at The Shaw Theatre, London. Since then, she has performed across the UK and internationally with credits including P&O Australia, Potters Resorts, Manchester Opera House, and various UK tours. She is currently touring with K-Pop Live: The Theatre Show and Spice Girls: The Theatre Show with Sweeney Entertainments.

Sophie trained in Musical Theatre at Laine Theatre Arts and began her professional career as Dance Captain in Aladdin at The Shaw Theatre, London. Since then, she has performed across the UK and internationally with credits including P&O Australia, Potters Resorts, Manchester Opera House, and various UK tours.

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Teaching Assistant

Jasmine Banga

Jasmine joined Sorelle in 2024 and loves sharing her passion for dance while helping students grow in confidence and performance. She holds ISTD Grade 6 qualifications in Ballet and Modern, alongside Gold awards in Disco Freestyle and Jazz.  Alongside teaching, Jasmine is currently studying Philosophy at SOAS University London.

Jasmine joined Sorelle in 2024 and loves sharing her passion for dance while helping students grow in confidence and performance. She holds ISTD Grade 6 qualifications in Ballet and Modern, alongside Gold awards in Disco Freestyle and Jazz.  

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Admin Assistant

Charlotte Crook

Charlotte recently joined the Sorelle team, bringing with her a lifelong love of dance and a background in marketing. Having attended dance classes throughout her childhood, she was delighted when her daughter joined Sorelle three years ago. Now part of the team, Charlotte loves supporting the school behind the scenes, helping with the day-to-day administration and keeping everything running smoothly.

Charlotte recently joined the Sorelle team, bringing with her a lifelong love of dance and a background in marketing. Having attended dance classes throughout her childhood, she was delighted when her daughter joined Sorelle three years ago. 

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Class Receptionist

Joelle Russell

Joelle is a mum of two who left the corporate world after having children and now runs her own successful online business, @TheMiniPartyCo, creating beautiful personalised party stationery.

Her daughter has been part of Sorelle for the past three years, and it’s been so lovely for Joelle to watch her grow in confidence and develop during her time with us. Having been part of the Sorelle family as a parent, Joelle is now a valued member of our team, bringing her creativity, organisation and friendly face to Sorelle. 

Joelle is a mum of two who left the corporate world after having children and now runs her own successful online business, @TheMiniPartyCo, creating beautiful personalised party stationery.

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