Our Staff
Meet the Staff at Foot Fusion
Our Dance Teachers are DBS checked and qualified to teach
to I.D.T.A. exam standard or are working towards it.
Penny Bennett
Principal & Founder
Penny Bennett is the principal and sole owner of Foot Fusion School of Dance, which she founded in 2006. Her love for dance and performance began at a young age, but she truly found her home at Tiptoe School of Performing Arts under the guidance of Fiona Carratu. Penny trained extensively in IDTA Ballet, Tap, and Modern, and continues to refine her teaching skills through weekly sessions.
Foot Fusion started with humble beginnings, holding classes in St. Barnabas Church before expanding to a local community center as the school grew. During this time, Penny also taught at Tiptoe, Stagecoach Derby, Emily-Rose School of Dance, and worked across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire primary schools, coaching dance.
In 2015, Penny took a huge step forward, moving Foot Fusion into its own dedicated studio in Derby city centre, where it continues to thrive today. Over the past 19 years, she has nurtured countless students, watching them grow into confident dancers and remarkable individuals.
Penny has led Foot Fusion performers to some incredible experiences, including performing at Disneyland Paris three times (2015, 2018, 2024) and competing in dance competitions for over a decade. Since 2010, Foot Fusion has staged its own annual dance productions, having previously shared performances with another local dance school.
Beyond teaching, Penny has a rich background in performing arts. She has danced at Sadler’s Wells, sung at the Derby Arts Festival, and performed in numerous musical theatre productions across Derby, Nottingham, and Waterford (Ireland). Never one to shy away from the stage, she even spent two years as the lead singer in a country band.
Outside of dance, Penny’s second passion is fitness, which she both coaches and participates in enthusiastically. Her dedication to movement, whether through dance or fitness, continues to inspire those around her.
Sarah Ballin
Dance Teacher
Sarah first met Miss Penny when she was taught by her as a teenager, and their connection has grown into a long-standing professional partnership. After working abroad as a dancer, Sarah returned to the UK permanently in 2012 and began supporting Foot Fusion as a teaching assistant. She later completed her dance teacher training and took on teaching roles within the lower school and middle school.
In recent years, Sarah has primarily focused on teaching the lower school and supporting the Foot Fusion Performers. Known as Miss Penny’s “right hand,” Sarah has been an integral part of Foot Fusion, offering unwavering support and dedication. Her experience, loyalty, and passion for dance make her an invaluable member of the team.
Jade Turner
Dance Teacher
Jade began dancing at the age of 5 at Tiptoe School of Performing Arts and has built an impressive performing career. She has danced at iconic venues including The Royal Albert Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre London, Sadler’s Wells, and Disneyland Paris, as well as performing in professional pantomimes in Derby for five years. Jade has also been involved in numerous amateur dramatic productions with companies such as Central Musical Theatre Company, Burton Musical Theatre Company, and Rolls Royce Operatic Society. Additionally, she performed in Sleeping Beauty with Midland Theatre Ballet.
Jade’s teaching career began at 14, assisting younger classes before progressing to lead her own. She joined Foot Fusion in 2015, quickly establishing herself as an exceptional teacher. After a short break to complete her degree, Jade returned to Foot Fusion and continues to be a highly valued member of the team.
Jade works with both our youngest and eldest students, bringing a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and professionalism to every class. While her day job is as a Senior Engineer at JCB, teaching dance remains her true passion, and she inspires students of all ages with her energy and expertise.
Chanel Moss
Dance Teacher
Chanel began dancing at Foot Fusion School of Dance at the age of 10 and trained there until she was 19, developing her skills in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, and Street. During this time, she performed at numerous events and competitions, showcasing her versatility as a dancer.
She was awarded a three-year scholarship at EPA, where she studied dance and performing arts before deciding to return to Foot Fusion to further her teaching qualifications.
Alongside her professional career in the construction industry, Chanel has built an impressive teaching portfolio, working at Stagecoach, AFPA, Studio 84, The Studio Derby, and Studio 86. She has taught a wide range of dance and musical theatre styles to students of all ages, sharing her passion and expertise.
Now back at Foot Fusion, Chanel brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her teaching. Her favorite styles to teach are Street/Commercial and Ballet, where she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers.
Christina Gray
Dance Teacher
Christina has been dancing at Foot Fusion since 2015, embracing incredible opportunities such as performing at Disneyland Paris, Silverstone, annual dance shows, festivals, and more. She has consistently excelled in her IDTA dance exams, achieving distinctions up to and including Intermediate, and has been nominated for the prestigious Theatre Dance Awards on five occasions.
Currently in her second year of full-time vocational training at Studio 79 in Leicester, Christina has performed on the Move It Main Stage, at the Can You Dance? Superconvention, and at the Curve Theatre.
Driven by her passion for dance, Christina has also achieved her Level 3 Teachers Exam. She enjoys teaching IDTA exams, show routines, and competition dances to dancers of all ages, sharing her love for dance and inspiring the next generation of performers.
Chloe Chan
Dance Teacher
Chloe has been dancing since the age of 3 and joined Foot Fusion in 2012. Over the years, she has showcased her talent and dedication by performing in our annual shows, completing numerous dance exams, competing in dance competitions, and receiving a nomination to attend the prestigious IDTA Theatre Dance Awards. She has also performed with our FFP team at Disneyland Paris and the Super Weekender Dance Convention.
Chloe has continued to expand her knowledge and skills through CPD dance training with the Royal Opera House and has successfully achieved her IDTA Level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants in Tap.
Currently pursuing her university studies, Chloe balances her academic commitments with her role as dance captain for her university team and her teaching responsibilities at Foot Fusion. She is now working towards attaining her IDTA Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching, continuing to inspire our students with her passion and expertise.
Anna Quince-Fleming
Teaching Assistant
Anna is a vibrant and passionate teacher with over 14 years of experience at Foot Fusion School of Dance. Having grown up at the studio, she has been an integral part of every annual show and has completed numerous dance exams.
Now teaching Heels and Street Dance, Anna brings energy, creativity, and excitement to every class. She is currently pursuing her Intermediate and Dance Teaching qualifications, combining her expertise with dynamic choreography to instill confidence and a love of dance in all her students.
Anna’s dedication and enthusiasm continue to make her a valued member of the Foot Fusion family.
Esme Blackshaw
Teaching Assistant
Esme joined Foot Fusion in 2016 and has flourished as a dancer, developing countless new skills and accomplishments. Over the years, she has performed in more than six shows, competed in numerous competitions, and successfully completed her dance exams up to Grade 5.
Her favorite dance style is lyrical, and she holds a special fondness for Bright Lights Big City, calling it her favorite show to date. Esme is now sharing her passion for dance by assisting in the primary class and is currently working towards her Intermediate exams and her Dance Teaching Assistant qualification.
With her dedication and love for performing, Esme continues to grow as both a dancer and a role model for younger students.
Ella Marsden
Teaching Assistant
Ella has been dancing at Foot Fusion since the age of 6, when her dance journey began. Over the years, she has performed in every annual show, completed her dance exams, and represented Foot Fusion in competitions, achieving 2nd and 3rd place awards with her trio and performing a solo. Ella has also had the incredible experience of performing at Disneyland Paris with the Foot Fusion performers.
Ella currently assists with ballet, tap, and modern classes and is working towards her Intermediate examinations in ballet, tap, and modern. She continues to develop her skills and share her love of dance with the next generation of performers.
Imogen Foster
Teaching Assistant
Imogen has been part of Foot Fusion since 2022 and has quickly become a valued member of our team. She is our Mini Street teacher and also assists with the Foot Fusion Performers squad. Imogen is an enthusiastic performer and has competed in competitions with Foot Fusion, showcasing her talent and dedication.
She had the incredible opportunity to perform at Disneyland Paris, taking part in five routines. Alongside her teaching role, Imogen actively participates in a variety of classes at Foot Fusion and has achieved her Silver Street Award.
Currently in Year 11, Imogen is working towards her teaching exam to further her dance education, continuing to inspire our students with her passion and commitment to dance.
Sophie Stone
Teaching Assistant
Sophie Stone joined Foot Fusion in 2012 and has grown into a skilled and dedicated dancer. She has performed in nine annual shows, competed in numerous competitions, and earned distinctions in her Grade 5 Ballet, Tap, and Modern exams. While Sophie loves all styles of dance, ballet and lyrical remain her favorites.
Her experience at Foot Fusion has opened doors to incredible opportunities, such as completing a year-long course with Midland Theatre Ballet and performing at Silverstone and Disneyland Paris. As an assistant, Sophie teaches Primary Modern and supports prep classes, sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with younger students.
In addition to her teaching roles, Sophie is working towards her Intermediate exams and Teaching Assignments qualification, demonstrating her commitment to becoming an accomplished dance instructor.