Meet Tori. Entrepreneur, dancer, teacher, and Mum with ambition
We sat, mid-refurb, in a bright but currently dusty space as Tori explained how her career had placed her in this very spot.
ToriArts is a performing arts school based in Wellington right now, but on the cusp of opening a brand new location in Madeley, Telford. I caught up with founder Tori this week to hear about her plans.
Having been encouraged into performing arts to overcome childhood shyness, it is clear the move worked a treat. “I was not a natural dancer,” she laughed, “but things snowballed.”
A degree, a master’s, teaching in schools, before starting her business and most recently, a family, the energy and commitment to performing arts is crystal clear. Tori comes across as an accomplished, confident and humble entrepreneur.
Her journey has not been without its challenges. If you were going to start a dance and performing arts studio, then six months before Covid is not the best time. Once the actual lockdown was over, Tori pressed on “We had to mark boxes on the studio floor to keep people apart,” she recalled, “I’d packed in my teaching job, so was fully committed.”
Now with up to 250 students enjoying singing, dancing, aerial skills and performing arts classes at the Wellington studio, it’s clear that ToriArts has been a success.
Tori also runs a performing arts agency, so if you need stilt-walkers or someone to entertain a crowd by dangling from a hoop suspended from a crane like she did at Telford Balloon Fiesta in 2024, she’s your gal. “Performing on the aerial hoop at The Balloon Fiesta in Telford and also with the Birmingham Ballet have been highlights.” she said.
We’re here looking out and down across Russell Square in Madeley, the site of ToriArts new premises. Still plenty to do before the April opening, but with Dad helping, you know it’s going to be ready, and it’s going to be great.
“We’ve been painting, cleaning and getting ready to put the new flooring down. We’re opening the first week in April.” The bright white walls and mirrored wall of the main studio are already in place. The new flooring is stacked up, ready for some Dad magic.
“We’re doing a whole free week of classes from 6th April to launch Madeley, people need to pre-book via the website, but there is no charge.”
“We’re starting from scratch here in Madeley, but there are two things I’ve noticed. People will rarely go to Wellington from South Telford for classes, and it seems like everyone knows each other.” News and word of mouth travel fast, and these factors Tori hopes, will help fill classes.
A final polish of the mirrors, a run round of the vacuum cleaner and the sound system turned up to 11, Madeley will soon be dancing, singing and dangling to a new beat.
ToriArts new studio is at 20 Russell Square, Madeley, Telford, TF7 5BB
Website: https://www.toriartstudios.com/
Book classes: https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/10358/events
ToriArts has classes for all ages and abilities, toddlers to adults. All teachers are DBS checked.
