Our Story

Our Founder & Director

Lauren Templeton

Lauren’s performing arts journey began at her local dance school, where she first discovered her love of performing through weekly classes. From those early days, her passion grew and eventually led her to train full-time at ArtsEd, where she earned a scholarship for her final two years, before continuing her training at London Studio Centre and graduating with a BA (Hons) in Dance and Musical Theatre. She went on to perform professionally in cabaret shows, films such as St Trinian’s, and a number of TV advertisements.

Alongside performing, Lauren discovered her true passion for teaching. As an ISTD-qualified teacher, she has taught at schools such as ArtsEd in London and now leads Select’s Show Agency, where she coaches and mentors young performers.

In 2019, Lauren founded Select with just one studio in Stanmore, teaching three ballet classes herself. What started as a small local school has now grown into something she’s incredibly proud of – with 35 locations, 80 classes running every week, and a fantastic team of teachers who share the same passion for inspiring children through the performing arts.

With Catherine managing day-to-day operations and a senior team leading different disciplines, Select has become a place where hundreds of children each week discover confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of the performing arts..

Select Manager

Catherine

Catherine began her teaching journey with Select in 2021. She has taught a wide range of styles including Ballet, Street Jazz, Pre-School Dance & Movement, and Musical Theatre. Her students have successfully taken Ballet and Modern exams, and she has choreographed pieces for every Select show.

Catherine trained locally, studying the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus until she was 18, before going on to Warwick University. There, she became President of the Dance Team and competed nationally with both the Ballet and Jazz teams. After graduating, she returned to London to continue her passion for dance and teaching.

In 2025, Catherine became Select Manager and plays a central role in Select’s operations, leading the Line Managers and Teachers and overseeing the smooth running of day-to-day logistics. Working closely with Lauren, she helps to ensure Select continues to grow while staying true to its core values.

Alongside her leadership role, Catherine still loves being in the studio. Watching her students grow in confidence, both as performers and as individuals, remains the most rewarding part of her work.