At EDGE, we don’t just bring in teachers—we bring in industry leaders who are actively shaping the world of dance, theatre, and entertainment. One of those professionals is Shay Barclay, an acclaimed choreographer, performer, and creative director, whose experience spans West End theatre, film, TV, and major live productions.
With a background that includes choreographing feature films, directing large-scale productions, and performing in global hits, Shay’s knowledge and expertise offer EDGE dancers an unparalleled opportunity to train with someone at the cutting edge of the industry.
From Training to Creative Direction
Shay trained at Bird College and The BRIT School, two of the UK’s most prestigious performing arts institutions. His career has seen him transition from an in-demand performer to an established choreographer and creative director for theatre, television, and film.
Theatre Credits Include:
Shay’s work in theatre includes choreographing and directing high-profile productions across the UK. His credits include:
The Wizard of Oz (London Palladium & UK Tour, dir. Nikolai Foster)
Layton and Nikita Live (Creative Director – Drury Lane, Lambert Jackson Productions)
Spring Awakening (Royal Academy of Music, dir. Hannah Chissick)
Orfeus: A House Music Opera (Young Vic, dir. Charles Randolph Wright)
Kin (Emil Dale)
Play On! Workshop (Talawa Productions, dir. Michael Buffong)
TV, Film & Music Video Work
Beyond the stage, Shay’s creative reach extends into television, film, and music, having worked on major productions and global releases.
His TV & Film credits include:
Bad Education (Season 5 – Freddy Syborn, Tiger Aspect Productions)
Snow White (Feature Film, dir. Marc Webb – Assistant Choreographer)
His music video choreography includes:
Hands Tied by Beatrich (dir. Will Beach)
Paralysed by KWAYE (dir. Billy Boyd Cape)
Shay has also performed in some of the biggest productions in film and television, including:
Wonka (Warner Bros.)
Cinderella (Columbia Pictures/Amazon)
Cats (Working Title/Universal)
Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans (Altitude/BBC Films)
Mary Poppins Returns (Walt Disney Pictures)
The BRIT Awards (ITV)
The Royals (Lionsgate/NBC)
Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)
The X Factor (ITV)
What does Shay bring to EDGE?
Shay’s experience isn’t just impressive—it’s the kind of industry expertise that can truly shape a dancer’s future. His ability to bridge theatre, film, TV, and commercial performance makes him an invaluable mentor for dancers who want to break into multiple areas of the industry.
Dancers training with Shay can expect:
✅ Cutting-edge choreography that fuses theatre, commercial, and cinematic movement
✅ A deep understanding of performance from both an artistic and professional perspective
✅ Industry insights from someone who has worked on blockbuster films, West End productions, and live TV events
Train With the Best
Having Shay Barclay as part of the EDGE faculty gives dancers the opportunity to learn not just the steps, but the craft of performance at the highest level. His expertise, energy, and approach to movement make him a standout mentor for those looking to elevate their artistry and versatility.
