Dance school opens in Dawley thanks to council grant
A £10,000 grant from Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our Community High Street Fund has helped a local dance school relocate from Halesfield to Dawley High Street.
The Empty Unit Incentive Grant is one of the many ways the council is supporting businesses and rejuvenating local high streets. For Laura Deighton, it has meant her school can relocate to a high street location which will help her develop the business.
The school, which was officially opened on Saturday (2 November) by the Mayor of Telford and Wrekin councillor Stephen Reynolds, has helped budding dancers of all ages and abilities to realise their dancing dreams, including guiding them through graded examinations. With a focus on developing technique and confidence in all dance disciplines, the school has a reputation for bringing out the very best in its students.
The move to 59-61 High Street in Dawley will mean that Laura Deighton Dance Company can continue to offer a full timetable of classes, including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, musical theatre, acrobatics and contemporary dance. In addition, it will be able to hire out studio space and offer a retail outlet for selling dancewear.
Laura Deighton, principal and teacher, said: “This is a very exciting time for us. We have a great school, great environment and great team, and are very much looking forward to welcoming students – existing and new – to our new premises. We are chuffed to be here.”
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for finance, commercial services and economic development, said: “We have supported a number of businesses now with this grant and it is always great to see what a difference the grants are making. I’m happy that we’ve been able to help Laura and I’m sure the addition of the school will be a welcome boost to the local high street.”
For information about the support and grants available to businesses email joy.mcgeown@telford.gov.uk.
