Dance school’s talent keeps winning (From Dorset Echo)

Weymouth School of Ballet's talent keeps winning

12:00pm Saturday 16th March 2013 in News By Catherine Bolado

GOOD TOES: Lisa Crump, back row, right, and dancers with trophies at Budmouth Dance Studios

INSPIRING youngsters to reach their full potential is the aim of one Weymouth dance school, where dancers have received more than 300 awards in a year.

Weymouth School of Ballet, which runs from Budmouth College dance studios, does dance lessons for those aged two to adult. In the last 12 months the students have entered awards with the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD) including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal and the Len Goodman award – a special award produced for the NATD by the Strictly Come Dancing judge himself.

All students have passed their exams – and collected more than 300 trophies and awards along the way.

The pass rate for exams has been 100 per cent, even for those as young as two. The school teaches ballet, modern and tap and will be moving into freestyle as well with new student teacher Charlotte Dafter, 21.

Lisa Crump, who works at the school with her mum Daphne, who is the principal, said it took her a while to realise how many awards the students had achieved.

She said: “They have done so well. They are dedicated. I’m very proud of them, very proud. It wasn’t until I was going through it, I thought ‘Oh my goodness me, they have done exceptionally well’. I’m proud of each and every one of them.”

Mrs Crump said the aim of the school was to inspire the students and give everyone at the school a sense of achievement.

The family run business started by Daphne Crump has been going in the town for 49 years.

Staff there are now preparing for their ‘Lights, camera, action!’ show at Weymouth Pavilion on May 10 and May 11.

The show will be raising money for the British Heart Foundation, a cause very closed to Mrs Crump’s heart as her grandmother had heart problems and was helped by the charity.

The show will feature dances to music from the movies throughout the years. Ballet will feature music from the Red Shoes and Camelot, tap will feature 42nd Street and there will be modern dance to Step Up 3.

To find out more about the school call Lisa Crump on 07531 539125.