New dance academy launched

The opening ceremony consisted of a dance display by the first 80 pupils of the Academy as it is celebrated the end of its inaugural term.

VIP guests, including top names from the world of ballet, parents and pupils were treated to by a guest performance by Danielle Cato, recently seen on the BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance, and West End performer, Ben Harrold.

Both artists are clients of Gielgud Management, the agency to which the school is attached, run by choreographer, Piers Gielgud, great nephew of Sir John. He is also a director of the school alongside his wife, film-maker Suzanne Gielgud, who is the principal of the Academy.

At the centre of the proceedings and guests of honour were Dame Beryl Grey and West End choreographer, Gillian Lynne, CBE.

Dame Beryl told the children “So much talent can be lost by poor teaching. In the hands of really good teachers, such you have here at the Gielgud Academy, you have the opportunity to blossom and go forward and reach the top. There’s nothing to stop you. It’s just what you’ve got to do!”

Gillian Lynne, another of the school’s patrons and award winning director and choreographer of Cats, Phantom Of The Opera and Chitty Chitty Bang, Bang told the children: “You have to know that all the discipline you are learning in this wonderful school is what you are going to hang onto whether you become a classical dancer, an actor or a singer. You are so lucky to be here.”

Contact The Gielgud Academy of Performing Arts on 01444 451977 or email [email protected]. Creative Dance Summer School, August 15-19: limited places for some classes still available. For more information go to www.gielgudacademy.co.uk.