CHILDREN will be dancing to a different beat as Swindon’s newest dance school will be opening on Sunday, April 7.

An open day is being held at The Gemma Short School of Dance and Theatre Arts in Victoria Road from midday to 4pm.

There will be an opportunity to see the new premises, meet the teaching team, and to find out more information and register for the new exciting courses. 

The school, owned and run by local dance teacher Gemma Short, will run classes for all ages and abilities.

Students have the opportunity to train for ISTD examinations in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz and National Dance, as well as develop their skills in Drama, Singing or Musical Theatre.

Students will also have the opportunity to compete in regional and national festivals and competitions, and will be encouraged to develop their performance experiences.

The Gemma Short School of Dance & Theatre Arts has set up in 25 Victoria Road, completely refurbishing the empty premises that had been vacated by SP Computers.

It boasts two modern studios and a singing studio as well as a dance shop that stocks all uniform as well as a range of non-uniform dancewear.

Gemma, who was brought up in Swindon and learnt to dance in the town, has been teaching dance for 11 years and is a fully qualified teacher of Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz and National Dance and holds Licentiate and Certificate of Dance Education qualifications with the ISTD.

She is joined by Russell Langdown, an experienced performer and theatre director, as Drama Coach, and Amy Cole, another well-known local performer, as the qualified singing teacher.

Gemma has performed with a number of groups in Swindon, as both a dancer and in principal roles and has won awards for her choreography.

She said: "It has always been my dream to run my own dancing school and I am so pleased that it has finally come true.

“We have put a lot of hard work in to getting the building ready in time for the opening and I hope that people come along to the open day and see at what we are offering.

“We know there is so much talent in Swindon and I am so pleased that we were able to find this building, right in the heart of town and have been able to bring an empty building back in to use for the arts."

More information about  the Gemma  Short School of Dance and Theatre Arts can be at on the website www.gemmashortschoolofdance.co.uk or you can call Gemma at the school on  01793 847567.