Express & Star

Tipton dance school scores lotto funding

A performing arts group has been awarded lottery funding to provide free classes.

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Oliver Thomspon 6, Olivia Pitt 9, Tommy Rich 6, Darren Thompson 8, Alexiah Jones 8, Felicity Parkinson 7, Kimberley Turner 9, Eleanor Parkinson 15, Millie Turner 9, Amarnie Jones 6, Lilley Mai Turner 6, Isal Pitt 5 and Lola Rzepkowski 5 of Time Step Dance

Time Step Dance School in Tipton were given £4,760 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The school was set up by Vicky Parkinson in 1997 and has recently moved to its new home at WMA Community Fitness Centre.

Vicky said: "We wanted to make this a space where everyone in the community can come to and socialise.

"It's a great family network we have here and everyone is welcome, from beginners to more advanced dancers."

Time Step are running two performing arts classes each week on Thursdays for children up to five years old and Sundays for age eight and over.

They are planning on using the funding to allow them to put on a musical in the near future.

Dance Tutor: Vicky Parkinson and then: Bottom left clockwise: Oliver Thomspon 6, Olivia Pitt 9, Tommy Rich 6, Darren Thompson 8, Alexiah Jones 8, Felicity Parkinson 7, Kimberley Turner 9, Eleanor Parkinson 15, Millie Turner 9, Amarnie Jones 6, Lilley Mai Turner 6, Isal Pitt 5 and Lola Rzepkowski 5

The group are now looking for more people to join in their classes.

Vicky added: " Our performing arts classes are free of charge, so they're inclusive for everyone regardless of income and background.

"We want people of all ages too from children, teenagers and adults."

In the future, Vicky hopes to set up a community cafe at the centre where parents of the school's pupils can come to relax and socialise with others while their children are rehearsing.

She has encouraged more community groups to apply for the lottery funding.

"I definitely think small groups need to apply for the funding, the process was so quick and easy.

"It has allowed us to expand and do more things with our members without us charging their families for the service."

If you are interested in finding out more about Time Step Dance School, visit their Facebook page or call 07907504391.