Modern facility part-funded by developers of Dickens Yard
Dancers from English National Ballet and children from Ealing Ballet School helped launch a new dance studio at Ealing Town Hall.
The £95,000 studio has a sprung wooden floor, a mirrored wall, portable ballet barre, air conditioning and sound system, as well as a changing room. It can be used for all kinds of dance and exercise classes from yoga to street dance.
The facility is being part funded through £50,000 of Section 106 money secured from developer St George.
The contribution is part of their planning agreement with the council for the Dickens Yard site behind the town hall and the council is putting in the rest of the funding.
Council Leader, Councillor Julian Bell, said: “There’s a real shortage of dance studio space in Ealing, so this is a great idea. It can accommodate activities like yoga and pilates, as well as all kinds of dance and discounts are available for community bookings. I’m sure local groups who are used to practicing in cramped, poorly ventilated halls will be delighted with the new studio.”
Bridget Hearne, Principal of the newly formed Ealing Ballet School, said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to open a ballet school in a custom made dance studio in the centre of Ealing.
“It is a privilege for children and older students to learn ballet in a studio with a sprung floor, mirrors and barres and good lighting – it is as good as it gets!”
Ian Dobie, Managing Director of St George West London, said: “When we first set about our community consultation for Dickens Yard there was an overwhelming desire for community facilities in Ealing. We are delighted the first Section 106 monies from Dickens Yard are being used for the dance studio.”
Those attending the event enjoyed demonstrations by adults and children from local group SA Dance who have already booked the new studio. For more information visit: http://www.sa-dance.co.uk/
English National Ballet held information sessions at the event to help residents and dance groups find out how they can apply for Big Dance Micro Grants to run dance projects during Big Dance 2012. The small grants are £1000 each and the application process is open until 17 October. For more information visit www.bigdance2012.com
Special community rates and multiple booking discounts are available. For more information visit www.ealing.gov.uk/halls or call 020 8825 6060.
28th September 2011