A FINCHAMPSTEAD dance school is celebrating 40 years of the power and joy of dance this weekend, with a show at the Whitty Theatre.
Trained dancers Alison Knight and her daughter Amy Malloy run the Knight School of Dance.
Alison’s mum, Shirley was also involved, and used to make all the costumes.
Their anniversary show, Ruby Reflections, brings together more than 100 dancers of all ages.
The youngest is just five years old (although the school takes children from age three) and the most senior performers are 60 plus, drawn from the school’s Silver Swans dancers.
Alison said: “We’re so proud of all our dancers, past and present, and it brings us so much joy to see them return as adults.
“At the school we’re teaching technique, of course, but we’re also fostering life skills, physical and mental wellbeing, and a genuine sense of community and belonging.
“We’re all thrilled to be able to mark four decades of dance, dedication, and community spirit at our 40th anniversary show.”
Sophie Vallely, who’s daughter Holly teaches there, agrees that as well as offering a very high standard of teaching, the school is also a warm and welcoming community.
She said: “The school has played a huge part in my family’s life.
“My mum was a Silver Swan, and she absolutely loved it; tapping and taking ballet classes right into her 80s.
“And my girls started in 2010 – Holly just was five.
“She continued dancing right through her GCSEs, and into college.
“During those tough academic years, dancing was a real escape for her.
“A lot of people may worry that it’s a big commitment while working for exams – and, yes it is – but sometimes young people need somewhere to escape from the pressure.
“Dancing isn’t just great physical exercise, it’s also so good for your mental health being part of a supportive group, making friends, and doing something creative.”
In the The Ruby Reflections show, dancers will perform ballet, tap, modern, and acro (a mixture of gymnastics and dance).
And audiences can expect to be thrilled if the school’s previous anniversary show is anything to go by.
At its 25th anniversary performance in 2012 highly respected fellowship holder of the Royal Academy of Dance Alexander Morrow was in the audience.
“Afterwards he told me it was the best technique he had ever seen outside of the Royal Academy,” said Sophie.
“Alison really concentrates on the details, and the kids and adults absolutely love being encouraged to give their very best.
“This 40th anniversary show will highlight just what these performers, young and older, can do.”
Ruby Reflections can be seen at the Whitty Theatre on Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3.
Performances are at 3pm and 7pm on Saturday, and at 2pm and 6pm on Sunday, with tickets costing £18.
For tickets and information, visit: ticketsource.com and search for Ruby Reflections, and knightschoolofdance.co.uk
