Washington dance academy celebrates 35 years of supporting the community
Chique Academy of Dance was started by Yvonne Kelly in 1985, and is run from the Millenium Centre in Washington, where it has supported hundreds of aspiring young dancers to reach their goals.
Over the past three-and-a-half decades, the academy, run by Kelly with help from her daughter Carla Cundy, aimed to become a community hub for young residents to express themselves, feel safe and meet new people.
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Hide AdCarla said her mum has helped countless young dancers reach their goals and her passion for dance and supporting others continues to grow as time goes on.
She said: “My mam has been able to keep the dance school being hugely successful for such a long time. It is truly down to her passion for dance, her love for teaching children and her desire to make a difference in children’s lives.
“She’s not just a dance teacher she’s a mentor, confidant, friend and support network that our dancers cherish and respect. “
Since launching the academy, Kelly has seen a number of her students go on to become competition winners and has also won a number of awards for her work and choreography, including a Carl Allen Award, which recognises people who have made a significant contribution to the dance industry.
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Hide AdThe Chique Academy of Dance currently has over 100 students on the books and is adapting to the coronavirus lockdown with zoom lessons and weekly online challenges.
Despite the challenges of lockdown and the coronavirus pandemic, Carla has praised students for continuing to develop despite not being able to attend physical classes.
She added: “Lockdown has been tough, but again it’s been tough for everyone, especially the kids. We have to give credit to the kids for sticking in during the pandemic we are so very very proud of them all by getting through such a tough time and making the best of it.
Despite the pandemic, Carla says the business is going from strength to strength after 35 years and is hoping to continue to develop in the coming years.