#AmazingAccrington - Autumn 2019

Ashleigh’s Dance Academy (ADA) was founded in February 2015 by Ashleigh Bunkham after her former dance teacher made the decision to sell her dance school JMS School of Dance. For Ashleigh this meant she had the perfect stepping stone to begin her dream of running her own Dance Academy with just over 60 students

Originally based at theWoodnook Centre, Ashleigh’s Dance Academy continued to grow over the coming months until Ashleigh (with the help of her dad – the negotiator!!) found a unit that, with work, would be perfect to help the dance school grow even more. In November 2016 the dance school moved into its own premises on Atlas Street in Clayton-Le-Moors and has continued to grow. The dance studios have two reception areas, toilets, kitchen, changing rooms and two studios which are named Studio B and Studio D after Ashleigh’s Grandma Bird who passed away suddenly three weeks before Ashleigh was given the opportunity to buy the dance school and also after her Grandad Dennis, a well-known sportsman and one of Ashleigh’s greatest supporters. With over 150 students and classes every evening and over the weekend Ashleigh’s Dance Academy continues to go from strength to strength, recently continuing their 100%pass rate with their examination board, the International Dance Teachers Association. Ashleigh began her dancing career at the tender age of two and has loved it ever since. She began her training at Accrington Dance Centre, which was then bought by Joanne Baldwin whomAshleigh trained with until she was 16 and left to go to performing arts college. Ashleigh trained as a professional dancer at Bolton Dance and productions and annual shows. Being such a home bird Ashleigh decided that after her three years of training she would teach for a while, see how she enjoyed it and whether it was for her; that was 9 years ago. Ashleigh then began teaching in primary schools as part of the Physical Education curriculum and dance schools in the Accrington and Burnley areas, including the dance school she ended up buying nearly 5 years ago. As well as running ADA, Ashleigh is also the Junior Director at Basics Junior Theatre school in Burnley. Having enjoyed the role of choreographer for 2 years Ashleigh began directing in 2014 and continues to love it! ADA has always been an examination school with dance showcases happening every 12-18 months at Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn. Over the past couple of years more and more students have taken an interest in competing in the cheerleading competition teams. The cheer classes now begin from the age four up to the age of 25. The cheerleading adult team is planned to begin on a Monday Performing Arts College where she gained her teaching qualifications with the IDTA and took part in professional

evening. With four shows under their belts and more than 10 exam sessions over the past five years ADA are now branching into the cheer competitions, which is something they hope will develop over the coming years. Uniforms are currently in the process of being designed and the hope is for teams to compete in November and go to various competitions next year across the north of England. Ashleigh’s Dance Academy holds classes in the following genres; Ballet, Tap, Contemporary Modern Jazz, Street, Cheerleading, Musical Theatre, Technique, Lyrical, Pointe, Adult Jazz and Adult Tap. Lyrical contemporary andMusical Theatre classes are now being offered from the age of three; these classes begin at the beginning of September. They have classes for all ages starting from the age of two. Not only do ADA offer dance and musical theatre classes, but they are now adding drama to their timetable; LAMDA classes will begin at the end of September for students from the age of four. Ashleigh’s Dance Academy now has five teachers who all specialise in different genres, two assistant teachers and will also have two newmembers of the team joining over the coming months. The team continued to drive ADA forward when Ashleigh had 8 weeks off to spend time with her newborn son. Ashleigh continues to plan well into 2020 with

the show already booked for October and another exciting addition being added to the timetable, Acrobatic Arts which will be introduced in February. She hopes the dance academy can continue to grow but keep its personal touch. Their aim is to teach children to be resilient, hardworking and grow their confidence so that they can achieve what they want in life. If youwould like further information about Ashleigh's Dance Academy, please contact Ashleigh on 07845 696 079 or you can find themon Facebook at “Ashleigh’s Dance Academy”.

ASHLEIGH ’ S DANCE ACADEMY .

Ashleigh’s Dance Academy continues to go from strength to strength

Opposite: Students working on their pointe

Left and above: Students at ADA.

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#Ama z i n g A c c r i n g t o n A u t umn 2 0 1 9 3 9