Strictly Stars Help to Open Local Dance Studio

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Craig Revel Horwood and Darcy Bussell visit refurbished Village Hall

Stars of TV's Strictly Come Dancing have helped to open a newly refurbished dance studio in Shepherd's Bush.

Television judges Darcey Bussell CBE and Craig Revel Horwood were the star attractions as the West London School of Dance unveiled their new state-of-the-art base on November 6.

The studio is in Shepherd's Bush Village Hall in Bulwer Street, which was among buildings sold by Hammersmith & Fulham Council in order to reduce its historic debt.

Rather than selling the building for housing, it was sold to the Widgoer Family Foundation who have been able to ensure that the occupying groups, including West London School of Dance, have been able to remain on-site.

Darcey Bussell said: " I feel very proud to be opening this magnificent studio. The work of the West London School of Dance has been pivotal to the growth and development of so many young dancers’ lives for over 20 years."

Darcy, former Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet, and currently President of The Royal Academy of Dance as well as Strictly star, opened the dance studio for the children’s charity, Friends of West London Dance.

The charity support children at two of London’s most successful dance schools, the West London School of Dance and a vocational school, Young Dancers Academy and the studio provides it with both class and rehearsal space.

Through the charity, the Shepherd's Bush facility provides the opportunity for young people aged three to 16 to grow in confidence, experience dance, music and movement and develop a love for theatre.

The students, boys and girls, thrive on the challenge of live performance which inspires every student to reach their potential, gaining many valuable life skills including co-operation, collaboration, teamwork, discipline and focus that children can then utilise in their everyday lives.

Director of the West London School of Dance, Anna du Boisson said: "We are tremendously grateful to all those who have supported this fantastic initiative. It is a very special day for everyone involved at the charity and the talented young children attending the School. This amazing new facility will enable us to continue and to expand our work to nurture future young talent."

Village Hall Dance Studio is available for hire lunchtime, evenings and all day during school holidays. Contact: villagehallw12@gmail.com or 07954 141607.

For more information about West London School of Dance, visit the school's website.

November 8, 2012