Footlight Performance Academy Celebrates One Year in Its New Home

If you’re looking for dance classes in Dorset or a welcoming, family-focused performance school, Footlight Performance Academy in Wimborne is marking a milestone moment, and inviting the local community to celebrate.

Today (Sunday 26th April), from 1pm - 5pm, the academy will open its doors for a vibrant anniversary open day at its studios in Riverside Park. The event celebrates one year since moving into its own dedicated space, a big step forward for a school that has been nurturing talent and confidence for decades.

A Celebration of Dance, Community and Confidence

The open day promises an energetic, family-friendly atmosphere designed to give visitors a real feel for what Footlight is all about. Guests can expect live performances from the academy’s young “born2performers,” alongside plenty of entertainment throughout the afternoon.

From fete-style games and glitter tattoos to a glow stick neon disco and photo booth, the event blends performance with playfulness. There will also be food stalls, sweet treats, and even a bar for the grown-ups, making it as enjoyable for parents as it is for children. And for younger visitors, a special appearance from mascot Flossy the Fox is sure to be a highlight.

For families considering dance classes, it’s also a chance to explore the studios, meet the team, and even enter a giveaway for a free four-week trial.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

Behind the celebrations is a story that makes Footlight Performance Academy particularly special within the local community.

The school was originally founded in 1987 by Nina Thompson, whose passion for dance education built the foundations of what the academy is today. Fast forward to 2023, and the next chapter began as Nina passed the school into the hands of Leanne Dade, someone who knows Footlight from the inside out.

Leanne first stepped into the studio as a five-year-old student, going on to train under Nina for years before becoming a teacher in 2003. Her journey from student to owner reflects the deep-rooted sense of continuity and care that defines the academy.

What makes the transition even more meaningful is that Nina hasn’t stepped away entirely. Instead, she remains a supportive presence behind the scenes, continuing to champion the school and its new leadership. It’s a rare and powerful example of a founder handing over the reins while still cheering from the sidelines, something that adds a real sense of heart to Footlight’s story.

A Dance School That Feels Like Family

Today, Footlight Performance Academy offers a wide range of classes for all ages; from children just starting out to adults returning to dance. Styles include ballet, tap, modern, acro, musical theatre, singing, street and commercial, creating opportunities for both recreational dancers and those with performance ambitions.

More than anything, the academy prides itself on its inclusive, supportive environment. It’s often described as a family, made up of teachers, students and parents, where confidence is built alongside technique, and friendships grow just as naturally as skills.

Discover Footlight for Yourself

As Dorset families continue to seek out activities that build confidence, creativity and community, Footlight Performance Academy stands out as a long-established school with a fresh, exciting new chapter.

The anniversary open day offers the perfect opportunity to step inside, meet the team, and experience the energy for yourself. Whether your child dreams of the stage or simply wants to try something new, this is a place where those first steps can turn into something much bigger.

Doors open at 1pm on Sunday 26th April, and everyone is welcome to join the celebration.

https://www.footlight-dance.co.uk/