Celebrations as dance school pupils all pass their examinations

YOUNGSTERS at a dance school in Leek are celebrating after passing their first exams.

The Sharon Spooner Dance School was launched in September last year and the students – aged between two-and-a-half and 16 – have successfully completed the examinations.

Leek-born-and-bred Sharon runs dance classes at Brough Park Leisure Centre and has been dancing since she was a young girl.

The former Leek High School student started her working life at Kerrygold at the age of 16.

But then gave that up three years ago to start teaching dance.

Sharon said: "I was at Kerrygold for around 15 years until I left to pursue a career in teaching dance in 2006.

"I had been training to be a dance teacher at a dance school while still working at Kerrygold."

Her first dance classes took place at St Paul's Church on Novi Lane in May 2006.

She stopped hosting these classes early last year when she had her third child and decided to take time out to be a full-time mum.

However she re-introduced her classes last autumn, this time at Brough Park Leisure Centre.

Sharon, aged 37, now offers dance classes from 4.15pm on Wednesdays as well as a Pre-School class at 10am on the same day.

Sharon currently teaches a variety of dance styles during the classes including ballet, freestyle, gymnastics and street dance.

Sharon has a Foundation Degree in Dance and is currently carrying out further training at a dance school in Manchester.

She is hoping to expand her dance school by offering additional classes as well as hosting a dance show.

The exams which Sharon's students have passed are from the International Dance Teaching Association.

Sharon, who is married with three children, said: "I am really proud of all of my students for passing their exams."

Now that Sharon's students have gained confidence by passing their first exams, the youngsters are set to show their talents to the public.

They will be performing at the Haregate In Action Gala Day later this month.