PROFESSIONAL ballet dancers were joined by youngsters learning the art to try out a new custom-built £95,000 studio in Ealing Town Hall.
It was officially opened last Monday (19) by council leader Julian Bell who was joined by dancers from the English National Ballet and Ealing Ballet School.
Adults and children from local group SA Dance, who have already booked the new studio, also put on a performance.
The state-of-the-art studio has a sprung wooden floor, mirrored wall, portable ballet barre (a handrail used for warming up) air conditioning and sound system. It will be used for all kinds of dance and exercise classes, from yoga to street dance.
About half the cost, £50,000, has been met by developers St George, part of the planning agreement to build the Dickens Yard flats at the back of the town hall in Ealing Broadway.
Councillor Bell, said: “There’s a real shortage of dance studio space in Ealing, so this is a great idea. It can accommodate activities like yoga and pilates, as well as all kinds of dance and discounts are available for community bookings. I’m sure local groups who are used to practicing in cramped, poorly ventilated halls will be delighted with the new studio.”
John Hummerston, chairman of Ealing Arts and Leisure, added: "I think the studio is first class, It will help bring about an interest in dance which will be met both by the town hall studio and also at the OPEN Ealing arts centre nearby in 113 Uxbridge Road."
English National Ballet held information sessions at the event to help residents and dance groups find out how they can apply for Big Dance Micro Grants of £1,000 to run dance projects during Big Dance 2012.
The application process is open until 17 October. For more information visit www.bigdance2012.com
For more information about the dance studio visit www.ealing.gov.uk/halls or call 020 8825 6060.
