Arresting move for dance partners

Feb 22 2010 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A FORMER police station has become the North East's newest centre for singing and dancing after two professional dancers turned entrepreneurs decided to use their experience to teach the next generation.

Long-term couple Karen Smith, 29, and Andrew Stead, 30, have danced for audiences worldwide at venues ranging from cruise ships to football grounds.

The pair, from North Seaton, near Ashington, Northumberland, have now started classes at Ashington’s old police station which has been transformed into the Wansbeck Performing Arts Academy.

The centre has a dance studio, recording facilities and a café area and runs sessions for people of all ages and abilities.

Ms Smith said: “Our courses seem to be very popular as well as the workshops for schools.

“This gives the students the opportunity to work front of house and behind the scenes too. We choreograph all our shows ourselves and provide the music and lighting as well.”

The couple, who intend to continue dancing professionally, hope to find some future stars among their clients.

Mr Stead said: “We are always looking for talented performers for our travelling shows. Our intention is to seek out that talent from within our classes, helping to provide a future for those students who have a natural ability for performance.”

The couple worked with Go Wansbeck enterprise coach Lisa Scott, who said: “This business has a lot in common with many that we help in the Wansbeck area.

“If you have a dream of a business idea, we can give you free support to help develop it and unlock your potential.

“The facilities here at the Wansbeck Performing Arts Academy are fantastic and I know that the business will perform well.”