Anita’s dancing queens

Published on 01/08/2012 17:03

This week’s look at entertainment in Peterlee takes us to the high energy school of dance that Anita Harris has run for 25 years.

Anita began staging dance classes at Howledge Community Centre in 1987 but when the centre closed she was forced to find her own premises, peruse a full time teaching career and open her own dance school.

She has been dancing herself for 40 years but emphasises that she never intended to be a performer and always wanted to be a teacher and after years of living her dream, she still can’t believe it all worked out.

Currently the school is beginning rehearsals for the Christmas show that is going to take place in East Durham college on December 12 and 13.

The show is going to give all pupils a chance to perform many different styles of dance meaning it’s something for all audiences to enjoy.

The show will mark Anita’s 25 years in the industry giving her and her dancers a show to remember forever.

Gabrielle Lacy, a dancer from the school, said: “I enjoy working towards competitions and shows, Anita really helps me with it”

Katie Williams, also one of the students, added: “Anita’s school of dance is like a big family”

Anita’s dance school has been involved in many things within the community such as The Peterlee Show as well as a local band’s music video.

Anita said: “The girls are always keen to get involved with local projects and it helps not only the community but also means the dancers gain recognition within their hometown.”

Most of the dancing takes place outside the community and the school has participated in every freestyle dance competition in the country including a show in Blackpool.

Annie Harris, Anita’s niece aged 17, is one of eight girls within her age to make an elite squad to represent England in the IFDC Championships at Blackpool in August.

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Anita’s dancing queens

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