FORMER Pussycat Doll and CBBC star Kimberley Wyatt knows how to throw some serious dance moves – and now youngsters in Bolton are following in her footsteps.
The American singer, dancer, judge and choreographer hosted a workshop at the Theatre Dance Studios in Halliwell to offer her experience and advice to rising dance stars.
The Bring Your Heels dance classes were offered not only to students at Theatre Dance Studios but to dancers all over the county.
Before the workshop started, Kimberley Wyatt said: “Just like a ballerina preps their body for the day they get to wear their toe shoes, I want to show jazz dancers the way to prep their body for the day they get to strap on their stilettos.
“This is a real focus on building their strength, stamina, technique and core foundation for the day that it happens.”
The dancer has over 30 years of experience in the field, as a member of girl group the Pussycat Dolls, as a dance judge on Sky 1’s Got to Dance and now starring in the CBBC show Taking The Next Step.
Kimberley added: “All my dancers have to live by three simple rules – never say I can't, always say I’ll try and do your best. If you say I can’t in my class you have to do 10 push ups!
“I love to teach, I love giving back to the next generation of dreamers. There is a real want to learn.”
Sarah Ward, owner of the dance studios in Halliwell Business Park, Rossini Street, organised the workshop alongside studio manager Nicola to celebrate the school’s 30-year anniversary.
Sarah said: “We were looking for bigger and better things we could to do to benefit the kids and to celebrate our anniversary. We knew that Kimberley was doing her studio tours so we thought let's try and get her down here and here we go!
“For us we want to build their confidence, build up their performance ability and just give them new experiences. They’re all buzzing and think it’s great.”
The dance workshops on Tuesday were split into two – a junior class for ages eight to 13 and a class for age 14 and over.
Emelia Parkinson, aged 10 and a member of The Aspire Dance Academy, said: “I’m just really excited, I can’t wait. Everyone knew who Kimberley Wyatt was and I just love dancing as well.”
Theatre Dance Studios is hosting another workshop with Coyote Ugly star Adam Garcia on Thursday, June 21.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here