Stardust duo plan to keep on dancing

Stardust Dance Centre owner Paula Graves was determined not to let the Covid-19 lockdown slow her down.

All dance schools in the country, had to temporarily close their doors in March. 

However, former British Dance Champion Paula held weekly online lessons with her pupils and latterly ‘one-to-one’ socially distanced lessons on her patio!  

On Saturday, September 12, Stardust will re-open with a new timetable, including baby ballroom, latinasize and technique classes. 

All will take place in their usual home - the mirrored dance studio in The Place at Glossopdale School.

Jean Graves MBE, (Paula’s mother), founded the school in Glossop in 1967, as a place to learn and develop the skills of ballroom and Latin American dancing. 

Of the lockdown, Jean said: “I’ve never known a shutdown of dancing on this scale. But luckily with the help of technology the dancers have been able to continue to learn at home.” 

She added: “We also arranged some special Zoom workshops for our pupils with none other than Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas! 

“Shirley has a history with our dance school and it was great to see everyone engaging with these master classes.

“During lockdown we also asked former pupils to get in touch on our Facebook page and share their photographs and memories. I was wonderful to see how much fun has been had over our 50-year history!” 

She added: “Mum received her MBE for services to ballroom dancing, (a well-deserved honour!) so for her it was great to look at these.” 

Looking to the future, Paula said: “Like a lot of people we’ve used the time to take stock and re-assess. 

“We’ve put together the new weekly schedule, for all ages and abilities. We are also re-branding - so watch this space! 

“We want to be the place the people of Glossop and the surrounding area’s think of if they want to learn or develop their ballroom skills.

“At the moment it’s all about providing a Covid-safe environment for our students in line with Government guidelines and we can’t wait to get back in our usual dance studio.” 

Anyone interested in joining Stardust Dance Centre can contact Paula via their Facebook page: @stardustdancecentre, head to www.stardustdancecentre.co.uk, call 07709 936 026 or email latinline@yahoo.co.uk 

Main image:

DANCING TEAM: Paula Graves and mum Jean, who founded Stardust in Glossop in 1967.