Katy’s dream comes true!
Local Dance School Principal, Katy Watson-Reid, has fulfi lled her dream of having her own dance studio having started her school 14 years ago. After many years performing as a professional dancer following training at Laine Theatre Arts college, Katy performed in many different shows, travelling the world and then went on to teaching at local dance schools.
Her fi rst classes for The Dance Factory were held in Loddington Village Hall until the Centre at Mawsley was opened. Soon she was hiring other locations in Kettering to provide for the growing number of students. As the school grew, new teachers were brought in to help with the many classes offered. The Dance Factory now offers RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern and Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Contemporary classes with her Ballet classes starting from about 2½ years up to Adults. Other disciplines are offered as the students grow in strength and ability.
Students are able to progress through the grades taking RAD and ISTD exams when they are ready, although those who just come for the exercise and fun, are able to move up with their friends without the pressure of exams, while gaining in confi dence.
When the opportunity of the dance studio at Aztec House on Orion Way came during these diffi cult times, it was a very hard decision to make whether to take it, but with the encouragement of her husband and family, Katy has decided to make it her own. After lots of hard work to put her own stamp on the décor, the studio is now looking great and she can’t wait to start her classes again in September.
Many of Katy’s original students are still attending and even when they leave for university or work, they often pop in to visit, or help when the biennial show is put on at The Lighthouse Theatre. This year’s show has had to be postponed until next July due to the Coronavirus lockdown.
The Dance Factory Studios, Aztec House, Orion Way, Kettering, NN15 6NL Tel: 07772 524 797 • www.thedancefactory.org.uk thedancefactorykettering
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