A LOCAL dance school has taken a big leap forward with the opening of its first permanent studios.
Now SK Academy hopes to do more after officially moving into Dukinfield’s Tower Mill.
Established by teacher ‘Miss Vicky’ Terry – whose 15 years of experience across tap, modern ballet and jazz has poured into nurturing young performing enthusiasts – classes would take place in hired spaces across Tameside, including Dukinfield’s St Mark’s Church Hall, Newton Scout Hut in Hyde and Droylsden’s Fairfield High School for Girls.
Now housed in a newly built, state-of-the-art facility on Park Road, it is hoped the school can further its nurturing of children aged one to 16 and encourage self-expression in a safe, positive environment.
“I’ve worked in a lot of studios. It’s about time I had my own,” Vicky explained as she detailed the story behind the name.
“I always dreamed of having my own dance studio.
“SK literally stands for the postcode – that postcode is our base and everybody knows it.”
SK Academy offers dance and musical theatre classes for children aged one to 16, covering a wide range of styles including ballet, tap, street dance, commercial dance, acro and musical theatre from Monday to Saturday.
The academy is supported by a dedicated teaching team. Miss Ciara leads classes for younger children in ballet, tap and street dance, Miss Amy teaches commercial dance for older students and Miss Sydney delivers the acro programme.
Together, they ensure high-quality teaching across all age groups and styles.
Founded after Vicky’s successful teaching career in London working with the renowned BRIT School, SK Academy began as a small community project with a big vision – to create a positive, empowering space where children could build confidence, creativity and a love for the performing arts.
That vision has now expanded with the move to Tower Mill.
The new premises feature two mirrored, air-conditioned studios and provide the academy with the opportunity to broaden its timetable, host workshops and events and stage annual performances.
And the new space will also be open to the wider community. SK Academy plans to welcome local businesses and groups, offering the studios for yoga classes, baby and toddler groups, coffee mornings and more.
“If anyone wants to use this space, they’re more than welcome,” Vicky says. “I want it all to be here.”
Looking ahead, SK Academy aims to continue growing as a creative hub for young people across Tameside dedicated to nurturing confidence, creativity and life skills through the arts.
To get involved or support upcoming events follow SK Academy on Instagram at www.instagram.com/skacademydance/ and Facebook at www.facebook.com/p/Sk-Dance-Musical-Theatre-100089456028796/?locale=en_GB.