Hazelwood Dance Studios, in Bury St Edmunds, calls for nominations and match-funding as new bursary fund is launched
A Bury St Edmunds performing arts school owner has launched a bursary fund ahead of a move to new premises after Christmas.
Hannah Francis, principal of Hazelwood Dance Studios, is calling for nominations of youngsters who would benefit from three funded places at the school.
She also hopes a business might step forward to match-fund the bursary scheme, thereby allowing six funded places to be offered to youngsters who would not otherwise be able to experience dance and performing arts training.
“There are so many children who are talented and cannot afford lessons,” said Hannah.
“The places are aimed at children from families facing economic hardship. I’m keen to open the opportunity. A lot of our adult students say they wish they could have danced when they were younger, so we want to be able to offer something.
“It will be three places in the first term but the bursary fund is something which could grow, particularly if we can find a business to match-fund.”
The new bursary scheme comes as Hazelwood prepares to move to new premises in the new year.
The school had been based at Northgate Business Park since 1991, but work on a new studio complex is under way at the former Marlows pet and aquatic store, in Hollow Road.
When complete, the facility will offer four large studios,
“We were filling all our classes and there was no space for growth or putting different genres on the timetable,” said Hannah.
“We will have a really big space. The new studio sizes are each probably a third bigger than our original ones.”
The work is being done in phases, with the four studios, changing rooms, reception and staff room ready for the start of the new term.
In phase two a breakout room, gym and more will be added to the facility.
The new complex will also be home to Eden Theatre Arts performing arts college, which launches in September.
“Something I am really interested in is training pre-vocational students,” said Hannah, who took the helm at Hazelwood in January 2020.
“Eden will be offering a BTEC for 16-18 year-olds and foundation courses for 18-19 year-olds.
“Our new premises are in a great location and as the college grows it will be bringing a lot of people who are wanting to study to Bury.”
To nominate a youngster for the bursary scheme or any businesses interested in match-funding should email office@hazelwooddance.co.uk
