Telford dance school show to raise money for charity

The Telford-based Carmichael School of Dance and Theatre Arts was set up by principal Nicola Carmichael-Phillips in 1987.

Now based at The Depot in Holyhead Road, Oakengates, it offers dance classes in ballet, tap, modern and jazz, together with musical theatre, singing and drama and also has a base in Shrewsbury.

This year’s 30 th Anniversary Show will take place at The Edge at William Brookes School in Much Wenlock on April 8 and 9 and will raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Nicola said: “Our show, held every two years, is always a special event and we always try and raise as much money as we can for charity.

“This year, our 30th anniversary, we will be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society, a cause which is very close to our hearts as we have family experience of the issues the condition can cause.

"Many people who have been associated with the school will know my mum Diana who has spent many an hour behind the desk over the years chatting to everyone who has come into reception both here at The Depot and when we used to be up at Paddock Mount.

"Unfortunately she now has a particular form of the condition so we have all seen how it can affect people and their loved ones."

At present, there are approximately 850,000 living with the condition in England, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. In less than 10 years a million people will be living with dementia and this number is forecast to rise to 1.7 million people by 2051.

A Just Giving page will be promoted on the school’s Facebook page for anyone who wants to add a donation to the charity.

The show will feature 125 performers aged from just three up to adults with excerpts from the ballets La Fille Mal Gardée and Swan Lake, along with modern and tap routines, drama and musical theatre interludes.

The students at the school have been working hard on their routines since September, so the show will be the culmination of six months of hard work.

It will also mark a departure for the school which has staged its shows at The Place at Oakengates Theatre in Telford for more than 20 years.

Nicola said: “Unfortunately due to changes at the theatre with the availability of changing rooms and other facilities especially for the younger children, it was not feasible for us to use Oakengates this year.

“Luckily, The Edge at Much Wenlock had a cancellation and was available and we are delighted that they could accommodate us at fairly short notice. We are all really looking forward to performing at a new venue and can’t wait to get started.

“Although it is a smaller theatre, we have added an extra show during the weekend and will be rehearsing at The Edge beforehand so everyone can get a feel for the performance space.”

The shows will take place at 1pm and 5pm on April 8 and 11am and 3pm on April 9.

Ticket details are available from the school by calling (01952) 619155.