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School History

THIS IS A BRIEF LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL.
FULL HISTORY FROM 1964 WILL FOLLOW SOON

Stamford & Bourne Welland School of Dancing was established in 1964. The current principal, Anne Desbruslais F.I.S.T.D, C.D.E.and her husband David Walker have been running the school since 1985, and in 1993 assistant Debbie Shuttleworth A.I.S.T.D. Dip. joined them. And recently Miss lisa Topliss A.I.S.T.D.
The school caters for both the serious student and those who dance recreationally for enjoyments sake. There are currently over 800 pupils, aged 3 to adult in attendance. The school is totally self funded and in its 43 years has received no public funds, (so no cost to the Stamford tax payer) a fact, the school, considered by many as a service to the town, is very proud of.

In 1995 the school moved from its St Mary's passage studio to new studios in Stamford Walk, with the main studio being the former Ballroom to the old Stamford Hotel, where classes for Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre run 6 days a week.Many thousands of pounds have been spent on creating a dance studio complex,the ballroom can be turned into a theatre with raised seating for all the schools small productions or for hire. There is also a large branch of the school in Bourne where classes have also been held since 1964. The school holds daytime classes at Stamford junior school, Copthill school, and Witham Hall school, teaching Ballet Tap and Modern Theatre. As well as the routine classes and exams, the school puts on major dance shows at the Stamford Corn Exchange and formerly at the Stamford Arts centre, Theatre. Every past show has sold out. All the main school shows, include all pupils from grade one upwards and all have a theme and story about life in and around Stamford. All costumes for the shows and displays are supplied by the school (most made by Mr Walker) at no expense to parents. The school is a regular at the Stamford Festival, winning the “Best Youth” trophy, the “Kiwanis Special Merit” trophy “Best School” trophy many times and this year winning the “Best overall” trophy. Also entertaining at fetes and local fund raising events, and have raised many thousands of pounds for children in need (including a gift of over £800 for uptodate digital baby weighing scales for Stamford hospital) and has suported local childrens groups and individuals in need of assistance. The Welland school is great supporter of the Stamford Exchange Hall theatre project and has invested over £6,000 in the refubishment program.
Prior to taking over the school Miss Desbruslais taught at the Arts Educational Schools Tring and London for eight years from where many pupils took up careers in the theatre, taking leading roles in "Cats", “42nd Street”, "Phantom" etc. and joined ballet companies here and abroad.

Past and present Welland Sch. pupils have also made their careers in theatre, both behind the scenes and treading the boards. Students have danced with the Royal Ballet Company at Covent Garden, danced in the ballroom scene of the feature film, “Mansfield Park” and have appeared in London’s West End in shows that include "Billy Elliot", and Currently in "Phantom of the Opera"(world touring company) and 2 former pupils have created there own dance companies both currently on tour. pupils can be seen appearing in numerous local amateur and professional shows,many produced and choreographed by former & current pupils. Others have started their own dance schools (We are compiling a “where are they now” section for our web site to be added soon.) The school organises Stamford's May Day Celebrations with May Queen, Maypole dances and the traditional parade through the town,with Robin Hood & Maid Marion and the Stamford town Mayor in attendance. The event has been held in Red lion Square, St. Georges Square, and for the last two years performed on the Stamford Meadows.

The school played a major roll in Stamford’s Millennium "Showcase" concert. Stamford’s largest ever show. The concert was held in a 400 seat specially erected marquee on Stamford meadows. The event was coordinated by Welland school manager David Walker (then Vice chairman of the local Arts committee) involved all the local performing arts societies including Tolethorpe Shakespeare, Shoestring Theatre, Stamford Pantomime players, Stamford Brass, Choral society,and was a huge success. As well as our involvement in the evening shows, we performed two special Matinee performances of “Peter and the Wolf” accompanied by the Stamford Chamber Orchestra. The school was asked this year (2007) to perform and performed Peter and the Wolf with the Chamber Orchestra by the Stamford Civic Society for part of the towns conservation celebrations.This years stamford festival parade was won by our boys & girls performing "Peters Parade"(from Peter & the Wolf)through the streets of Stamford.

History to be continued.