Youngsters learn street dancing at Mark Abbott's Dance Academy at the Clover Hill Village Hall. Picture: Denise Bradley

A Bowthorpe man who was inspired by a summer school he ran teaching local children how to pirouette, tap and swoon has decided to start up regular dance classes.

Youngsters learn street dancing at Mark Abbott's Dance Academy at the Clover Hill Village Hall. Picture: Denise Bradley

Mark Abbott, 35, ran ballet, tap, musical theatre, street, break, contemporary and jazz classes for the children, some who had never even danced before.

The Clover Hill Village Hall hosted the classes and now the former dance teacher is running more sessions to meet the demand from the children.

The father-of-two said the lack of dancing schools on the Bowthorpe side of the city, coupled with the enthusiasm the children, had spurred him on the run the classes.

He said: “The dancing helps with the children’s confidence and builds their strength.

Youngsters learn street dancing at Mark Abbott's Dance Academy at the Clover Hill Village Hall. Picture: Denise Bradley

“With the interested and positive feedback from the summer school, a decision was made to become Abbott’s Dance Academy and Performing Arts, where all ages and abilities can take part in a range of styles on a weekly bases.”

And with both boys and girls learning taking an interest in dancing, Mr Abbot said he and his girlfriend Kerry Whileman, 26, who plans to help out at the school in the future, want to raise enough money for a minibus to take the children to see live theatre, which he sees as very important.

On Saturday, November 3 2012 Abbott’s Dance Academy are holding taster classes from 2.30pm until 4:30pm at Clover Hill Village Hall where people can try out as many classes as they like.

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