Linzi G School of Dance, based in Wednesfield, is bringing light into the life of young dancers

My only child is a son, Alastair, who this year won a place at the prestigious theatre school Mountview in London. In September he will be starting his Master’s Degree in theatre direction.

I am immensely proud, of course, and very lucky that in addition to Alastair, I also I have three lovely goddaughters and they are all amateur performers.

The oldest one, Alice, who’s nearly 18, is a lovely dancer and appears regularly with Harlequin Pantomimes in their annual show. The other two are sisters, Alison and Sonia, aged nine and six respectively, who are the children of my work colleagues Kath and Alan Nock, here at Star.

The girls are both bundles of energy who dash through life at great speed, enjoying every single moment, never more than when they are attending the Linzi G School of Dance, based in Wednesfield.

Principal of the dancing school, Wolverhampton amateur performer, Lindsey Grant, began teaching adult tap sessions whilst completing her dance teacher training and then on the completion of her dance degree in 2013, expanded her classes to include lessons for children.

Nothing could be better for my goddaughters and in particular Alison, who suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

A child with this condition is often perceived as being naughty and disruptive, when actually they are simply frustrated, as they struggle to focus and concentrate for any length of time. School can be challenging at times and this is a constant worry for any parent. Therefore, finding a hobby to occupy a child with ADHD, where they can really feel as if they are the same as the other children around them and improving in the skill they have chosen, whilst enjoying themselves is one of the keys to a happier life.

I spoke to both Alison and her mum Kath about how the dancing school and Lindsay’s influence in particular has helped with the condition.

“Lindsey is an amazing, dedicated teacher,” says Kath. “She has helped Alison so much with her concentration and confidence. When times were hard at school, Alison always had her dancing to keep her going.

“It’s not only helped Alison but me too. When I have been worried about Alison, the dancing school is the one place where I know she is happy.”

There was never a more challenging time for the family as when their son, Freddie was born nine weeks early in May 2017.

With Freddie remaining in hospital until July, the family’s lives became an endless round of trips to New Cross Hospitral and time together was precious. Nevertheless, Kath did everything she could however to ensure the girls still attended their dancing lessons each week because she knew just how important it was.

Kath says: “Lindsey has also worked wonders for my younger daughter Sonia too, who is very shy and nervous. With Lindsey’s patience, Sonia is now able to join in with the other dancers and has even reached the stage where she has taken her first set of exams. Lindsey is fantastic with children of all ages and I can’t thank her enough for the hard work she has put in to help my girls.”

There is no doubt that Lindsey has worked tirelessly with Alison to keep her focussed and engaged in her ballet, tap, freestyle and musical theatre classes. Ignoring the times when behaviour has perhaps been not what it should be and coaxing Alison to work on her steps and her singing has paid off and now each lesson is a delight.

I asked Alison for her thoughts on Lindsey, she says: “Lindsey is beautiful and happy and she helps me lots and is patient with me. I love tap and ballet. I have learned everything from dancing.

“Thank you Lindsey for being so kind and helpful and helping me to become a better dancer.”

Sonia had some thoughts too. “I hope I did well in my exams” she says. “Lindsey is a good teacher. I love dancing and being in the Disney Parade.”

They do say ‘out of the mouths of babes’, and I think the girls have said it all really.

The effort Lindsey has put in has resulted in Alison performing in the school’s stage shows and at local events and concerts in and around Wolverhampton. At Christmas 2017, she even performed as part of a group of musical theatre students in the Mander Centre in Wolverhampton, singing Christmas songs to entertain the yuletide shoppers.

Alison’s confidence and concentration levels have grown as a result of her performances with the dancing school and little sister Sonia is now following suit.

Who could ask for a better example to set to children who need that little bit of extra help?

So thank you, Lindsey, for doing such a great job, not only with my goddaughters but with all the children you teach.

Your kindness towards this lovely family has certainly made the world is a better place for youngsters who otherwise may suffer and have unhappy memories of their childhood.

l For details of classes at the Linzi G School of Dance, visit www.linzigdance.co.uk, visit the school’s Facebook page or call 07581252684

l Well that’s all for this week. Please send me details of all your shows, am dram stars and remember to include good quality colour photos too. You can email me at a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk, call me on01902 319662 or follow me on Twitter @AlisonNorton