After seven weeks away from classes over the summer holidays, it felt wonderful to see everyone again as well as welcoming lots of new faces to Excel Performing Arts. There always seems to be a buzz in classes after the summer holidays and we definitely started back with lots of smiles and enthusiasm.

The autumn term is a busy one as the performance class students start rehearsing for their November and December Christmas events and some of the ballet and tap students start to get ready to take their IDTA grade exams. 

Over the summer holidays we received some fantastic news that Excel teacher Ben Rutter had been offered a role in Moulin Rouge in the West End. We are really proud of Ben who also once was an Excel student himself. He is a massive inspiration to Excel students and shows that hard work pays off. “It is a dream made and I can’t wait,” said Ben who will be a swing in the show. Swings have one of the hardest jobs in a show as they have to learn all of the dance parts and have to cover any of them sometimes at hardly any notice. We cannot wait to go and watch Ben in this amazing show.

We are also very excited this term to also invite former Excel student Katie Franklin who has just graduated with a first class degree from Leicester university, to teach a Contemporary Dance workshop on Tuesday 27th September. This will be a very special class and Katie is looking forward to sharing her experiences with the students.

Lastly Excel Performing Arts celebrated a birthday this term and we are officially now a teenager. Thirteen years ago on 14th September we nervously welcomed our first students through the door and the Excel Performing Arts adventure began. Throughout the years we have met many local children and families and have made lots of special memories. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in the Excel adventure.