05/09/2026
HAPPY 48th BIRTHDAY L.A.D.
I really can't believe I have been running the school for 48 years.
It all started with me teaching 5 little girls in my parents front room after my own Mum retired from running the Grace Freeman School of Dance from 1965 - 1978.
It has been a privilege and honour to teach so many girls and boys over the years and to watch them grow in confidence and ability. Some of our pupils have achieved great things in the dance world and I couldn't be prouder, but its not just about who achieves what, its about all the other children who loves to dance for fun and leave their classes with a huge smile as well as making lifelong friends.
I have cried many happy tears of pride and joy and those emotions just don't go away.
Teaching has changed so much over the years and it gets harder and harder to keep on top of all the necessary certificates, insurances, licences etc to run the school but you look at those little faces every Saturday and realise that they are the future of dance and then everything is worth it.
I could write a book about the last 48 years with some really wonderful, happy memories (but there are also some not so pleasant memories 😪).
I have made so many wonderful friends from dance both locally and further a field over the last 48 years. Those friendships are a huge part of teaching.
I plan to continue teaching but can't promise it will be for another 48 years! 🤣🤣🤣 but there are many other teachers ready to take over when my time comes to retire.
I hope you all continue to support the dance school and our teachers and we shall grasp all the opportunities that we are granted, exams, medals, performances at great venues and of course our show next April with both hands and cheer very loudly, The Loughborough Academy of Dance, the oldest and best dance school in Loughborough.
Thank you and love to all.