The O’Donnell School of Dance was started by Margaret Cook and Sandra Lawson in 1960, and has been an asset to the community ever since.
Based in St Andrews’s Church Hall in Beeston, the grassroots dance organisation has welcomed hundreds of children in the 66 years it’s been running, many of whom have been inspired to join by their mums and grandmas who were members in their younger years.
Focusing on traditional dance styles such as tap, ballet, and theatre craft, the O’Donnell School of Dance welcomes children from ages 3 and up, with many staying on until their late teens or early twenties. The dance school has always been based in Beeston, and has a real community focus.
All profits from their Christmas shows are donated either to local charities, or charities close to the organisations hearts, such as St Gemma’s, Cancer Research, hospital charities, and even St Andrew’s Church where the club is based.
“It’s like having an extra family” – said Julie, whose daughter has been a member of the dance school for years. When speaking to Margaret about the reasons she and Sandra started the club, it was clear straight away that being part of the community is integral to the club’s ethos.
In a time where the arts is being removed from the school curriculum and technology can feel like it’s taking away personal interactions, the O’Donnell School of Dance fights against that. They offer young people the opportunity to learn a new skill or develop their dance techniques, make friends, build confidence and feel part of something special.
The dance school is more than just a safe space though, with annual competitions and International Dance Teachers Association exams in the summer meaning there’s always something to be working towards.
The O’Donnell School of Dance had success in this years competition back in March where they competed against dance schools from across the region, with a range of wins on the day including Baby Cabaret, Juvenile Song & Dance, Senior Most Promising Performer, and the Bursary award, the most coveted prize of the day.
Those that have gone through the dance school have continued their passion later in life, with alumni now working as dance teachers, on cruise ships, performing in pantomimes and even running their own dance businesses. The lead dance teacher, Jessica Myers, began her O’Donnell’s journey when she joined as a child, and she now choreographs and teaches all the classes each week.
Most aspects of the club wouldn’t run as they are without the help of local volunteers who support events, make costumes and help with fundraising. The community spirit truly shines just as much as the talented dancing.
There’s always space for new members, with the Baby Classes now open for children aged 3 – 6. You can visit their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/odonnellschoolofdance for further information about class times and how to join.
This post was written by Abigail Ramsey
Main photo: Margaret and Sandra with Ellie Harrison
We encourage anyone living or working in South Leeds to use this website to tell their news. You can either use the Create an article for South Leeds Life page, or email us at: info@southleedslife.com
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
