A popular Barnoldswick dance tutor is to bow out after three decades teaching generations of pupils.
Jane Wheeler says it is the “perfect time” to hand over the reigns of her dance school in Barnoldswick which she started in 1985 after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dance in London.
The school will change its name to the Imogen Gibson School of Dance as it is passed to 21-year-old Imogen Gibson, of Westgate, Barnoldswick.
Jane began with two ballet classes at the Civic Hall in Barnoldswick and 29 years later, she says she has seen numbers increase tenfold, and has taught boys and girls aged three upwards at the Baptist Centre in the last 20 years.
Jane said: “Throughout my years of teaching I have had the privilege of seeing many students go on to make dancing careers in theatres, hotels and on cruise ships.
“Some pupils have gone on to take associate classes others have gone to professional dance schools.
“I am very proud that my career has come full circle and I am able to hand the school over into the safe hands of Imogen, an ex-pupil who has gone on to train and take teaching exams at a professional dance school and then dance in Cyprus, Morocco and Disney Land Paris.
“She is absolutely fabulous, the children love her and I know she will continue bringing dance to Barnoldswick children for many years to come.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the students, parents and the Baptist Church Centre for all their best wishes, beautiful messages and lovely gifts I have received this week.”
Imogen said: “I’ve grown up dancing with Jane since I was four-years-old. This is a massive thing for me and I owe a huge thank you to Jane for giving me the chance.
“I’m really excited and I’ve definitely learned from the best.
“I’m continuing to do Ballet, Tap and Modern with children but I do an adult tap and dance fitness sessions which have been really popular.
Anybody interested in joining classes should contact Imogen at imogengibson@gmail.com or call 07590 663286.