Page 27 - City Life Magazine - Autumn Edition

www.worcester.gov.uk 27

Why, for young people’s sake,

the show must go on

Helen Leek

As anyone who’s been to take this away from them, “We are a bit of a family class – and the dads often
involved knows, putting after everything they’ve here. The older children head to the Arch Rivals pub
on a dance show can test been through.” like to look after the while they’re waiting!
the patience of a saint younger ones,” explains
at the best of times. But The dedicated Principal Ms. Leek. “We’ve got a good
preparing for one as the has strictly adhered to relationship with residents
country counted down to the evolving regulations “Apart from the benefits of in the alms houses in
lifting lockdown restrictions throughout the pandemic. physical exercise, they love Infirmary Walk too. A
was the ultimate challenge Although the Academy the familiarity of coming number of them have said
for Helen Leek, Principal of boasts five studios, only to this place, seeing the how much they missed
the Arches-based Academy two were able to operate teachers and the repetition seeing the children during
Theatre Arts. over the last year due to of the steps. all the lockdowns.”
space restrictions, with each
“I had 14 children isolating dancer having to remain “They do chat to me about 2022 will be an important
who were supposed to within a two-metre square what they are finding year for Academy Theatre
be in the show; we had area. hard. Many of them have Arts – its 30th birthday. The
to rehearse with them via really missed all the dance school expects to be busier
Zoom,” she explains. DANCE ACADEMY competitions and shows than ever, as an increasing
LOCATED AT FORMER over the last year, which number of young people
“I had to downscale the VICTORIAN SCHOOL were such a big part of seek enjoyment and self-
show this year and ensure Based in the former St. their lives.” expression from being
social distancing was Nicholas School in Infirmary involved with the arts.
maintained through all Walk, Academy Theatre Ms. Leek now feels more
the preparations. Frankly, Arts, which normally optimism for the future “I’ve had pupils in tears
it would have been much accommodates around – and is excited about during online lessons; the
easier to say that we 200 students, still retains the current renovation of pressure on our young
weren’t going to put on a the look of a Victorian The Arches opposite her people over the last year
production. However, some educational establishment school, which will see the has been immense.
of my students were leaving – but with a very different creation of a new cultural
and I was determined not feel. quarter for the city. “We really do need to
get back some sense of
“We’ve got a good normalcy now, for the
relationship with The sake of our children. The
Arches businesses – we’re arts can make a massive
working together to build difference to mental health.
a community spirit. Many You can literally see the
of the families go to one release when people start
of the eateries after their to dance.”

 For more information:
W: www.academytheatrearts.co.uk
W: www.thearchesworcester.co.uk

25/08/2021 11:58
PAGE 26 & 27.indd 3
PAGE 26 & 27.indd 3 25/08/2021 11:58