New students can sign up for classes at Cliftonville dancing school offering ‘fun and passion’

Join the crew at FDS

A dance school in Cliftonville that opened last December is now ready to take on new students from next month.

Faith Dance Studio in Cliftonville is run by 19-year-old Eloise Sheppard Odwyer. The former St George’s student, from Ramsgate, has a solid background in performing arts, taking to the stage in ballet shows at just four-years-old.

She then had a spell cheerleading before branching out into ballroom and Latin, winning competitions around Kent.

Eloise has also taken street dance exams and has been performing in professional panto at venues including the Granville since she was 13-years-old.

The teen worked in an isle school before taking the plunge and opening up Faith Dance Studio.

She said: “ My goal has been to bring the fun and passion back into dance and  to build relationships and help children understand their emotions through dance.

“I have choreographed a lot of shows using expressive dance for children to understand topics such as mental health, which was prompted after I lost my friend Ryan in March, FDS helped raise money for Ryan’s Promise Project and the children have loved helping the community by showing their talent.”

Ryan’s Promise Project is a legacy to 23-year-old Ryan Nimmo who sadly took his life on March 11.

The Canterbury Christ Church, Medway campus student had struggled with mental health issues but didn’t receive the help he so desperately needed.

His mum Julie Nimmo has set up the promise project in a bid to help other young people who may be struggling and ensure proper care is available.

As well as raising money for the legacy, youngsters from FDS have supported the Caring for Connor campaign and Lark in the Park.

Eloise, who works with youngsters with working with autism and challenging behaviour,  said: “I think it’s very important to help the kids understand society so bringing topics of the world into dance helps them not only grow as a dancer but as a person too.

“FDS offers all abilities the chance to dance, because everyone should be welcome to dance and have a good time.”

FDS is above Thanet Indoor Bowls Centre off Fifth Avenue. Classes are  with sessions in street dance , musical theatre and contemporary on offer. The school caters for young people aged six and over.
Guest teachers from across the UK also take sessions.

New classes start back on September 5.

For more about FDS and how to book find the facebook page here