CDC Dance Ltd is so excited to be in the process of securing a commercial premises to finally have our own studios! 

We were left feeling very burned from our first experience of trying to lease a commercial property, but firmly believe everything happens for a reason and we're now absolutely on the right path. Solicitors are finalising the contract negotiations and the Change of Use Planning decision is due by 15th November.​

The proposed premises is on Kings Heath High Street and although we love the fact that the vast majority of our dancers will walk to class, the site benefits from several car parks in close proximity. We'll have 3 dance studios kitted out with dance flooring, mirrors, barres etc, although 1 will primarily be used by the after school club and as a break out space for dancers. I want us to have either a facility to project or a big screen for when we're using syllabus DVDs or accessing online resources to support the classes; speaking of which we'll also have wifi. There's a kitchen adjoined to studio 1 - perfect for when we provide our party service, or serve refreshments during breaks/after class. In order to have a more flexible space, we plan to remove a wall between studio 1 & 2 and replace it with a multi fold, retractable wall. A corridor runs the length of the studios and we will have benches and coat pegs for the comfort of dancers/parents waiting and so that we don't have trip hazards in the studios. There are safeguarding/security measures in place on the door controlling entry/exit and keeping our dancers of all ages safe. 

​Best of all we have complete free reign over our timetable as it will be OURS! We can schedule the classes to suit us & move children up when they are ready, rather than when there's space. I can launch all the classes we want to ensure we reach all demographics, needs and abilities, enhancing our class offering diversity and allowing everyone to access and enjoy dance. I also promise, pinky promise, that there won't be any dog training inside our studios! 

​Fingers crossed we'll get a positive Planning decision mid-November and after getting the internal building works and fit out completed, we'll move in over Christmas - what a way to start 2019!

​I'm sure you'll appreciate all the effort that will go into making this happen and of course the cost (not to mention the thousands lost on the original venue). I am in the process of selling the first house I bought after moving out of my parents' in order to fund as much of this as possible but there will still be a way to go to cover everything we need. The quote for signage alone is virtually £3k. 

​Our dancers and their families have proven repeatedly what an amazing bunch they are, who love getting involved and helping to raise funds for a variety of causes - I can't tell you how much it means to us all in house and the organisations we have supported.

​Over the coming months we will hold a variety of events at the dance school, starting with Halloween themed fundraisers in classes from 23rd to 29th October. Everyone will need to come in fancy dress, and we'll hold themed choreography competitions, games, carved pumpkins contests etc. In December we'll hold a festive event - possibly a party, or if I can get agreement from the powers that be, maybe a mass sleepover party. I'm thinking disco party for younger dancers, followed by one for older dancers, who can then stay overnight - we'll order in pizzas before settling down to a film watched on our new big screen projector (if it can bought in time - might have to hire equipment if not!) Then everyone bringing sleeping bags/camp beds/air beds etc & sleeping over? Watch this space...

​All donations/monies raised will be collected here on our Just Giving fundraising page - www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cdc-dance-studios

​Throughout all our fundraising efforts I'd like to track which dancer has raised each donation, with the intention that we will present a very special fundraising prize to whichever individual (or family) has raised the most - a month's worth of free classes and their efforts will be commemorated at the studios forever when we name a studio in their honour! So please ensure that anytime a donation is made, a message is left saying which dancer(s) it has been donated because of/in the name of.

​Massive thank you for your ongoing support - we make a wonderful team at CDC Dance! #dancefamily

​Miss Claire xx