Pride of Guernsey: Avril Earl Dance and Theatre Arts Centre

A GROUP of parents from the centre’s Elite Squad has nominated the Avril Earl Dance and Theatre Arts Centre for this year’s Moonpig-sponsored Arts Contribution of the Year Award.

‘The school has allowed the children the opportunity to compete off-island recently at the Jersey Dance Eisteddfod, the Southampton Dance Festival and the UK Dance Class Championship,’ explained proud parent Sophie Larbalestier. ‘They have been very successful, returning with multiple awards each time.’

The centre has recently expanded its theatre side, the children competed in the local one-act play festival – in which they won multiple awards – and each summer they put on a summer school with top performers from the UK guesting, giving the children access to the very best opportunities and training.

‘Aside from developing their abilities, these experiences also develop the children’s confidence greatly and bring them together as a dance family, creating friendships for life,’ said Sophie. ‘The difference this can make for them at this age is incredible, along with teaching them to look after their bodies so they can always perform at their best on stage.

‘Avril and her team go far above and beyond, nurturing every child to be the best they can be and help them realise their dreams, with care and support to the families, too, throughout.

All of their love for dance and performance is so clear to see.

‘The whole team put so much into making this fantastic school what it is and we are all incredibly grateful for the difference they make to these children’s lives.’