THE Hereford Academy of Dance has come a long way in 20 years, and all the students will come together in a vibrant production at The Courtyard to celebrate the academy's big birthday.

Classes were started in 1994 by Sarah-Jane Matthews in the school hall of the Margaret Allen Preparatory School as Sarah-Jane School of Dancing.

Today, the school, which changed its name in 200, boasts three dance studios, all fully-equipped with specialist sprung flooring, barres, mirrors and air conditioning as well as a shop, offices and large wardrobe store, but the ethos remains the same - 'an emphasis on fun with a high dance standard'.

The regular productions at The Courtyard are a big feature of the school's calendar, taking place every two years, and always selling out.

Over the last 20 years many children (and adults) have pirouetted and leapt across Hereford Academy of Dance’s studios and numerous past students have gone on to forge careers in the performing arts, including Edd Hall who took the lead role in Starlight Express in Germany, and the school’s current popular teachers Melissa Real, Sophie Dillon, Nicole Dillon and Lisa Fraser.

The next show from Hereford Academy of Dance is Close your eyes and Leap, which will take place at the Courtyard from Tuesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 19.

This year's show is a celebration of the school’s anniversary and will include a look back at some memorable moments from past productions whilst showcasing the students of today and looking forward to the future, with beautiful ballet numbers, rhythmic tap routines and energetic jazz dances.

To book for Close your Eyes and Leap, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk

I