Dance school steps out with new premises
A LONG-STANDING dance school has cut the ribbon on its new premises.
Samba Dance and Fitness, which first opened in 1999, has moved to a new base on Market Street, Whitworth.
Mayor of Whitworth Alan Neal did the honours at a special opening ceremony.
Owner Samantha Clarke said: “I began in January 1999 teaching classes every Wednesday night above Whitworth Reform Club.
“Less than two years later I moved my business to a small unit on Tong Lane, then onto a larger school with two studios just off Station Road in Facit, where our school grew and grew over the last 11 years.
“My husband and I have been looking to buy our own premises, having had my business in Whitworth for 19 years, I needed to stay here, and my husband Gareth, who has his own electrical engineering business was also expanding and needed his own unit.
“In September 2017 a place came available and was perfect to house both our business and also move the dance school to a central location and make it a lot bigger.
“Our school and classes have gone from strength to strength, with a staff of nine, from teachers to receptionist. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to set up our new home.
“This is something I have always dreamed of having, a home to call our own, a safe place to nurture all of our rising stars of the future.
“I am immensely proud of what my husband and I have achieved and can’t wait to offer even more to the local community.
“Without the people of Whitworth coming to my classes from 19 years ago, I wouldn’t be where we are today, so thank you to you all for your continued support in allowing my business to grow and become the place it is today.”