It’s no secret that Morley MD Ian Short is passionate about dance, after storming to victory at last year’s Variety Strictly Ballroom event and raising over £20,000 for the charity he accepted a position on the judging panel for this year’s competition. Now, he is helping others discover a love for dance by lending his support to local dance studio Freedom 2 Dance.
Not only has Morley donated new glass for the frontage of the Castleford dance studio, along with childsafe blinds, it is also sponsoring a new dance scholarship to help dancers with potential to take their ability to the next level with the opportunity to enter the competitive world of Ballroom & Latin Dance.
The dance school has selected two dancers with natural talent to benefit from the 12-month scholarship that will not only develop dance skills but also help them in confidence and self-esteem, as well as improving other vital interpersonal skills.
Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass, said: “It gives me great pleasure to support this great opportunity for the children to learn Ballroom and Latin Dance, which helps children develop great confidence and social skills as well as being active and keeping fit.
“The scholarship program Freedom 2 Dance are offering over the 12 months will give the selected students the chance to develop to a high level. The passion all the staff have is humbling and as Morley Glass takes seriously the commitment to put back into local community and good causes I’m more than happy to support the fantastic opportunity. ‘Keep Dancing!”
Freedom 2 Dance Ltd was established in 2015 by two friends with a deep-rooted passion for both teaching and performing. Collectively Michelle and Laura have over 40 years’ experience in the industry and use this to inspire, motivate and engage young people and adults to express their individuality through dance and other performing arts. The Ballroom & Latin Scholarship will be led by Olivia Choi who joined Freedom 2 Dance in March to establish a Ballroom & Latin faculty.