A dance show to remember a Welwyn Hatfield dance school founder has raised £3,500 for charitable causes.

'Diamond - A Life of Dance' was performed at Campus West in March in memory of Carol Allen, founder of the Carol Allen School of Dancing, and the money was given to the charities last week.

The Carol Allen School of Dancing was founded in 1962, starting in Hatfield and then expanding to St Albans and Welwyn Garden City.

The school celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, and the show was held as a tribute to Carol, who died in June 2019.

 

Carol was born in Bangor, North Wales, the middle child of three girls, and studied the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) method at the dancing school she attended as a child.

She was married to her husband Graham for 60 years, and they had one daughter, Andree.

Carol was a life member of the IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) and studied the Cecchetti method under the prestigious teacher, Eileen Langman.

Current dancing school principal Jean Wise said: "Carol was extremely passionate about dance and wanted to give that passion and dedication to all the children she taught. She was totally dedicated to dance and to the school."

Jean organised the show in Carol's memory alongside former dancing school student Lisa Connell, who now teaches there herself and also runs Lisa Connell Dance Academy (LCDA).

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Carol Allen School of Dancing presented Isabel Hospice with a cheque following their charity dance show The Carol Allen School of Dancing presented Isabel Hospice with a cheque following their charity dance show (Image: Carol Allen School of Dancing)

Zoe Jasko, commitee member at Carol Allen School of Dancing and LCDA, said: "The dance show was a huge success and lasted three nights, featuring ballet, modern and tap dance routines performed by over 200 children and adults.

"Thanks to the efforts of all the dancers and the committee we raised a fantastic £3,500!

"The committee decided to donate the money to Isabel Hospice (£750), Keech Hospice Care (£750) and Stand-by-me, a charity which supports bereaved children and their families (£2,000).

"We are grateful to our sponsors Gills Bathrooms and Kitchens, Crane and Staples solicitors and Alan High Photography whose generosity enabled us to put the show on at the Campus West."

The cheques were presented to Isabel Hospice and Stand-by-me last week.