New dance academy to open in Rochdale

Vernon Kaye with the Exposure showgirls

After finally receiving the go ahead from Rochdale planning, former dancer Laura Copeland can now announce the opening of The Academy, a purpose built dance house on the January 6 2007 on Royle Road, Castleton, Rochdale.

The project comes under the umbrella of Exposure World – Laura’s successful Talent Agency which she began in 2000 and has been operating from Bury Business centre for the past 6 years.

Exposure World’s artistes have worked in TV, pop videos, commercials, cruises and the west end stage to name a few. With the agency outgrowing existing offices the hunt was on for a new premises and Laura was adamant that she wanted to bring the business to Castleton where she was born and bred.

“From the agency’s perspective, the academy dance studios will allow us to cope with the strenuous demands of client rehearsals and also give us the opportunity to nurture new talent and hopefully spot the stars of tomorrow within the classes”, said Laura.

Through Exposure World’s extensive contacts within the entertainment industry, they plan to bring a vast array of recognized choreographers and dance teachers to the academy alongside a strong core of in-house teachers who have collectively worked as Stadium choreographers for the Melbourne and Manchester Commonwealth games 2006, teachers at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and as support dancers for artistes such as Geri Halliwell and Vernon Kaye.

There will be classes for all ages and abilities from beginners to advanced with a diverse range of classes such as: Streetdance, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, Breakdancing, Cheerleading, Jazz, Salsa, Musical Theatre, DJ-ing, Bollywood, Pole dancing, Dancercise and fitness.

In addition to the weekly timetable the academy will also hold extra taster sessions and activities during school holidays and specialist monthly workshops and masterclasses –  a prospect that Laura is most excited about: “This is our opportunity to bring the finest choreographers and teachers in the country to Rochdale. The first instructor from Pineapple studios in London whose last project was with Sony Playstation and the second, an amazing teacher whose last contract was as a dancer for Madonna”.

Membership to the academy is free.
For more information on the academy and the services they offer, you can contact them on 01706 640084 or visit www.exposureworld.co.uk/theacademy.

Alternatively, The Academy are holding an Open Day on January 6 from 10am to 4pm where you can pick up information, have a look round the facility and see some dance displays.