A DANCE school has raised concerns about the future, with no signs of being able to reopen in the near future.

Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre, in Malton, closed in March for the foreseeable future following the coronavirus pandemic.

The school has been able to take some classes online, but says it is financially under pressure with lack of income and unsuitable for certain government grants.

“The first few weeks of the lockdown were stressful; not knowing how long we would be unable to teach and what would happen afterwards,” said Michaela Kemp, director and deputy principal at Kirkham Henry.

“Financially, Kirkham Henry is under a lot of pressure with very little income at this moment in time.

“We don’t fall into a specific category as a not-for-profit CIC, out of school club and community hub so applying for the support from the government and funding bodies have proved very tricky.

“With not much advice from the government concerning dance schools and colleges reopening, we are relying on dance community bodies for the latest information and safety guidelines.”

During coronavirus lockdown, singing and dancing exams have been postponed until 2021. The Kirkham Henry dance competition team also were unable to attend the Northern Stage Dance Festival.

Virtual workshops have been organised for Kirkham Henry students, including musical theatre with former pupil, Lauren Hood, African dance with tutor, Nii Kwartey Owoo, and ballet classes with Samantha Raine, senior ballet mistress at the Royal Ballet.

“Most of our children and their families have coped amazingly and as teachers, we are very proud,” added Michaela. “We are doing everything we can to ensure the future of Kirkham Henry, so we can continue successfully when we reopen.”