New studio is step in right direction

Dancers are taking a leap forward after a new performance studio opened at a Black Country college.

See more pics in our photo gallery below.

It will be used by students who have enrolled on a new musical theatre course which is now being offered at Dudley College's Mons Hill campus.

Tutor Sarah Browne said she sought help from the University of Wolverhampton to start the course, which was not being offered in the Midlands.

She has worked with the university, which has written the course content and had it validated. Miss Browne, aged 34 and a former student from the university, said: "We have a very close partnership with the university.

"There was a real need for this course to run in this area, as otherwise students have to go to Colchester or London.

"The new studio has a sprung floor and will be used for tap, ballet, jazz and contemporary dance classes. The acoustics are also very good, so the singing lessons will be held in there as well.

"Hopefully, we will eventually use it to stage public performances."

Fourteen students have enrolled including both girls and boys.

Miss Browne added: "A number of our students have got their sights set on the West End. Others go into community theatre, which involves putting on performances which have an educational message."

Dance students Katie Martin, Emily Jordan-Jones and Cheryl Short, from Mons Hill Campus in Dudley, take advantage of their spacious new dance studio.

Katie, Cheryl and Emily practising in the new studio.

Katie, Cheryl and Emily practising in the new studio.