Former Bradford Alhambra Sunbeam reflects on a career in dance

Gill Robinson, principal of Spotlight Stage School in Bradford, started her dance career as an Alhambra Sunbeam.

“I was a Sunbeam in 1980/81 in Jack and the Beanstalk with Cannon and Ball, Norman Collier and Susan Maughan, best known for singing Bobby's Girl," says Gill. "It gave me the performing bug. I went on to work as a professional dancer, Redcoat entertainer and have run my own stage school, Spotlight, in Bradford for 30 Years.

"The T&A has run many articles on Spotlight over the years, most recently the Adam Garcia awards we received last year for Outstanding Technique. So proud of all my pupils.

“The most exciting moments of being a Sunbeam were performing with the stars. And going to the Lord Mayor’s Luncheon at the Town Hall with all the cast. What an amazing opportunity, to be part of the Sunbeams tradition.”

Thanks to Gill for sharing these photos of her life as a dancer, and of Spotlight celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Gill is middle row, right, in this Sunbeams photo (Image: Gill Robinson)

Gill is front row, centre, in this cast photo of the Alhambra panto in 1980 (Image: Gill Robinson)

Young dancers at Spotlight (Image: Gill Robinson)

Spotlight Stage School is celebrating its 30th anniversary (Image: Gill Robinson)

Gill has taught generations of youngsters at Spotlight Stage School (Image: Gill Robinson)

Gill as a Redcoat, centre, front row (Image: Gill Robinson)Spotlight Stage School youngsters on stage (Image: Gill Robinson)Gill, back right, as a professional dancer (Image: Gill Robinson)