A KEIGHLEY performing arts school has reported the most productive and successful 18 months it has ever known.

And Covid-19 is not stopping dancing and singing lessons taught by the team at the Sara Packham Theatre School.

Group and solo classes have moved online at the school, whose pupils regularly perform with professional schools with many going on to successful performing careers.

Sara said that in recent months her pupils had gained places to train at nationally-renowned institutions including the Royal Ballet’s White Lodge, Elmhurst, Tring Park and Moorlands Elite international.

She said: “William Campbell gained a place on the prestigious Rambert holiday course, Lexie Meehan reached the final of the first ever British Ballet Grand Prix, and Eleanor Sharp did a superb portrayal of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.”

During the lockdown, Lynn Baglio and Paula Horton are teaching ballet, tap and drama classes on Zoom, while Sara is giving individual tuition on Facebook or WhatsApp. Enhancement classes are delivered weekly on Facebook by professionals Charlotte Ingleson and Andrus Laur.

Sara said: “The students have been busy creating costume designs for our forthcoming production of The Nutcracker.

Senior students and alumni have been encouraging younger members by posting routines and songs on Facebook for others to rehearse.

“We are fortunate that we can still offer students the opportunity to dance and act, as a way of expressing themselves during this unusual time. We look forward eagerly to returning to the studio and welcoming members old and new, whenever that may be.”

“We are currently preparing a video of songs from The Sound of Music, featuring pupils, parents, alumni and friends of the school. Money raised on our JustGiving page will go to Manorlands.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sara-packham2?newPage=True to make a donation,