![\"Chris-Ryan-AlanHighPhotography01-2-2\"](\"http:\/\/www.carolallenschoolofdancing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/Chris-Ryan-AlanHighPhotography01-2-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nCarol and Kean presenting Chris Ryan, a rugby para-Olympian, with a cheque for \u00a35,000 towards the cost of a new rugby wheelchair. The funds came from profits from the dance show.<\/p>\n
The seed for the school was sewn in 1962 when the late Carol Allen, a ballet dancer, and friend Jill, a pianist, wanted to share their love of music and dance with children. Classes were first opened in Hatfield and then in St.Albans.\u00a0 Meg Ainsworth the warden of the \u2018Save the Children\u2019 youth centre at the time, offered suitable premises for the classes to begin.\u00a0 Meg, who figured a great deal in Carol\u2019s life – as friend and mentor, was with Carol when they were introduced to the great Rudolph Nureyev back stage at the Royal Opera House.<\/p>\n
On moving to Welwyn Garden City in 1967 Carol was approached by many parents, to start a school in Panshanger. Graham (her husband) has probably lived to regret his words, \u2018If you don\u2019t someone else will\u2019.<\/p>\n
Jean Wise, also a dancer, joined the school \u00a0to provide classes in Modern and Tap Dancing and is now its Principal. Recently Maria McNeil (nee Zakharova) a former ballerina of the Bolshoi Ballet Company joined the teaching staff.\u00a0 The school was one of the first to provide Street Dance classes in the area, but sadly no teacher is available at present.<\/p>\n
Jean is a Life Member of the IDTA and was proud to have been nominated for a Civic Award for \u00a0\u2018Outstanding contributions to their community and surroundings\u2019. The school is also part of the \u2018work experience scheme\u2019 for local secondary education.<\/p>\n
Jean is also qualified with the ISTD.<\/p>\n
Classes for ballet are offered from the age of 3 years and tap & modern classes from age 4 years.<\/p>\n
There are discounts available for siblings and single parents, also for a second lesson in the same genre.<\/p>\n
The school is examination orientated and offers examinations in Grades and medal tests several times a year. Shows take place at the Hawthorne Theatre, Campus West, at 3 yearly intervals and the profits bestowed to local children\u2019s charities.<\/p>\n
The school is proud to have a wonderful and loyal committee and is indebted to the very supportive parents of its pupils.<\/p>\n