Spotlight Dance Academy’s New Home: The Journey Begins at Clifton Library! 🏠✨

Image Source: Spotlight Dance Academy Team

We’re thrilled to announce some incredible news for the Spotlight Dance Academy family—we have officially acquired the historic Clifton Library site on Rawcliffe Lane! This milestone begins an exciting new chapter for our Academy and its community. After a long wait and much planning, we’re holding the keys to our new home and can’t wait to bring our vision to life.

Our move is planned for February 2025, and with construction and preparations underway, there’s so much to look forward to. This new space allows us to expand, enhance, and continue offering high-quality dance training in an environment that welcomes everyone. The support we’ve received from the York community, our students, and their families has been truly overwhelming, and we’re beyond grateful to have each of you with us on this journey.

A Leap Forward for SDA: Community Love and Support

Since announcing the news, the response from families has been heartwarming. One parent, Karen, expressed the excitement and pride shared by so many:

“Congratulations! What fantastic news for you as a team to have achieved this… a massive leap forward for Team SDA and great recognition of all the hard work you do to make it a continued success. My girls love SDA, and they’re thrilled about this new space to continue their dance journey!”

We’re proud that our commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment is reflected in our students' and their families' joy and enthusiasm. Community support like Karen’s means the world to us and reminds us of why we do what we do.

A Community-Supported Vision

The City of York Council’s approval of our plans for the Clifton Library site has been a pivotal factor in making this transition possible. As the council’s planning report stated, our new location will “benefit the local community, enabling and supporting healthy lifestyles, enhancing the sustainability of communities and residential neighbourhoods.” The council has collaborated closely with us to address local needs, including security measures like 1.5m gates and rooftop CCTV, which will ensure a safe environment for our dancers, families, and staff. Additionally, the planning report praised our site’s accessibility, noting its convenient location for walking, cycling, and public transport. With the council’s instrumental support, we’re proud to carry forward the legacy of the Clifton Library site by transforming it into a welcoming, vibrant space for learning and creativity.

What’s Coming to Clifton Library: Our Plans for the New Space

We aim to create an inspiring, inclusive environment where students of all ages and abilities can thrive. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

• Two State-of-the-Art Dance Studios – Our new studios will have professional sprung floors, sound systems, barres, and even a handstand wall for our acro dancers! These spaces are designed to support safe, high-quality training for dancers of all levels.

• A Multi-Functional Third Studio – This room will serve as a singing room, community room, and additional dance studio, providing a versatile space for various activities and gatherings.

• Accessibility for All – With full disabled access, we’re ensuring everyone in York can experience the joy of dance. Our inclusive facility is a crucial part of our mission to make dance accessible to all.

• A Cozy Reception and “The Shed” – Our new reception area will be warm and welcoming, making it easy for families to connect with the SDA team and stay up-to-date on Academy news. Plus, we’re thrilled to have two designated “Mrs. Stead” areas—no more running back and forth to the shed! Although, of course, we might still affectionately call these spaces “The Shed.”

  
  

Looking Ahead: How You Can Be Involved

For now, you need to do nothing but share in our excitement! As we get closer to the opening date, we’ll invite our community to join us in painting, decorating, and setting up the new space. We want this to be a true community effort, and if you’re interested in helping out, feel free to contact us at admin@spotlightdanceyork.com. Stay tuned for more updates and ways to make your mark on our new home!

Save the Date: Open Day at Our New Home

Mark your calendars! We’re planning a special Open Day in February 2025 (exact date to be confirmed) once renovations are complete, and we can’t wait to welcome all of you to our new space. This will be a fantastic opportunity to explore our brand-new studios, meet the team, and celebrate this incredible new chapter together. Friends, family, and neighbours are welcome, so spread the word and stay tuned for more details as the big day approaches!

Spotlight Classes: Join Us for Autumn Term!

In the meantime, our classes and events at SDA are in full swing. From November 4 to December 15, we’re offering a variety of classes for all ages, including jazz, acro, ballet, street dance, and musical theatre. Many of our classes have trial spots, so this is a perfect time to join! You can view the full schedule and book classes directly on our Class for Kids page. Check it out and find the ideal class for you or your child!

Thank you to everyone in the Spotlight Dance Academy family for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. This journey wouldn’t be possible without you, and we’re excited to share it with all of you. Stay tuned for updates as we approach our move in early 2025, and get ready for the big reveal of our new home!