Keeling School of Dance started in 1934 when Miss Keeling started teaching pupils in her parents’ back room. She then moved into studios in Great Barr and Sutton Coldfield before setting up base in Aldridge during the 1970’s.
Many of her former pupils danced both in the UK and abroad with professional contracts and starred alongside Michael Barrymore and the Roly Polys! Many pupils have used the training she gave them to open other local dance and theatre schools to help train others the same way she did for them.
When Beatrice Keeling sadly passed away in 2014, four of her previous pupils, Jane Eardley, Clare Cooksey, Elaine Wigfield, and Sarah Beckett, who had all trained with her, took on the school to continue her legacy.
“Without the dedication she showed to her pupils over the years, none of us would have the love of dance that she inspired in us,” Jane told Pioneer Magazines.
“In March, we performed our show celebrating 90 years of Keeling School of Dance, which featured numerous routines that she regularly taught to her pupils over the years, which many of us watched as we grew, envisaging that one day we would be able to perform them. There were over 100 performers involved, ranging from 3 up to our adults, covering ballet, tap, contemporary, commercial, gymnastics, jazz, theatre craft, and ballroom.”
Come to the Keeling School of Dance open day
On Sunday, July 14th, from 1-3 p.m., Keeling School of Dance is holding an open day at the school to celebrate its 90th anniversary, as well as being the longest-running dance school in the Midlands.
“We are hoping to see many former and current pupils reminisce and share memories, along with showing previous performances and photographs,” said Jane.
“If you used to dance at Keeling or are interested in seeing the classes we offer, please feel free to come along and speak to us. Our classes run at Keeling School of Dance, 16a High Street, Aldridge, WS9 8LZ.
“We hope to continue for many more years and send a big thank you to Miss Keeling for giving us all this love of dance. We know you are always with us!”