THE dreams and hopes of young dancers are coming on in leaps and bounds thanks to a Forest dance academy.

But it’s not just for youngsters, says Allsteps Dance principal Lisa Rafferty ­– all ages and abilities can put a spring in their step by joining a class.

Several young dancers from the Lydney and Aylburton-based academy are looking to pursue careers on the stage, with places at top schools or the chance to dance with major companies.

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) accredited teacher Lisa, who performed around the world during her own professional career, said: “It’s great to see them develop and move onto big things thanks to their own hard work.

“My job is just to nurture and help them develop their talent, and it’s a pleasure to see them rewarded.”

Students Naomi Berry, 15, and Trinity Maguire-Toombs, 15, both from Lydney, have now been accepted on the National Dance Company Wales (NDCW) associate programme, joining classmate Milly Connor, 14.

Trinity said: “We have all danced together from a young age and we have found an amazing bond through our shared love for dance.

“Opportunites like NDCW really help us to explore new styles and it’s so inspiring to be taught by professionals who are living the dream we’ve always had.”

Naomi added: “Dance is a great way to inspire creativity and express your feelings.

“Being involved in the NDCW associates programme will inspire us more and further our artistry for the future.”

Wyedean School student Milly said the contemporary company pro-

duces “innovative” work and will “help them succeed in the dance world.”

They join several other Allsteps youngsters who have furthered their careers, including two sets of siblings.

Chepstow brother and sister Gareth and Rebecca Haw are currently performing with Semperoper Opera and Ballet in Germany, while Charles Heaman from Aylburton has just started at the English National Ballet School and his sister Daisy attends the Elmhurst School of Dance in Birmingham.

Lisa, who herself trained at the Royal Ballet School and Ballet Rambert, said: “I danced professionally for 10 years, and hopefully that’s given me a good idea of what it takes to be a professional dancer and I love to pass on that experience.

“It’s hard and you have to be very dedicated, and very resilient, as you might not get a “yes” the first or second time when you audition. It needs character, and you have to keep trying.

“Naomi, Trinity and Milly dance four times a week with me, for two hours at a time, do their own training as well and are with the NDCW on Sundays, which is a great opportunity, as they get to perform on stage with professionals.”

But with Strictly filling the nation’s living rooms, Lisa says dance is truly for everyone, not just those with professional ambitions.

“Dance is for all, and the Royal Academy of Dance’s Silver Swans ballet classes are a great opportunity for older people, with benefits socially, physically and mentally,” she added.

“We teach all sorts of styles – modern, tap, jazz, ballet – and we have about 140 students in all.”

Classes take place from Tuesday to Friday evenings and Saturday mornings at Lydney’s Watney Hall and Aylburton Memorial Hall. For more information email Lisa at allstepsdance

@gmail.com or call 01594 810849 or 07795 430149.