KSGS pupils Claire Holme and Alison Capstick  interview dance school founder Helen Paul

Helen works at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School as a PE teacher and is also one of the country’s top netball coaches. She runs the dance club after school on a Wednesday night. She also coaches at the Westmorland Wanderers Netball Club.

Mrs Paul decided to start up the dance group because lots of her students were very keen to learn more dancing. The dance group has been running for 3 years. The group consists of 40 female members. 

The club trains in a variety of dance styles such as Pop, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary. The dance group performs at the Ace Dance Festival, Carlisle and the Kendal Brewery Arts Theatre. They also prepare a show held at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School Sports College.

We asked her what she thought was the best thing about the dance group. She said: ‘I enjoy your individual achievement and the performances’.

We also asked her for her plan for the future. She replied: ‘I would like to maintain the amount of year 11 students in the club and make a website’.

Busy woman

She said this website would be an excellent idea but she does not have the time because she is a very busy woman.

This dance club is held in the dance studio at the Grammar school. Mrs Paul said the dance studio was an excellent place for practising because it had good facilities, the mirrors were great, the space was wonderful and, she added, 'we are lucky to have it'.

If anyone is interested in joining the dance club please contact her via e-mail on www.helenscoltoc@kirkbystephengrammar.cumbria.sch.uk or telephone 017683 71693