Fife businesses rally to save dance school

Dancers training at Zodiac School of Dance.

A Lochgelly dance school has been saved from collapse after a group of businesses banded together to provide vital financial aid.

Zodiac School of Dance was facing closure due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, until a group of 10 businesses stepped in to sponsor various groups that use the facilities.

The popular dance school, which trains over 200 dancers, has been closed for six months.

With the recent announcement that dance studios will need to wait until September 14 to be given a predicted opening date, its future was uncertain.

Stacey Gunn, owner, said: “The delayed time has put further financial strain on the business and the risk of having to close our studio doors was slowly becoming closer to a reality.

"Parents of the dancers have rallied round to support us financially with some organising fundraising events to help the studio.

“The community spirit and support from all over Fife has been amazing.

"Local companies have stepped forward to sponsor our teams by donating £500 each.”

Backing came from BlackRock Roofing, FFDR, Our Travel Insurance, K Scaff, Kingdom Waste Management, SS joinery, Resolution Joinery LTD, Kwik Access, Rinus Roofing Supplies and A&R Roofing Services.

Stacey added: "I know that, so far, six Scottish dance schools have had to close because they can’t get their studios open.

"We have been fortunate that we have been able to hold sessions outside which have worked reasonably well, but this is something that the weather has a lot of influence on.

"The dancers are really dedicated and when we are going full steam ahead at the studio, many are dancing three or four times a week. It is great for their health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

"We need to get back into action in the studio to ensure that we are able to keep the facility going.

"We are very thankful and grateful to the local businesses stepping forward to help another small company. I would also like to thank Lochgelly based business Personalise Me which is supplying the dancers hoodies.”

If you would like to help Zodiac School of Dance,contact Stacey on 07792 612157.

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