A Blackburn-based dance school is gearing up for its 20th anniversary show and is inviting past students and their families to join the party. 

Katrina’s Dance Academy (KDA) will perform ‘West End to Broadway’, a celebration of musical theatre, at Blackburn Empire Theatre on Friday, July 7, and Saturday 8. 

Principal Katrina Baldwin said:  “All our annual productions are special to me, but this one has extra significance being our 20th anniversary show.

"The academy has achieved such a lot over the last 20 years, and I’m so proud of everyone who’s performed with us.

"I would love to share this year’s production with the dancers that have been a part of the KDA story. 

“I’ve been busy getting in touch with former students and their families to encourage them to come along to the shows and celebrate with us – over the last 20 years, I’ve taught hundreds of children and teenagers.”

In 2003, newly qualified dance teacher Katrina started teaching ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre classes once a week from Greenfield Community Centre in Blackburn, and then from Darwen Community Centre. At that time she had around a dozen students. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Katrina’s three children also take lessons at the academy. 

Katrina, who started dancing at the age of three with Pat Eakets School of Dance in Blackburn, was 20-years-old when she decided to use her experience and talents as a dance teacher.

She said:  “I was performing in theatre shows, doing extras work on TV and going for castings when I started teaching.

"I’ve always loved children and once I got in the dance studio and started sharing my passion for dance with them, I knew that was where I wanted to be. 

“It’s hard to put into words how much I love being a dance teacher.

"Every child is different and whether my students come to class because they want to pursue dance as a career, or as a way to build their confidence, it’s incredibly rewarding for me to see them blossom and grow. That’s a very special feeling.”

KDA’s 20th anniversary show will take audiences on a trip from ‘West End to Broadway’. Join Mary Poppins, Roxie Hart, Tracy Turnblad, Matilda, Annie, Elphaba and many more on a musical theatre journey from London’s West End to the dazzling lights of Broadway.

Showcasing some of the best musicals of the last 80 years, KDA’s young talent will entertain audiences with their ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, acro and musical theatre routines.

With two decades of KDA to celebrate, this year’s show relives some of the academy’s highlights and helps audiences rediscover some favourite show tunes and iconic scenes. 

For tickets, you can visit blackburnempire.com or visit the box office at the rear of the theatre.  Former students can access a special discount code to claim a free ticket. 

To contact Katrina, email info@katrinasdanceacademy.co.uk or call 07904 271099.