Keyford Dancing School & Avon Dance Academy
The Keyford Dancing School is now in its 51st year under the ownership of Patricia Veale, previously known under the name of Keyford Ballet School and owned by Carol Iles. The name is derived from KEYnsham and SaltFORD where the classes are held.
Since 1973 thousands of boys and girls have enjoyed classes in ballet, tap, modern and jazz. Many past pupils are now bringing their children to the classes and some continue to dance themselves in adult ballet and tap classes.
Boys and girls have in the past few years been able to take part in the Opera & Ballet International in their productions at the Bristol Hippodrome and the Theatre Royal Bath. Hundreds of children have also appeared in the Fry Club Pantomimes and other local productions including the school’s own shows at Broadlands School in which all pupils take part. Pupils have also appeared at Her Majesty Theatre London and in 2016 appeared at Disneyland Paris.
The Keyford dancing School is also very active in Charity Fund raising and supports Children in Need and The Breast Cancer Campaign. A number of past pupils have continued into full time dance education and have become both teachers and performers. Patricia’s daughter Janine now runs the Avon Dance Academy and Chew Valley Dancing School after having danced abroad, and is now more involved in the Keyford Dancing School and jointly the three schools are able to offer a wide range of classes and workshops and performing opportunities.
The Avon Dance Academy and the Chew Valley Dancing School aim to provide a friendly atmosphere for children of all ages to learn different types of dance. Providing goals to work for, as well as creating a real sense of achievement, the R.A.D. and I.S.T.D. dance examinations are internationally recognised and uphold a very high standard. All examinations entered at the schools are recognised by the qualification and curriculum authority, with the higher grades on a par with GCSE and A Level examinations. Three sessions of modern, jazz and tap examinations and three sessions of ballet examinations are held each year, with children encouraged to take examinations when they reach the desired standard. Leading up to an examination, all candidates must attend two exam rehearsals and are offered extra classes to build up confidence.