Principal of Thatcham dance school nets prestigious award

THE principal of a Thatcham dance studio netted an honour at the 2021 Dance School of the Year Awards, in recognition of her services to the art.

Tanya Allen heads the Allenova School of Dancing, a studio which has been teaching children ballet since 1985.

The Dance School of the Year Awards were set up by dancer and business figure Anne Walker MBE to promote the art across the UK and beyond.

At a ceremony in Exeter on October 29, Mrs Allen was presented with the International Dance Teachers Association Special Award for Artistic Endeavour.

This related to her work with the school, teaching young dancers from West Berkshire and elsewhere.

Mrs Allen said: "It was an amazing evening – just like being at the Oscars!"