Dance club in the red

By Meera Majithia

A financially failing dance school is urging members of the community to rescue it from sinking.

Krystal Performing Arts has been operating for over seven years in Beaumont Leys but is currently struggling for funds and looking for help from the community to help it get back up and running.

Founder of the group Lyn Lynch said: “We hardly have anything left in the bank and are looking to do a car-boot sale to raise some money.

“We want to do some sponsored dance shows but can’t even do these until we get another teacher.”

The departure of one of the teachers has meant the classes running at Babington Community Technology College had to shut down after Christmas.

However classes are still taking place every Tuesday between 4.45-6pm for four to 10 year olds at the Home Farm Neighbourhood Centre.

Ann Shellard, Babington Community Technology College administrator, said: “We have still kept a space free for Lynn and have supported her continuously by letting her have the room for free.

“It would be great if more children went along and we don’t mind helping her at the college by reducing rates as long as we don’t loose any money ourselves.”

Jessica Dawson, aged 14, who has been attending classes for seven years, said: “I really like dancing and think the classes are a great way to meet new people.

“Now that they are no longer running a Monday session at Babington my evening is boring.”

The classes cost £2 an hour or are £3 for two hours with family discounts available.

The fees cover the costs of the teacher, but the main aim of the class is for everyone to enjoy themselves.

If enough funding is raised Mrs Lynch said they would be happy to run the classes for free.

As a full time carer for both her disabled mother and 23- year-old daughter, Mrs Lynch no longer has time to complete all the administrative work and is looking for a new committee of people to help her run the dance school, including a secretary.

She said: “Krystal is a huge part of my life and I’d love to see it rise back up and for us to do the big shows we used to.

“We need a fresh outlook to turn it around for the community.”

Anyone who is able to donate time or money can contact Lyn Lynch on 07852212623 or on 0116 2247911.