A DANCE community group is hoping to influence hundreds of performers for years to come after the opening of its new studio.

WigLe Dance CIC will be moving to its new home on Railway Road in Leigh on Tuesday, August 29 offering a range of classes for children and young people six days a week with plans to increase its number of participants from around 80 to 300 people.

The not-for-profit group has also received funding from Wigan Council to help run an initiative alongside other organisations for young performers called the Summer Dance Challenge, which will form a flagship team across the borough to star in different events next year.

Director of WigLe Dance Amy Burdon, 25, said: “We are really excited to be moving to our new studio and so are the children who have given us some great ideas.

“They have helped us with its design such as developing a warm-up area, having certain equipment installed and asking us to introduce fun theme nights like watching dance films together as a group.

“There is a lot of hard work to do between now and the opening but we know it will be worth it.”

WigLe Dance CIC, who also carry out after-school classes in the borough, made an appearance in the Leigh Carnival of Colour parade in June.

Amy added: “The success we have had has inspired us to expand and we hope to have a stronger influence in the borough.

“I think we have grown because we have affordable classes which means young people from all backgrounds can get involved and we also have a relaxed atmosphere in every one of our sessions.”

There will be free dance workshops held for The Summer Dance Challenge at The Rose Club in Hindley on August 31 and at Railway Road on September 1 with a complementary t-shirt provided for each participant.

Children must be over the age of eight for the Hindley class and aged between six to 12 for the Leigh session.

To register a child for one of the sessions e-mail info@wigledance.co.uk or send a text message to 07805 282489.  

The dance organisation is also asking if businesses in the area would be able to donate any furniture such as chairs or tables in exchange for a place on the new studio’s patrons board.

If you would like to make any donations e-mail info@wigledance.co.uk.

For more information about the group or any of its classes, visit wigledance.co.uk.