A Stoke-on-Trent dance academy, established by a local teenager, is celebrating its first anniversary.

Olivia Timbey, 20, founded Encompass Dance Academy at the age of 19 with the aim of creating an 'inclusive and welcoming space' for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy dance within the local community.

The academy, based in Chell at Ormiston Horizon Academy, will today (Tuesday 28 April) celebrate one year since it opened, while also marking a milestone for students who took part in their first examination session on 26 April.

Olivia said: "Starting the academy at 19 was a big step, but it's been incredibly rewarding to see the students' progress, watch their confidence grow, and see friendships flourish within the classes."

Having started dance at just two years old, Olivia was inspired to create the academy through her love of dancing and a desire to create a low pressure environment for learners.

She explained: "I have always loved dancing but when I was 10 I got really stressed over what grade I got in my exams to the point where I got partial alopecia and I would have patches of hair missing.

"I had a break from dance and came back trying to not put that pressure on myself again. That's part of the reason I started the dance school, to create an environment without that pressure."

Olivia has been a dance teaching assistant since the age of 14 and completed her level three dance teaching assistant course at 16 before attending a performing arts college.

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She later became a teaching assistant at a high school, alongside working as a freelance dance teacher and completing her level four and five dance teaching courses. 

Encompass Dance Academy now offers 16 lessons throughout the week in styles of ballet, tap, jazz, triple threat and dance fit. 

Olivia added: "In its first year, the academy has grown into a supportive and thriving community, working with students across both children's and adult classes.

"The focus has been on building confidence, encouraging self-expression, and supporting physical and mental wellbeing through dance, alongside developing strong technical ability."